How Missouri driver's license renewal works
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a license office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license has been suspended or revoked. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you'll need to know your current license number and have a valid payment method ready.
Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at a license office.
- Online and mail renewals cost $11.50 and take about two weeks; in-person renewals cost $11.50 and are processed when ready.
- You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your address, name, or photo.
- If you renew online, you'll receive your new license by mail within 10 to 14 business days.
- Missouri does not require you to pass a vision test or written exam when renewing, unless your license was suspended or revoked.
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue
The fastest way to renew is online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $11.50 renewal fee. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
After you complete the online renewal, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photo.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
Missouri will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. This notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions for renewing by mail. You'll need to sign the renewal notice, include a check or money order for $11.50, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice.
Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Like online renewal, you cannot use the mail option if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or photo. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online or visit a license office in person.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office
You can renew in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The renewal fee is $11.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, or if you want to change your address or name at the same time. Your new license is issued when ready, though you may need to wait in line. You can find your nearest license office and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass a vision test and written exam, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the full process fee. You'll also need to visit a license office in person.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. Missouri does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for less than a year, as long as it was not suspended or revoked before it expired.
Renewing when your address or name has changed
If you've moved or changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a license office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate or court order). The renewal fee remains $11.50.
You cannot update your address or name through online or mail renewal. The license office will verify your new information and issue your new license on the spot. If you try to renew online or by mail without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address, and you'll have to visit an office to correct it.
Renewing your license if it was suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Missouri license office in person. Bring your current driver's license (if you still have it), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to bring documentation showing that the reason for the suspension or revocation has been resolved—for example, proof of payment if the suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines.
The license office will check the status of your license and tell you what steps you need to take before you can renew. In some cases, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam. The renewal fee is still $11.50, but you may owe additional fees depending on why your license was suspended or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew.
What do I do if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You don't need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or visit a license office in person. If you want to renew by mail but didn't receive your notice, contact the Department of Revenue to request a replacement notice.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
It depends. If your license has been suspended because of an unpaid fine, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. You'll need to pay the fine or work out a payment plan with the court. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
How long is my new Missouri driver's license valid?
Your renewed driver's license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You'll receive a new expiration date on your license card. The state will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before the new expiration date.
What if I need to update my photo when I renew?
You must renew in person at a license office if you want to update your photo. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A new photo will be taken at the office, and your new license will be issued when ready.