Where and how to renew your Missouri license
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it's only open to drivers whose licenses are not expired and who don't need to update their address, medical information, or photo.
If you're renewing in person, you'll visit a local Driver License Office. You can find the nearest one and check wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The in-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll have a new photo taken unless you're renewing online. The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $11.50; a six-year renewal costs $18.50. You can pay by cash, check, or card.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website takes 10 minutes and costs $11.50, but only works if your license isn't expired and you don't need to change your address or photo.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security card or number.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- A new photo is taken during in-person renewal, but you can request to keep your current photo if you're renewing online.
- Processing time for a renewed license is typically two to three weeks by mail after your in-person visit.
When you can renew and how long it takes
Missouri allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you don't have to wait until the expiration date is near, and you can avoid the rush of people renewing at the last moment. Check your current license to see the expiration date in the bottom right corner.
If you renew online, your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you renew in person, the same timeline applies — you'll receive your new license by mail, not when ready at the office. The office will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must go to a Driver License Office in person. Expired licenses can still be renewed; there is no grace period, but Missouri does not charge a penalty for renewing after expiration.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
Bring your current Missouri driver's license to the office. If you don't have it, bring a state ID card or passport instead. You'll also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency.
You must provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or another document that shows your number, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. If you've changed your name since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts. You'll need them for the vision test and the new photo. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the office may ask for a medical report from your doctor.
Online renewal step-by-step
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.
Answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether you want to be an organ donor. Review your information carefully — any mistakes will require you to renew in person instead. You can keep your current photo or request a new one taken at your next in-person visit.
Pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed within two to three weeks. You can check the status of your renewal on the same website using your confirmation number.
Renewing if your address has changed
If you've moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not work if your address on file is different from your current address — the system will direct you to renew in person instead. Bring proof of your new residency to the Driver License Office: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
The office will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the correct information. This does not cost extra; the renewal fee remains $11.50 for a four-year license or $18.50 for a six-year license.
What happens if your license expires before your renewal arrives
If you renewed in person, the office gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If your new license hasn't arrived by then, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status. Provide your confirmation number or license number.
If your new license is delayed beyond 30 days, you can request a replacement at any Driver License Office. Bring your temporary paper license and a photo ID. There is no additional fee for a replacement if the delay was the state's responsibility.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you've renewed and are waiting for the new one to arrive. Keep your temporary paper license with you while you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. Missouri will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic violation or court fine. You must pay the fine or resolve the ticket before you can renew. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the amount owed and payment options.
What if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?
Bring the legal document proving your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This does not cost extra.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
A new photo is taken during in-person renewal. If you renew online, you can keep your current photo or request a new one at your next in-person visit. You cannot request a new photo during online renewal.
How much does Missouri license renewal cost?
A four-year renewal costs $11.50, and a six-year renewal costs $18.50. Both are the same price whether you renew online or in person. Payment is by cash, check, or card at the office; online renewal accepts debit or credit card only.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to a Driver License Office in person and bring a photo ID such as a passport or state ID card. You'll pay the renewal fee plus a $5 replacement fee for the lost license. The office will issue a temporary paper license while your new one is mailed.