Where to renew and what documents you need
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 works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless you're renewing for the first time or your license was lost or stolen.
For online renewal, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You can start the process on the Missouri Secretary of State website and complete it from home. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $11.50, but only works if your license is not expired and your address hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of residency, and takes 15 to 30 minutes on average.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If your license is expired, you must renew in person; you cannot use the online option.
- The renewal fee is $11.50 for a standard six-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at an office location.
Timeline for renewal and when to start
Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew it anytime during the final year before expiration, which gives you a wide window to plan. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner.
If you renew online, allow 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Many people renew 2 to 3 months before expiration to avoid the rush and may support they have their new license before traveling or needing it for identification.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot use the online option once your license passes the expiration date.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Missouri has 16 Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can visit any location; you do not have to go to the office in your county. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and be prepared to pay $11.50 in cash, check, or card. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings usually have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving until your plastic license arrives by mail.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them when you have your photo taken. If your signature has changed significantly since your last license, be prepared to provide a new one. The office staff will take your photo and fingerprints during the renewal process.
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State
Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or special conditions on your license, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $11.50.
Start at the Missouri Secretary of State's online renewal portal. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and ask you to review your current license details. If everything is correct, you'll pay the $11.50 fee by debit or credit card and submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you don't meet the conditions for online renewal, you'll need to renew in person. This happens most often when an address change is detected or when your license has medical restrictions. In that case, visit a Department of Revenue office with your documents.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Missouri driver's license has expired, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot use the online renewal option once your license passes the expiration date. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $11.50.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired or is about to expire.
If your expired license was lost or stolen, or if you need a replacement for any reason, you must also renew in person. Bring your proof of residency and the same fee.
Address changes and license corrections
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot use online renewal when your address is different from what's on your current license. Bring your current license, two documents showing your new address (such as a utility bill and a lease or mortgage statement, both dated within 60 days), and $11.50.
If you notice an error on your license—a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address—bring your license and proof of the correct information to a Department of Revenue office. Corrections are usually made at no charge if the error was made by the state. If you made an error on your process, there may be a small fee.
Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order require additional documentation. Bring your license, a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, and proof of residency. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license anytime during the final year before expiration. This gives you flexibility to renew when it's convenient rather than waiting until the last minute. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
Proof of residency must be a document dated within 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents. If you have recently moved and don't have a dated document yet, contact your local Department of Revenue office to ask about alternatives they may accept.
How long does it take to get my new license after renewing in person?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving. Your plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your new license sooner for travel or identification, ask the office staff whether an expedited option is available, though this may involve an additional fee.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to provide your current license, proof of residency, and pay the fee. A new photo and fingerprints are taken during the renewal process.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Contact the department directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before attempting to renew.