How to Get and Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

What you need to know about Missouri driver's licenses

A Missouri driver's license is issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a vehicle on public roads in the state. The license shows your name, address, date of birth, and a photograph, and it expires every six or eight years depending on your age and whether you renew in person or by mail. You cannot legally drive in Missouri without one, and you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to get your first license.

Missouri offers different types of licenses depending on what you need to drive. A standard Class F license lets you drive passenger vehicles. A Class D license is for driving commercial vehicles and requires additional testing. If you are under 18, you will get a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions on when and where you can drive until you turn 18. Each type has its own requirements and renewal rules.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to get your first driver's license, bring proof of identity and residency, and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test.
Missouri driver's licenses expire every six years if you renew in person or every eight years if you renew by mail, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Teenagers under 18 receive a Graduated Driver License with restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers until they turn 18 or meet certain conditions.
You must renew your license in person if your address has changed, if you want a new photograph, or if your license was suspended or revoked.

Getting your first Missouri driver's license

To get your first driver's license, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. You cannot get a first license by mail or online. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or W-2, and proof of your current Missouri address such as a utility bill or lease agreement. If you are under 18, you will also need a signed parental consent form, which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

At the office, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. The driving test takes place on a closed course or in light traffic and evaluates your ability to control the vehicle and follow traffic rules. If you fail any test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day.

The fee for a first driver's license is $11.50 for a six-year license or $15.50 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore. Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.

Renewing your Missouri driver's license by mail or in person

You can renew your Missouri driver's license by mail if your address has not changed, your license was not suspended or revoked, and you do not want a new photograph. To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form (Form DL 44), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. A mail renewal takes about two weeks and extends your license for eight years.

You must renew in person if your address has changed since your last license, if you want a new photograph, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are renewing a commercial license. Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office, bring your current license and proof of your new address if applicable, and pay the renewal fee. An in-person renewal extends your license for six years.

The renewal fee is $11.50 for a six-year license or $15.50 for an eight-year license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will have to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which means retaking the written and driving tests.

Graduated Driver License rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18 in Missouri, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL) instead of a standard license. A GDL has restrictions that gradually loosen as you gain driving experience and reach certain ages. These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of crashes involving teenage drivers.

During the first six months after you get your GDL, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 19 years old in the car (unless the passenger is a family member). After six months, you can have up to three passengers under 19 years old, but the midnight-to-5 a.m. restriction stays in place. At age 17, the nighttime restriction is lifted, but you still cannot have more than three passengers under 19 unless they are family members.

These restrictions end when you turn 18 or when you have held your GDL for one year without a traffic violation, whichever comes first. At that point, your license becomes a standard Class F license with no restrictions.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your Missouri driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your Social Security card or W-2 and proof of your current address. If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the police, though this is not required to get a replacement.

The replacement fee is $11.50 for a six-year license or $15.50 for an eight-year license. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 30 days.

Suspensions, revocations, and reinstatement

Your Missouri driver's license can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate too many traffic violations, drive under the influence, fail to pay traffic fines, or fail to maintain car insurance. A suspension is temporary and your license will be restored after a set period or when you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent, and you must explore for a new license after the revocation period ends.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Missouri or any other state. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If your license is revoked, you must wait the required time before you can explore for reinstatement. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Where to find a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Missouri Department of Revenue website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of the nearest office.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's page on the website to see if appointments are required. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices offer evening or Saturday appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Missouri driver's license after I pass the test?

Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all the tests at the Department of Revenue office. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 30 days.

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license online?

No, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail if your address has not changed and your license was not suspended, or you can renew in person at any Department of Revenue office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks.

What happens if my Missouri driver's license expires while I am out of state?

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you are out of state. You should renew before you leave Missouri or as soon as you return. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will have to explore for a new license and retake the tests.

Do I need to take the driving test again if I renew my license?

No, you do not need to retake the driving test when you renew. You only retake tests if your license has been expired for more than one year, if it was revoked, or if you are explore for a different class of license.

Can I get a Real ID compliant Missouri driver's license?

Yes, Missouri offers Real ID compliant driver's licenses. When you explore or renew, you can request a Real ID license by bringing the required documents, which include proof of identity, Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.