What to bring when you renew in Missouri

Missouri requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew. The exact documents depend on whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and whether your license is still valid or has expired.

For in-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, bring your current license, one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and one document proving your current Missouri address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you're renewing by mail, the requirements are the same, but you'll mail copies instead of showing originals.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your current license, one identity document, and one proof of Missouri address — utility bills and bank statements work for the address.
  • Missouri lets you renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, which takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has expired more than five years ago.
  • The renewal fee is $135 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at an office, or by check or money order by mail.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.

Renewing by mail versus in person

Missouri offers mail renewal for licenses that are not yet expired and have no medical restrictions or commercial endorsements. You'll mail your current license, copies of your identity and address documents, the completed process form (DL 44), and a check or money order for $135. The Department of Revenue processes mail renewals in about two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.

In-person renewal happens at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. You bring the same documents, fill out form DL 44 on site, pay the fee, and have your photo taken. The appointment typically takes 30 minutes. You can walk in during business hours or book an appointment online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — mail renewal is not an option.

Documents that prove your identity

Missouri accepts a limited list of identity documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate are the most common. You can also use a naturalization certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

If you don't have any of these documents, you'll need to obtain one before you can renew. A certified birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the state where you were born. A U.S. passport is issued by the State Department. Both take time to arrive, so plan ahead if you need one.

Documents that prove your Missouri address

Any document showing your name and current Missouri address dated within the last 90 days works. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and bank or credit card statements all count. Insurance documents with your address also work. The document must show your full name and the address where you currently live.

If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new address yet, a lease or mortgage agreement for your new place is acceptable even if it's older than 90 days. If you're having mail sent to a new address but haven't received a bill there yet, contact your utility company or bank and ask them to send a statement to your new address, or bring a lease signed by you and your landlord.

The renewal fee and payment methods

A standard eight-year Missouri driver's license costs $135 to renew. This is the fee for a non-commercial license. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — contact your local Department of Revenue office for the exact amount, as it varies.

At an office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash by mail. Include the payment with your process and documents in the same envelope.

Timeline and when to renew

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This means you don't have to wait until the last day — you can renew whenever it's convenient. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. If you renew in person, you'll receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it to you.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but the process is the same and the fee does not change. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. Check with your local Department of Revenue office about the specific requirements for your situation.

What happens after you submit your renewal

If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed. If you renew by mail, the Department of Revenue will mail your new license to the address you provide on the process. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you don't receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office. Have your process confirmation number or old license number ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew by mail or in person using the same process and fee. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. Contact your local Department of Revenue office to confirm what's required for your situation.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You'll need to obtain one before you can renew. A certified birth certificate comes from the vital records office in the state where you were born and typically takes one to two weeks. A U.S. passport takes longer. Plan ahead and order one as soon as you know you need to renew.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No, but you can book one online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website to skip the wait. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, but appointment holders are usually seen first. Check your local office's hours before you go.

What if my address on my license is wrong?

You can update your address during renewal. Bring a document proving your current address and tell the office staff when you arrive. If you're renewing by mail, include a note with your process explaining the address change.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person if you're renewing at an office, or you must sign and mail your own process if you're renewing by mail. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf.