What You'll Pay for a Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. If you're under 21, the fee is $11.50 for a four-year license only — Missouri does not issue eight-year licenses to drivers under 21. These are the base fees charged by the Missouri Department of Revenue when you renew, replace, or get your first license.

The fee you pay depends on which type of license you need and whether you're renewing in person or by mail. Some transactions, like replacing a lost or stolen license, cost the same as renewal. Others, like getting a Real ID-compliant license, do not add extra cost — the fee stays the same, but the document itself meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.

Key Takeaways

A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $11.50; an eight-year license costs $23.
Drivers under 21 can only get a four-year license for $11.50.
A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license but meets federal travel requirements.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $11.50, the same as a standard renewal.
You can renew by mail for the same fee, or in person at a Missouri license office.

Four-year versus eight-year licenses and who can get each

Missouri offers two renewal terms: four years and eight years. The four-year license costs $11.50 and is available to all drivers, including those under 21. The eight-year license costs $23 and is available only to drivers 21 and older. If you turn 21 before your current license expires, you can renew early and choose the eight-year term at that time.

The eight-year license is optional — you can renew for four years instead if you prefer. Some drivers choose the four-year term to update their photo more often, or because they plan to move out of state within a few years. The choice is yours at renewal time.

Real ID compliance and whether it costs extra

A Real ID-compliant Missouri driver's license costs the same as a standard license: $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years. Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Missouri began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017, and they are now the default option when you renew.

You do not have to get a Real ID license — you can still renew a standard license if you prefer. To do so, you must tell the Missouri Department of Revenue that you do not want Real ID compliance. A standard license will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025, so most people choose Real ID at renewal time. The fee does not change either way.

Replacement fees for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Missouri driver's license costs $11.50, the same as renewing a four-year license. You do not pay extra for a replacement. You can request a replacement in person at any Missouri license office or by mail through the Missouri Department of Revenue.

If you need your replacement quickly, in-person service is faster — you can usually get a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within one to two weeks. By mail, the process typically takes two to three weeks.

Duplicate licenses and name-change fees

A duplicate license — an extra copy of your current valid license — costs $11.50. This is useful if you want a backup or need to leave one in a safe place. A duplicate has the same expiration date as your original and counts toward your renewal term.

Changing your name on your Missouri driver's license does not cost extra if you do it at the same time as renewal. If you change your name between renewals, you must get a replacement license, which costs $11.50. You will need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How to renew by mail and whether the fee changes

You can renew your Missouri driver's license by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other may be able to access requirements. The fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail: $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years. You send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. You must mail your payment by check or money order — credit cards are not accepted by mail. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a Missouri license office, where you can get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within one to two weeks.

Commercial driver's license fees

A Missouri commercial driver's license (CDL) has different fees than a standard driver's license. A four-year CDL costs $45, and an eight-year CDL costs $90. These fees explore whether you are getting your first CDL or renewing an existing one.

CDL renewal and replacement follow the same rules as standard licenses — replacement costs the same as renewal, and you can renew by mail for the same fee. If you hold both a standard license and a CDL, you pay only the CDL fee; the CDL serves as your driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license online?

No. Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Missouri license office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license quickly.

Do I have to pay extra to add a REAL ID star to my license?

No. Real ID compliance costs the same as a standard license. When you renew, you can choose Real ID or standard at no difference in price. After May 7, 2025, a standard license will not work for domestic air travel.

What if I'm renewing early because I'm turning 21?

You can renew early and choose an eight-year license for $23. You do not pay a penalty for renewing before your current license expires. Bring proof of your new age, such as a birth certificate.

Is there a fee to change my address on my Missouri license?

No. You can change your address for free by mail or in person at a license office. You do not need to renew your license to update your address.

What payment methods does Missouri accept for license fees?

In person, Missouri accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Online payment is not available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.