Renewing your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people under 70 with a valid or recently expired license can renew online in about 10 minutes and receive their new license by mail within two to three weeks.
The online renewal process is the fastest and most convenient option for those who may have access to. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are 70 or older, if you need to change your address, or if you require a Real ID upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $16.50 for an eight-year license, with delivery in two to three weeks.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or expired less than one year, and you must submit your current license along with the renewal form and payment.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you are 70 or older, or you need a Real ID-compliant license.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency, and cannot be obtained through online renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file unless you change it during renewal, and you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
The Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal system is open 24 hours a day and requires no appointment. You log in with your driver's license number and personal information, review your current information for accuracy, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay by debit card or credit card. The system will confirm your renewal when ready and provide a confirmation number.
You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago, because the system cannot verify your identity without an in-person check. If you are 70 or older, Missouri requires you to renew in person so a Department of Revenue employee can assess your driving ability. Online renewal also does not allow you to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or correct your name — those changes require an in-person visit.
After you complete online renewal, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. You can legally continue driving your current license until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your driving privilege. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to report it.
Mail renewal: limited to recently expired or valid licenses
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You must submit your current physical license card, a completed renewal form (Form DL 43, available at dmv.mo.gov), and payment by check or money order. Mail your packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200.
Processing by mail typically takes four to six weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your packet. You should mail your renewal at least six weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. Unlike online renewal, you cannot track the status of a mail renewal in real time — you will need to call 573-526-2407 if you have questions about your submission.
Mail renewal does not allow you to change your address, add a Real ID, or correct your name. If you need any of those changes, you must renew in person. You can continue driving on your current license while your mail renewal is being processed.
In-person renewal: required for Real ID and expired licenses
You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are 70 or older, if you need a Real ID-compliant license, or if you need to change your address or name. Real ID compliance is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency.
Bring your current driver's license (or state ID if your license is expired), your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number, and proof of your current Missouri address such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after age 70, the examiner may ask you to take a vision test or written test.
You do not need an appointment at most Missouri Department of Revenue offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visit dmv.mo.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you will receive your new license when ready if you are renewing a valid license. If your license is expired, you may need to pass a vision test before the new license is issued.
Real ID requirements and what they mean for renewal
A Real ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal buildings. Missouri began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and you can request one during any renewal. If your current license does not have a gold star, it is not Real ID-compliant.
Upgrading to Real ID during renewal requires an in-person visit and proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. You cannot add Real ID through online or mail renewal. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal: $11.50 for four years or $16.50 for eight years. Once you have a Real ID license, you do not need to upgrade again at future renewals unless your license expires and you choose to renew it.
If you do not have a Real ID license and do not fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need one. A standard Missouri driver's license remains valid for driving and most other purposes. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard (non-Real ID) license will not be accepted for domestic air travel, so plan ahead if you fly regularly.
Costs and payment methods for Missouri license renewal
A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $11.50, and an eight-year license costs $16.50. These prices explore to all renewal methods — online, mail, and in-person. Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card, depending on the office location.
If you are renewing after your license has expired, there is no additional penalty fee in Missouri. However, if you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person, and the examiner may require a vision test or written test before issuing your new license.
What to do if your license is expired or lost
If your license expired less than one year ago and you have not lost it, you can renew online or by mail using the methods described above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof that you submitted a renewal request — keep your online confirmation number or mail receipt.
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to report it and request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal: $11.50 for four years or $16.50 for eight years.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you still own property in Missouri or have other ties to the state, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to discuss your situation.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You can legally drive on an expired license only if you have submitted a renewal request and have proof of submission — such as an online confirmation number or a mail receipt with tracking. Once your renewal is submitted, you are considered to have a valid license until your new one arrives, even if the old one has expired. If you are stopped by police, show them your proof of submission.
What if I need to change my name during renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Revenue will update your name on your new license. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip that requires a Real ID license or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date one license term (four or eight years) from the date of renewal.
What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?
If you notice an error after completing online renewal, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before your new license is mailed. They may be able to correct it. If your new license arrives with incorrect information, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person to request a correction.