How to renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Missouri driver's license through three routes: online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a license office. Online renewal is fastest and available if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address, or if you have medical conditions listed on your current license.
Your renewal window opens 90 days before your license expires. The expiration date appears on the front of your card. Missouri licenses are valid for six years for drivers under 70, and four years for drivers 70 and older.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50 if your license is current and has no medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions, and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri license office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to change your address.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval.
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no appointment or office visit. Go to dmv.mo.gov, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against Missouri's records and show you a preview of your new license before you pay.
Online renewal costs $13.50 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical restrictions or conditions listed on your current license, or if you need to change your address.
Mail renewal for current licenses without medical restrictions
If your license is current and has no medical conditions, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue by calling 573-526-2407, or print the form from dmv.mo.gov. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $13.50 made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and mail both to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the department receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days of approval. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks of mailing your form, contact the department at 573-526-2407.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your current license, or if you need to change your address. Find your nearest license office at dmv.mo.gov by entering your zip code. Most offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). In-person renewal costs $13.50 and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Missouri license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
If you have been driving without a valid license, you may face penalties if stopped by law enforcement. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from potential fines or other consequences. Your new permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
Changing your address during renewal
If you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office. You cannot change your address online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of Social Security number. The office will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
Your new license will show your updated address and will be mailed to that new address within 10 business days. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address again at a license office or by calling 573-526-2407 to request a mail forwarding hold.
Renewing a license with medical restrictions or conditions
If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only) or medical conditions listed, you must renew in person. The license office will review your medical information and may require you to pass a vision test or provide updated medical documentation from your doctor.
Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of your current address, and any medical documentation your doctor has provided. If your medical condition has changed, tell the office staff so they can update your record. The renewal process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the 90-day window opens?
No. Missouri's system only allows renewal starting 90 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier, the online system will reject your request. You can check your expiration date on the front of your license or call 573-526-2407 to confirm when your renewal window opens.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must go to a Missouri license office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal together. You will pay one fee of $13.50 and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 10 business days, but if it does not, you can continue to use the temporary license until day 30. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes, if your current license already shows the restriction "corrective lenses required," you can renew online. If you recently started wearing glasses or contacts and your license does not show this restriction, you must renew in person so the office can update your record and may require a vision test.
What if I am out of state when my license expires?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. If you are out of state for an extended time, renew online before your current license expires so you have a valid license when you return to Missouri.