Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and you're not changing your name. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Online renewal costs $11.50 and takes a few minutes, but only works if your license is current and your information hasn't changed.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office costs $24 and requires your current license and proof of residency.
- You can renew by mail if you're a Missouri resident living outside the state, but the process takes longer than in-person or online renewal.
How to renew online
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the online renewal option. You'll enter your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your email address. The system will verify your information against state records and, if everything matches, you'll pay the $11.50 fee by credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid. If you need to drive before the new one arrives, you can print the confirmation email and carry it with your current license as proof of renewal.
Renewing in person at a Department of Revenue office
Bring your current license, proof of residency, and be ready to have your photo taken. The fee is $24. You don't need an appointment at most Missouri offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
If you're renewing early (up to one year before expiration), the new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date. Your new license is issued on the spot, though you may be given a temporary paper license to use while the plastic card is produced and mailed to you.
Renewing by mail from outside Missouri
If you're a Missouri resident living outside the state, you can renew by mail. read the DL 43 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, complete it, and mail it along with your current license and a copy of proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $24.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your materials. There is no way to track the status of a mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, contact the Department of Revenue to request a temporary extension.
What happens if your license has already expired
You cannot renew online if your license is expired. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the $24 fee. The process is the same as renewing before expiration, and your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your renewal confirmation email (if you attempted online renewal) or a receipt from the Department of Revenue office (if you renewed in person), but these are not substitutes for a valid license. Get your renewal completed as soon as possible.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee remains $24.
If only your address has changed, you can update it in person at a Department of Revenue office at the same time you renew. Bring proof of your new address dated within 90 days. You cannot change your address online during renewal, but you can update your address separately through the Department of Revenue website without renewing your license if it's not yet time.
Renewing a license with medical restrictions or endorsements
If your current license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or hearing aid required) or endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial driving), you must renew in person. The Department of Revenue needs to verify that your medical conditions or qualifications still explore. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any medical documentation your restriction requires.
If your medical condition has changed or you no longer need a restriction, tell the staff member at the Department of Revenue office. They can update your license during renewal. If you've earned a new endorsement since your last license was issued, you'll need to pass the written and practical tests for that endorsement before it can be added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from your original expiration date. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license. You must go in person to a Department of Revenue office and request a replacement. Bring proof of residency and your Social Security number. The fee is $24, the same as renewal.
How long is my temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Carry it with a photo ID. Once your plastic license arrives, the paper license is no longer valid.
Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?
For online renewal, no vision test is required. For in-person renewal, the Department of Revenue will perform a vision screening as part of the process. If you don't pass, they'll add a corrective lenses restriction to your license or ask you to correct the issue before issuing it.
What if the Department of Revenue rejected my online renewal?
The system will tell you why your online renewal didn't go through — usually because your information doesn't match state records, your license is expired, or your address has changed. Go in person to a Department of Revenue office with your current license and proof of residency to complete your renewal.