What you need to get a Missouri driver license
Missouri issues driver licenses through the Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau. To get your first license or replace an expired one, you will need to visit a Missouri license office in person with specific documents.
You must bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), proof of your Missouri residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or birth certificate). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws.
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Missouri also requires all applicants to provide fingerprints for a background check.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver licenses are issued by the Department of Revenue and require an in-person visit to a license office with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
- You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test covering Missouri traffic laws before you receive your license.
- Renewal by mail is available if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost more but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.
- Missouri offers a REAL ID upgrade at renewal or as a separate transaction if you want federal compliance before your license expires.
License types and what they cost
Missouri issues two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard Missouri driver license is valid for six years if you are 21 or older, and costs $11.50. A REAL ID license costs $24.50 and is also valid for six years.
The REAL ID license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another federally approved ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not plan to fly or visit federal offices, a standard license will remain valid for driving in Missouri.
If you are under 21, a driver license costs $11.50 and is valid for four years. A REAL ID license for someone under 21 costs $24.50 and is also valid for four years.
How to renew your Missouri driver license
If your license has been expired for five years or less and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail. You will need to send your expired license, a completed renewal process (Form DL 43), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The renewal fee is $11.50 for a standard license and $24.50 for a REAL ID license.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you have medical restrictions, or you want to change information on your license, you must renew in person at a license office. You will need the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and valid identification.
You can also renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you must not have any medical restrictions. Online renewal costs $11.50 for a standard license and $24.50 for a REAL ID license.
Finding a Missouri license office and making an appointment
Missouri has license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the same website.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time will usually reduce your wait. If you cannot find an appointment in your county, you can visit any Missouri license office in the state — you are not required to use the one in your county of residence.
Some license offices are open on Saturdays, and a few offer extended evening hours. Check the specific office's schedule before you go, because hours change seasonally and by location.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
Missouri suspends or revokes driver licenses for reasons including unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, and accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to have it lifted.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You can check the status of your license on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your driver license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to restore it.
To restore a suspended license, you typically must pay any outstanding fines, complete a defensive driving course if required, or meet other conditions set by the court or the Department of Revenue. Once you have met all conditions, you can explore for reinstatement at any Missouri license office.
Changing your name or address on your Missouri license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver license. You will need to visit a license office in person with your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address if it has also changed.
If you move to a new address within Missouri, you can update your address online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website at no cost. You will need your driver license number and date of birth. If you move out of state, you will need to obtain a driver license from your new state.
Address changes take effect when ready when you update online. If you update in person at a license office, you will receive a new license with your updated address.
Duplicate licenses and lost or stolen licenses
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate at any Missouri license office. You will need to bring your current identification and proof of residency. A duplicate license costs $11.50 for a standard license and $24.50 for a REAL ID license.
You can also request a duplicate online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you have a valid email address on file. Online duplicates cost the same as in-person duplicates and are mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the license office if you are obtaining a duplicate in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Missouri driver license after I pass the test?
If you pass your test at a license office, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire six years from the date you renew (or four years if you are under 21). This means renewing early may not be worth the cost unless you need a REAL ID upgrade.
What if I fail the written knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people are allowed three attempts within a certain period before they must wait and reapply, but rules vary by location. Ask the license office staff about their specific retake policy.
Do I need a Missouri license if I am a resident but have a valid license from another state?
If you move to Missouri, you must obtain a Missouri driver license within 30 days. Your out-of-state license is not valid for driving in Missouri after that period. You will need to visit a license office and provide proof of residency along with your out-of-state license.
What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?
A standard Missouri license allows you to drive in all 50 states but will not be accepted for domestic air travel or federal building access after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license meets federal standards and will be accepted for those purposes. Both cost different amounts and are valid for the same length of time.