How to renew your Missouri driver's license

You can renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew in person at any Missouri license office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
  • In-person renewal at a Missouri license office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need a new photo.
  • The renewal fee is $13.50 for a standard four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license, and you can choose either length when you renew.

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website

Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.mo.gov. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your renewal notice. The system will verify your information and ask you to confirm your current address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step.

Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need to change your photo. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew by mail or in person. After you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal with your renewal notice

If you have your renewal notice, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Sign the back of the renewal notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($13.50 for four years or $27 for eight years), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Missouri Department of Revenue receives your envelope. To track your renewal, keep your confirmation number from the notice. If your address has changed, write your new address clearly on the form before mailing it. Your new license will be sent to whichever address you provide.

In-person renewal at a Missouri license office

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You'll need to bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you want a new photo, or if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test. You'll take a new photo at the office and pass a vision screening. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Missouri driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a new license. This means you'll need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test. You'll also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address, just as you would for a new license process.

Schedule your appointment at a Missouri license office before you go. You can book online at dor.mo.gov or call your local office. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The driving test takes place on a closed course at the license office. Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours for the entire process.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew, you can choose a four-year license for $13.50 or an eight-year license for $27. An eight-year license costs more upfront but means you won't need to renew again for eight years. A four-year license is cheaper but requires renewal more often. There is no difference in what the license allows you to do — both are standard Missouri driver's licenses.

If you're under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday regardless of which length you choose. If you're 21 or older, you can choose whichever option fits your situation. Some people prefer the eight-year option to avoid the hassle of frequent renewals; others prefer the four-year option to keep costs lower year to year.

What to do if you don't receive your renewal notice

If your license is expiring soon and you haven't received a renewal notice in the mail, you can still renew in person at any Missouri license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You can also call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to ask them to resend your renewal notice, though this may take several days.

If you've moved recently, your renewal notice may have been sent to your old address. Update your address with the Missouri Department of Revenue as soon as possible so future mail reaches you. You can update your address online at dor.mo.gov, by mail, or in person at a license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, if it expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must reapply in person and pass the written, vision, and driving tests again.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal, on the mail renewal form, or in person at a license office. Make sure to provide proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) if you're renewing in person.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

No, online and mail renewal use your existing photo. You only get a new photo if you renew in person or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.