Where and how to renew your Missouri license
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 online option is faster — you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes — but it is only available if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address on file is current.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver License Office in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
Processing times vary. Online renewals are issued within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals at a Driver License Office typically take 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times depend on how busy your local office is. You can check current wait times on the Missouri Secretary of State website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address is current with the state.
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- Online renewals take 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewals are processed the same day but may have a wait at the office.
- Your new license is valid for six years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Renewal fees and what your new license covers
A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $25.50 if you renew online or $26.50 if you renew in person. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025), the cost is $31.50 online or $32.50 in person. The difference covers the additional security features and verification required for Real ID compliance.
Your renewed license is valid for six years from the date you renew it, not from your original expiration date. This means if your license expired in January and you renew it in March, your new expiration date will be six years from March. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Payment methods differ by channel. Online renewals accept credit and debit cards. In-person renewals accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. If you pay by check at an office, make it payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
When you must renew in person instead of online
Several situations require you to visit a Driver License Office in person rather than renewing online. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the online system and must renew at an office. If you have any medical restrictions or endorsements on your license — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or commercial driving restrictions — you must renew in person so a staff member can verify your medical status.
You also must renew in person if your address on file with Missouri is not current, if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, or if you need to update your sex designation. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you must appear in person and may need to provide additional documentation depending on why your license was suspended.
If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, the Missouri Secretary of State website has a tool that checks your status before you attempt to renew. This saves you from starting the online process and discovering partway through that you need to visit an office instead.
Real ID compliance and what changes for you
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Missouri driver's license will no longer be accepted as identification for federal purposes — boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, or accessing military bases. You will need a Real ID-compliant license instead. If you renew your license on or after that date, you have the choice to get a Real ID or a standard license, but only the Real ID will work for federal travel.
A Real ID looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It requires additional verification during the renewal process. You must provide proof of identity (your current license), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the same documents as a standard renewal. The additional cost is $6 for online renewal or $6 for in-person renewal.
If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID-compliant as long as you renew before it expires. You do not need to do anything extra unless your address or name has changed.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or at a standard Driver License Office. You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI convictions, or accumulation of points.
The process to restore your license varies depending on the reason. For some suspensions, you may need to pay outstanding fines or court costs. For others, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or provide proof of insurance. The Department of Revenue can tell you exactly what is required in your case. You can reach them at 573-526-2407 or visit a Driver License Office in person with documentation of the reason for the suspension.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Driver License Office. Bring your proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license or $17 for a Real ID license. Processing takes about 30 minutes to an hour at the office, and your new license is issued the same day.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol or your local police department, though this is not required to replace it. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Licenses expired more than five years cannot be renewed online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for a very long time, the office may require you to retake the written test.
What if I moved and my address is not updated with the state?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your new residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days. Your address will be updated when you renew. You cannot use online renewal until your address is current.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver License Office?
Appointments are not required, but some offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Check the Missouri Secretary of State website to see if your local office offers appointments. Walk-ins are always accepted.
What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged in the mail?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your order number or license number. They will issue a replacement at no additional cost. Keep your receipt from your online renewal so you have the order number.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
You can renew your license, but if you have unpaid fines or failure-to-appear warrants, your license may be suspended after renewal. It is better to resolve outstanding tickets before renewing. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what is owed and how to pay it.