What you need to know before you visit the DMV
Missouri issues two documents that let you drive legally: a driver's license for people who have passed the written and road tests, and a permit for people learning to drive. A permit lets you practice with a licensed adult in the car; a license lets you drive alone. Both are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue, and both require you to visit a driver license office in person with specific documents.
The process is different depending on whether you are a new driver, renewing an expired license, or moving to Missouri from another state. Your age also matters—Missouri has different rules for drivers under 18 and drivers 18 and older. This guide covers what documents to bring, what the tests involve, and what happens after you pass.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri driver license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to get a permit or license.
- A permit requires passing a written test and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- A license requires passing both the written test and a road test, and the road test must be scheduled in advance at the office where you explore.
- Drivers under 18 face additional restrictions, including a six-month waiting period between getting a permit and taking the road test.
- The fee for a permit or license varies by document type and how long you want it to be valid, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
Documents you must bring to the driver license office
Missouri requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. You cannot explore without all three.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works. You do not need to bring the original—a copy is fine.
For proof of Missouri residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement showing your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license office will not accept a post office box as proof of residency.
Getting a permit: the written test and restrictions
A permit (also called a learner's permit) is the first step. You take a written test covering Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the driver license office.
Once you have a permit, you can drive only under these conditions: a licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat with you, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws. If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a license.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on the first try if they study the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available at any driver license office or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
Getting a license: the road test and scheduling
A license requires passing both the written test (if you have not already) and a road test. The road test is a 15-minute drive where an examiner watches you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must schedule the road test in advance when you visit the driver license office—you cannot take it the same day you explore.
For the road test, bring the car you will be tested in, proof of insurance for that car, and your permit (if you have one). The car must be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and steering must all work. The examiner will check these before the test begins.
If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, but there is usually a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy the office is. You do not have to retake the written test. If you pass, you will receive your license on the spot or by mail within a few days, depending on the office.
Age-specific rules for drivers under 18
Missouri has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system that phases in driving privileges for drivers under 18. The system has three stages: permit, intermediate license, and full license.
At the permit stage, you must be at least 15 years old and hold the permit for at least six months before moving to the next stage. During this time, a licensed adult age 21 or older must be in the front seat.
At the intermediate license stage, you have passed the road test but are still under 18. You can drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult is with you. You also cannot have more than one passenger under age 20 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.
At the full license stage, you turn 18 and all restrictions end. You can drive at any time and carry any passengers. If you are 18 or older when you first get your permit, you skip the intermediate stage and can take the road test right away—there is no waiting period.
Renewing or replacing your Missouri driver's license
A Missouri driver's license is valid for six or eight years depending on which you choose when you renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
If your license is expired, lost, or stolen, you must visit a driver license office in person. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you may also need to file a report with local police, depending on the office's policy.
The fee for renewal varies by how long you want the license to be valid. A six-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. If you renew by mail, you will need to include a check or money order.
Moving to Missouri from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written or road test again. You can exchange it for a Missouri license by visiting a driver license office with your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. The office will issue you a Missouri license on the spot.
You have 30 days from the date you move to Missouri to get a Missouri license. After 30 days, driving on an out-of-state license is not legal in Missouri, even if the license itself is still valid. If you move to Missouri and do not have a valid license from any state, you must get a permit first and follow the same process as a new driver.
Finding a driver license office near you
Missouri has driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in line. Check the office's page on the Department of Revenue website to see if appointments are available in your area. If not, you can walk in during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test without bringing all my documents?
No. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency before you can take any test or receive a license or permit. The office will not let you test without them.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test. There is no waiting period, but the office may have a waiting list depending on how busy it is. You do not have to retake the written test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need a permit if I already have a license from another state?
No. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can exchange it for a Missouri license without taking any tests. You must do this within 30 days of moving to Missouri.
Can I drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a permit?
No. Permit holders cannot drive during those hours, even with a licensed adult in the car. This restriction applies to all permit holders regardless of age.
How long does it take to get a Missouri license after I pass the road test?
You receive your license on the spot at most offices, or by mail within a few days. Check with your local office about their process. If you need the license right away, ask if they can issue it when ready.