Where to renew and what you need before you go
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. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Online renewal, when available to you, takes a few minutes and costs less because there is no office visit fee.
Before you go or log in, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing that change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing in person, bring your original documents or certified copies; online renewal does not require you to submit physical documents at that time.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than one year, whose vision and medical status have not changed, and who have no address changes on file.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address dated within 90 days.
- A standard five-year license renewal costs $13.50 online or $18.50 in person; an eight-year license costs $24 online or $29 in person.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after in-person renewal; online renewal takes 5 to 7 business days.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.
Online renewal: who can use it and how
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is available if your current license is not expired, your license expires more than 30 days from now, you have not changed your address, your vision and medical status have not changed, and you are not a commercial driver. You also cannot have any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your record. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
To renew online, go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online services portal, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer the questions about your vision and medical status. You will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will confirm your new license is being mailed and give you a confirmation number. Keep that number for your records. Your new license arrives in 5 to 7 business days.
If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, the portal will tell you during the process. You can start the renewal and stop at any point without being charged if you find out you do not meet the requirements.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address dated within 90 days, and any documents showing a name change if that applies to you. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot visit an office in person, Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal for standard licenses. You must renew online or in person.
Cost and license validity periods
A standard five-year license renewal costs $13.50 online or $18.50 in person. An eight-year license renewal costs $24 online or $29 in person. The difference in price reflects the longer validity period. You choose which term you want when you renew. There is no additional charge for a name change or address update during renewal.
Your new license is valid for either five or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a Department of Revenue office, a vision test, and a new photo. You will need to bring the same documents as for renewal: proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and your original or certified birth certificate or passport. The fee for a new license is higher than renewal.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it. Online renewal is not available, so you must go in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard renewal. The process is the same, and the cost is the same.
Do not drive with an expired license. Missouri law treats driving on an expired license as a traffic violation. Plan your renewal so your new license arrives before your current one expires.
After your renewal is processed
After you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. Carry it with you along with your old license until your new one arrives.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file with the Department of Revenue. If you moved recently and updated your address during renewal, your new license goes to your new address. If you did not update your address, it goes to your old address. Check your mail starting 5 to 7 business days after your in-person renewal or 5 to 7 business days after your online renewal is processed.
If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status. Have your confirmation number or temporary license number ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
No. If you have an unpaid traffic ticket or court fine, your license will be suspended and you cannot renew it until the ticket or fine is resolved. Contact the court that issued the ticket to pay it or set up a payment plan. Once it is resolved, you can renew your license.
What if my name changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew in person or online if you are otherwise may be able to access. If you renew online, you will need to mail or deliver the name-change document to a Department of Revenue office within 30 days to complete the process.
Do I need to take a vision test to renew?
Not if you renew online or in person for a standard renewal. You answer questions about your vision and medical status, and the state trusts your answers. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may be required to provide a doctor's statement or take a test at the office.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
If you renew in person, tell the staff your new address and they will update it during the renewal. If you renew online, you cannot change your address—online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person or update your address separately at a Department of Revenue office before renewing online.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either in person or online. No one else can do it on your behalf, even with a power of attorney. If you cannot visit an office, online renewal is your only option.