What you need to do to renew in Missouri
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for online renewal. You do not need to wait for the notice to renew—you can start the process anytime within 12 months before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order for $13.50, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Missouri receives it.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online or by mail and must visit a Driver License Office in person.
- Missouri requires a vision test only if you renew in person; online and mail renewals skip the vision screening.
Renewing online through the Missouri Secretary of State website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than one year ago. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against Missouri's records.
You pay $13.50 by debit card or credit card. Missouri will mail your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it has expired.
Online renewal is not available if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if your license was suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal works if your license is current or expired less than one year ago. Use the renewal notice Missouri sent you. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for $13.50 made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash.
Mail the completed notice and payment to the address printed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date Missouri receives your envelope. You can drive on your current license during this time. If you do not have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Missouri Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407, or you can renew in person instead.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you prefer not to use the internet or if you do not have a credit or debit card. Like online renewal, it does not include a vision test.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Office
Visit any Missouri Driver License Office to renew in person. You will need a valid form of identification (your current driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.
The office will conduct a vision test and take a new photo. The entire process takes about 30 minutes. You pay $13.50 in cash, by check, or by card. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you have a suspension or revocation on your record. It is also the only option if you want to renew before your notice arrives.
Finding a Driver License Office and checking wait times
Missouri has Driver License Offices in most counties. Use the office locator on the Missouri Secretary of State website to find the office nearest you, its hours, and its current wait time. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to have longer waits, especially on Saturdays and near the end of the month.
Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the same locator tool. Scheduling an appointment reserves your place and reduces wait time. If your local office does not offer appointments, you can walk in during business hours, but expect to wait longer during peak times.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you submitted a renewal process (your online confirmation number or a copy of your mailed renewal notice), which may help, but it does not prevent a citation.
If your renewal is delayed in the mail or if you missed your expiration date, renew in person at a Driver License Office as soon as you can. Bring your expired license and the required documents listed above. You will still pay the standard $13.50 renewal fee—there is no additional penalty fee for renewing after expiration in Missouri.
Renewing a license that was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Office in person. Bring your expired or suspended license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You may also need to bring documentation showing that the reason for suspension or revocation has been resolved (for example, proof of payment for unpaid traffic fines, or a letter from the court).
The office staff will check your driving record and tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew. If the suspension or revocation is still active, you cannot renew until it is lifted. Contact the Missouri Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 to find out what steps you need to take to clear your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a Missouri address on file to renew a Missouri license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's licensing authority to begin that process.
How long is a renewed Missouri driver's license valid?
A renewed license is valid for six years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your new license. You can renew again anytime within 12 months before that date.
What if I never received my renewal notice in the mail?
Call the Missouri Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 and request a duplicate notice. You can also renew in person at any Driver License Office without the notice, or renew online if you have your license number and other identifying information.
Do I need a new photo for online or mail renewal?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a Driver License Office.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver License Office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue a new license.