Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. Your current license serves as your primary ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
If your name has changed since your last license—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, the Missouri Department of Revenue will not process the name change on your new license.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to any license office.
- You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition update.
- In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at a Missouri license office, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the vision test.
- Missouri licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
When you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office
Missouri allows mail renewal only if your current license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. Your license cannot have expired more than one year ago. You cannot have had a name change, address change, or change in medical conditions since your last renewal. You also cannot be renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with hazmat endorsement.
To renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form (DL 44), a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your proof of residency to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The address is on the renewal form. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your new license arrives by mail. This route saves you a trip to the license office but takes longer than in-person renewal.
Renewing in person at a Missouri license office
Visit any Missouri license office with your documents. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will complete form DL 44 at the office. The staff will take a new photo and run a vision test. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Pay the renewal fee at the office. As of 2024, a six-year license renewal costs $82.50 for a standard license. Fees can change, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use mail renewal. You must go to a license office in person. You will need to retake the written test and the vision test, not just renew. Bring the same documents—current license (even though it is expired), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study the Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website, before you go. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. Plan for this visit to take longer than a standard renewal—usually 45 minutes to an hour—because of the testing.
License office locations and hours
Missouri has license offices in every county. The main office is in Jefferson City, but you can renew at any location in the state. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Many offices close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.
Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others—offices in larger cities often have longer wait times. Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait than going on Friday afternoon.
Fees and payment methods
A six-year standard driver's license renewal costs $82.50. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $32.50 for a six-year license. Commercial driver's licenses cost more. At the license office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so bring a backup payment method.
If you renew by mail, send a check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your check with the renewal form and your documents in the envelope. The address is on the renewal form.
Timeline for receiving your new license
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, your new license takes about two to three weeks to arrive. During this time, your old license is still valid.
If you need your license before the permanent one arrives, the temporary paper license works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes. Keep it with you until the plastic card arrives. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a license office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online, but it still requires you to mail in your documents and payment.
What if I have moved to a different address since my last license?
You must renew in person if you have changed your address. Bring proof of your new Missouri residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement with your current address. The staff will update your address during the renewal process.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a license office?
Most Missouri license offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some offices in larger cities may offer appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my Social Security card is lost?
Bring an alternative proof of your Social Security number instead, such as a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return with your Social Security number on it. You do not have to have the card itself, just proof of the number.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew your license in person or by mail yourself. You cannot have someone else submit your renewal process. If you renew by mail, you sign the form and mail it yourself. If you renew in person, you must be present for the photo and vision test.