How to renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a license office. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You do not need to renew in person unless your license is expired by more than one year, you need to change your address, you want to add the REAL ID star, or you have had a suspension or revocation. If none of those explore, online is your fastest path.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration through online or mail renewal.
- Online renewal takes minutes and costs $11.50 if you renew before your birthday; you will receive your new license by mail in seven to ten business days.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and will need to pass a vision test.
- REAL ID renewal (the star on your license) requires an in-person visit and proof of citizenship, residency, and identity — plan for a longer appointment.
- You can find your nearest license office and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired, you have had no suspensions or revocations in the past five years, and you are not changing your address. The process takes about five minutes. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
Online renewal costs $11.50 and extends your license for eight years (or until age 69 if you are older). Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you have had a suspension, revocation, or medical suspension in the past five years, you cannot renew online — you must go in person.
Mail renewal: two to three weeks, no office visit
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of who can use it: your license must not be expired, you must have had no suspensions or revocations, and you cannot be changing your address. The cost is the same as online renewal, $11.50.
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Mail delays mean you should send it at least three weeks before your birthday.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you are changing your address, or if you want to add or renew REAL ID. In-person renewal costs $11.50 for a standard eight-year license. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
You will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also have a new photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes or less, though wait times vary. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to take a written knowledge test in addition to the vision test. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm what you need to bring.
REAL ID renewal: requires proof of citizenship
The REAL ID star on your Missouri driver's license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have the star and want to add it, or if your REAL ID license is expiring, you must renew in person.
For REAL ID renewal, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. One address proof must be from a government agency (driver's license, state ID, voter registration, or tax return). The other can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
REAL ID renewal costs $11.50 and takes longer than standard renewal because the office must verify your citizenship documents. Plan for 45 minutes to an hour. You will still take a vision test and have a new photo taken.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
You will take a vision test. Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may also need to take a written knowledge test. Call ahead to your local office to find out what to expect.
Do not drive with an expired license. If you are stopped, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for a long time, renew as soon as you can.
Finding your nearest office and checking wait times
The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a location finder that shows all license offices across the state, their hours, and current wait times. You can search by city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others — smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in Kansas City or St. Louis.
License offices are typically less crowded on weekday mornings and mid-week. Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and lunch hours if you can. If your local office has a long wait, you can travel to a less busy one nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your birthday. In-person renewal can happen any time. Renewing early is a good idea if you travel or need your license for work.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office if you are changing your address. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You cannot change your address online or by mail.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken at every in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license.
How long can I drive on an expired license while I wait for my new one?
You cannot drive on an expired license. If you renew online or by mail before your birthday, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license is already expired, you must not drive until you renew in person and receive your new license.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost, you must go in person to a Department of Revenue office to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken. The cost is the same as renewal, $11.50.