What you need to get a Missouri driver's license
Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and you'll explore in person at a local office. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail — you must show up with original documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the change.
You'll also need to pass a written knowledge test about Missouri traffic laws and road signs, and a driving skills test where an examiner watches you operate the vehicle. If you already hold a valid license from another state, Missouri may waive the written test, but you'll still take the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri requires you to visit a Department of Revenue office in person with original documents — you cannot complete this by mail or online.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
- You must pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and a practical driving test before you receive your license.
- A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for six years, and you can renew it by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
- If you hold a valid license from another state, Missouri may waive the written test but will still require the driving test.
Where to find a Missouri Department of Revenue office
The Department of Revenue operates driver's license offices across Missouri. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website under "Driver's License Offices." Many offices operate by appointment only, especially since the pandemic, so call ahead or check online before you go.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Urban offices tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoons on weekdays. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits. Some offices have walk-in hours; others require you to book a time slot online.
The written test and what it covers
The Missouri written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do in emergency situations. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a free study guide called the "Missouri Driver Guide" that covers everything on the test. You can read it from their website or pick up a printed copy at any license office. Most people who study the guide for a few hours pass on their first attempt. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
The driving test: what the examiner watches for
During the driving test, an examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route through local streets. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The examiner is watching whether you can control the vehicle smoothly, obey traffic laws, use mirrors and signals correctly, and respond safely to other traffic and pedestrians.
Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, failing to signal lane changes, speeding, hitting the curb during parking, or not checking mirrors before turning. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong if you don't pass. You can retake the driving test, but you'll have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment.
Bring the vehicle you plan to use for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn all work before you start.
How long a Missouri driver's license lasts and how to renew it
A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date it's issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew your license before it expires, and doing so early does not shorten how long the new one lasts — it straightforward extends your important date by six more years from the renewal date.
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or online without taking the tests again. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must return to a license office and retake the written and driving tests. After age 70, Missouri requires you to renew in person every three years instead of six.
To renew online, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website and follow the renewal portal. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online renewal costs less than renewing in person. By mail, you can send your license and renewal fee to the address listed on the Department of Revenue website, but processing takes longer.
Fees and what they cover
Missouri charges separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Department of Revenue website for current prices. Generally, the total cost for a first-time license is between $30 and $50, depending on whether you need both tests or just one.
Renewal fees are lower than first-time fees because you don't retake the tests. Online renewal is cheaper than renewing in person. If you renew by mail, the fee is the same as in-person renewal. Payment methods vary by office — some take cash, check, and card; others accept only card. Call ahead if you want to know what your specific office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. Missouri requires you to take the written test at a Department of Revenue office in person, where staff can verify your identity. You cannot take it remotely or at home.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after paying the test fee again and scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts at most offices, though some may require you to wait a few days. You'll need to bring your vehicle again and pass the same route test.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. Every applicant takes a vision screening at the license office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a certificate of vision correction before you can get your license.
Can I renew my Missouri license if I live out of state now?
No. Missouri requires you to be a resident to hold a Missouri license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state instead. If you still have a Missouri address, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license has not been expired for more than two years.
What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.