Missouri driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a license office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal
Missouri offers three paths to renew: the fastest is online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you are between 21 and 69, your license is not expired by more than five years, and you have not had certain violations. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works for drivers 70 and older. In-person renewal at a license office is required if you are under 21, if your license expired more than five years ago, or if online and mail options are not available to you.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before expiration. The notice includes your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew—you just need your driver's license number and Social Security number to start online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50 if your license is current and you meet age and violation requirements.
- Mail renewal is available for drivers 70 and older and takes roughly two weeks from the time the office receives your completed form and payment.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri license office is required if you are under 21, your license expired more than five years ago, or you do not meet online renewal requirements.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment by debit or credit card for online renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval for online renewal, or within two weeks for mail renewal.
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website
Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal at sos.mo.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and your renewal code from your notice (or you can proceed without it). The system will verify your identity and check whether you meet the requirements: you must be between 21 and 69, your license cannot have expired more than five years ago, and you cannot have certain traffic violations on your record in the past five years.
The fee is $13.50, paid by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes online, and you should receive your card within 7 to 10 business days. If the system tells you that you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal for drivers 70 and older
Drivers 70 and older can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Missouri Secretary of State by calling 573-526-2407 or visiting a license office in person. You can also read the form from sos.mo.gov if it is available in your area. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $13.50 made payable to the Missouri Secretary of State, and mail both to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records in case you need to track the status of your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office
You must renew in person if you are under 21, your license expired more than five years ago, or you do not meet the requirements for online renewal. Find your nearest license office on the Missouri Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The fee is $13.50. Processing is usually when ready, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a license office. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have submitted a renewal request.
If your license has been expired for more than a few months, the license office may require you to pass a vision test or written knowledge test in addition to the standard renewal process. Call ahead to your local office to ask what to expect.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked due to unpaid traffic fines, DUI, or other violations, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a license office in person. The office will tell you what steps you need to take before renewal is possible—this might include paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Contact your local license office or call the Missouri Secretary of State at 573-526-2407 to find out what is required in your case before you visit in person.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are renewing in person, you can change your address at the same time at no extra cost. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are renewing online or by mail, the system will use the address on file. You can update your address separately through the Missouri Secretary of State website if needed.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are between 21 and 69 and meet all other requirements, you can renew online from anywhere. If you must renew in person or by mail, you can request a form by phone at 573-526-2407 or read it from sos.mo.gov, complete it, and mail it in with payment.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the notice to renew. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal code. For mail or in-person renewal, bring your current license and you can proceed without the notice.
How long is a Missouri driver's license valid?
Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years for drivers under 70 and eight years for drivers 70 and older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
What if the online system says I do not meet the requirements?
You will need to renew by mail or in person instead. This usually happens if your license expired more than five years ago, you are under 21 or over 69, or you have certain traffic violations. Visit a license office or call 573-526-2407 to find out which option works for your situation.
Can I renew early?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license—it will still be valid for the full six or eight years from the date of renewal.