Missouri driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a license office
Your Missouri driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew starting 90 days before that date. The Missouri Department of Revenue handles renewals, and the method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and whether you want to update your address or vehicle information.
Most people renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $30 for a six-year license. If you cannot renew online—because your license has been expired for more than five years, or because you need to change your address or name—you'll need to renew by mail or visit a license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew your Missouri license online 90 days before your birthday if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address.
- Online renewal costs $30 for a six-year license and takes about 10 minutes; you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must renew in person at a license office or by mail with a notarized process.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current license number to renew online, or a completed form DL 43 and proof of residency to renew by mail.
- Address changes can be made during online renewal, but name changes require an in-person visit with a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Online renewal: the fastest route if your license is current
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select "Renew Your Driver's License Online." You will need your current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step.
Once you submit the form and pay the $30 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your birthday has passed. Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you need to change your name.
Renewing by mail when you cannot go online
If your license is expired by more than five years, or if you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail. read form DL 43 (process for Missouri Driver's License or Noncommercial Learner's Permit) from the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and have your signature notarized. You will also need to include a copy of proof of residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Mail the completed form, notarized signature page, and proof of residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $30 made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the office receives your process. You can continue to drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed, though you should not be stopped by police for an expired license.
In-person renewal at a license office
Visit any Missouri license office if you need to change your name, if your license has been expired for more than five years and you prefer not to mail documents, or if you want to update your vehicle information. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
License offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and to see whether that location takes reservations. The renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license. This means visiting a license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($30 for six years), but the process takes longer because the office must verify your information more thoroughly.
Driving on an expired license is against Missouri law. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited, and your vehicle may be impounded. If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for a documented reason, you may be able to explain this to a judge, but it is better to renew before your birthday passes.
Updating your address or vehicle information
If you move to a new address in Missouri, you can update it during online renewal if your license is still valid. straightforward enter your new address when prompted. If you are renewing by mail or in person, your new address will be recorded on your new license automatically.
If you want to add or remove a vehicle from your license, or if you have a commercial driver's license and need to update your vehicle class, you must visit a license office in person. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will update your record, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Costs and what to expect in the mail
A standard six-year driver's license renewal costs $30 in Missouri. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by debit card, credit card, or check. If you renew in person, most license offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card—call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.
Your new license will arrive by mail in a plain envelope. It will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date (six years from the date of renewal). The back of the license lists any restrictions or endorsements. Keep your new license in a safe place once it arrives; you will need it to drive legally in Missouri and to prove your identity for other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Missouri does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may request a hold on your license. If you have an outstanding ticket, contact the court that issued it to find out whether a hold is in place. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve the ticket before you can renew.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You will need an official document showing your name change to renew in person. If you do not have a certified marriage certificate, you can order one from the county clerk's office where you were married, or you can bring a court order approving a legal name change. Call your local license office to ask what documents they will accept before you visit.
How long can I drive after my license expires if I have already renewed?
You can drive on your expired license until your new license arrives in the mail. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a record. Do not carry both licenses while driving.
Can I renew my license if I live out of state?
No. Your Missouri license is tied to a Missouri address. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should explore for a license in your new state. If you still live in Missouri but are temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail and have your new license mailed to your Missouri address.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement at a license office in person. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A replacement license costs $30 and is valid for the remainder of your original six-year period, not for a new six years.