What to bring to the Missouri license office

To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The Missouri Department of Revenue accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity. If you use your birth certificate, you must also bring a photo ID—a state ID, military ID, or employee ID with your photo works.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your current license shows an old address, bring both your old proof of residency and your new one.

Bring your current Missouri driver's license to the office. If your license is lost or stolen, you can still renew, but you will need to report it and pay an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a current Missouri driver's license, proof of identity (passport, passport card, or birth certificate), and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Missouri address.
  • You can renew in person at any Missouri license office, by mail if your license is not expiring within 30 days, or online if you meet certain conditions.
  • The renewal fee is $11.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually completed the same day, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take five to seven business days.

Renewing in person at a Missouri license office

Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue license office with your documents and current license. Bring the originals—photocopies are not accepted. You will fill out form DL 43, which is the renewal process. The staff will take a new photo unless you request a waiver, which is only granted if you renewed within the last four years and your appearance has not changed significantly.

The office will verify your documents, process your payment, and issue your new license on the spot. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card. The fee is $11.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for your nearest office location and hours before you go.

Renewing by mail

If your license is not expiring within the next 30 days, you can renew by mail. Send your current license, a completed form DL 43, a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provide. You cannot request a new photo by mail—your new license will use your current photo unless you renew in person. If your license expires within 30 days, you must renew in person or online instead.

Renewing online through Missouri's digital service

Missouri allows online renewal through its digital license service if you meet specific conditions. You must have a valid Missouri driver's license that is not expired, you must have a Social Security number on file with the state, and you must not have any medical or vision restrictions on your current license. You also cannot renew online if you are changing your name or address.

To renew online, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and follow the prompts to verify your identity and pay the renewal fee by card. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $11.50 for four years or $24 for eight years.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same documents and methods described above. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, the Missouri Department of Revenue may require you to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Check with your local license office about their specific rules for licenses expired longer than one year.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 to renew. An eight-year license costs $24. These fees explore whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. At the license office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order only—never send cash. Online, you must pay with a debit or credit card.

If you lose your license before renewal and need a replacement, that costs an additional $5.50 on top of the renewal fee. Some license offices may charge a small fee for services like name changes or address updates done at the same time as renewal.

Finding your nearest Missouri license office

Missouri has license offices in most counties. The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a searchable list of all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Call ahead if you have questions about what documents you need or if you want to confirm that the office has your form DL 43 in stock, though most offices do.

Some offices are busier than others. If you go early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you may wait less time than if you go on a Friday afternoon. A few offices by appointment only—the website will tell you which ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a license office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

What if I have moved to a different address?

If you have moved within Missouri, you can renew in person or by mail and update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new residency. If you have moved out of Missouri, you cannot renew a Missouri license—you must get a license from your new state instead.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

The office will take a new photo during in-person renewal unless you request a waiver. You can request a waiver if you renewed within the last four years and your appearance has not changed noticeably. By mail or online, your new license uses your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

How long does my new license last?

A Missouri driver's license is valid for four or eight years from the date it is issued. You choose which length when you renew. An eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you will not need to renew again for eight years.

What if my documents are from another country?

If your birth certificate or other identity document is from another country, it must be certified and translated into English by an official translator. Bring both the original and the certified English translation to the license office. The office staff can tell you whether your specific documents meet Missouri's requirements.