How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes; online renewal is faster but has restrictions based on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Missouri address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than three years or you have certain medical conditions.

Key Takeaways

Missouri allows online renewal for drivers 21 and older whose licenses expired no more than five years ago and who have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
A Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue, so you can renew up to one year before expiration.
The fee for a six-year renewal is $42.50 in most cases, though commercial driver's license renewals cost more.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal: who can use it and how

Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is open to drivers 21 and older whose standard driver's license expired no more than five years ago. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled for any reason, or if you have had a medical suspension in the past three years.

To renew online, you will need your current Missouri driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a vision test, so Missouri assumes your vision has not changed. If you need to update your vision correction status or change any other information on your license, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to schedule ahead, but wait times vary by location and time of day—early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster.

Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The staff member will check your documents, take a new photo, and administer a vision test. You will pay the renewal fee at the window. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to change information on your license—such as your address, name, or vision correction status—tell the staff member before they take your photo. Some changes, like adding or removing a motorcycle endorsement, require additional fees or testing.

Renewing an expired license that has been expired for more than three years

If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew online and must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to retake the written knowledge test, though you do not need to retake the driving test unless the office requires it based on your age or driving record.

Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license (if you still have it), proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. The office will schedule you for the written test, which covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website.

Plan for a longer visit—usually 45 minutes to an hour—because the written test adds time. After you pass, the rest of the renewal process is the same: vision test, photo, fee payment, and mailing of your new license.

Fees and how long renewal takes

A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $42.50. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher—$87.50 for a six-year renewal. Online renewal and in-person renewal cost the same.

After you complete your renewal—whether online or in person—your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it as identification. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license is expired, you can request a temporary paper license at the Department of Revenue office, though this is not standard practice for renewals.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Delays are rare but can happen if your address on file is incorrect or if mail is slow in your area.

What to do if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled

You cannot renew a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license through the normal renewal process. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation with the Department of Revenue.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. Contact the Department of Revenue directly to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions are lifted automatically after a certain period; others require you to pay fines, complete a course, or provide medical clearance.

Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process. If you are unsure of your license status, call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or check your status online through the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Renewing a license with a new address or name change

If you have moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during the renewal process. For online renewal, your new address will be entered during the process. For in-person renewal, tell the staff member your new address and bring proof of it—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change along with your other renewal documents. The staff member will update your name in the system and take a new photo with your current name. Your new license will reflect the updated information.

You do not need to renew early to change your address or name—you can make these changes during your regular renewal. However, if you want to update your address before your renewal is due, you can visit a Department of Revenue office and request an address change without renewing your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?

Yes. Missouri allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a replacement. Visit a Department of Revenue office with proof of Social Security number and proof of address. You will pay a replacement fee (usually around $11) and receive a temporary paper license while your new one is mailed.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Department of Revenue office?

No appointment is required for standard renewals. Walk in during business hours. However, some offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the Department of Revenue website to see if your local office offers appointments.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic ticket. If you are stopped, you may be cited and required to show proof that you have renewed your license. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license when I renew?

Yes. If you bring the required documents—proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your standard renewal documents—you can renew with REAL ID compliance. A REAL ID license has a star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings. There is no additional fee for REAL ID compliance.

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.