Missouri renewal requirements and timelines
Missouri driver's licenses expire every six or eight years depending on your age and license type. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you a wide window to complete the process without rushing. The state offers three renewal methods: in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Missouri driver portal.
Your renewal timeline depends on when your license was issued and your current age. Standard licenses issued to drivers under 70 expire after eight years. If you are 70 or older, your license expires after four years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) expire after four years regardless of age. Check your license card itself — the expiration date is printed on the front.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri licenses expire every six or eight years depending on your age; you can renew up to one year early.
- Online renewal through the Missouri driver portal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change outside Missouri.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not moved out of state.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is required if your license is already expired, you have had a name change, or you need to update your address.
- Renewal fees are $25 for a standard eight-year license or $15 for a four-year license if you are 70 or older.
Online renewal through the Missouri driver portal
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your name, your address is still in Missouri, and you have no medical restrictions or CDL endorsements. The entire process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue driver portal at dmv.mo.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $25 for a standard eight-year license or $15 for a four-year license if you are 70 or older. After you submit your process and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new physical license will arrive by mail; you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal for unchanged information
Mail renewal works only if your license is not yet expired, you have no medical restrictions, you have not changed your name, and your address has not changed. You cannot renew by mail if you hold a CDL or if you have moved out of state. This method takes longer than online renewal — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your process.
To renew by mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or visit a local office to request a renewal process form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($25 for eight-year, $15 for four-year), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail your process to the Department of Revenue Driver Examination Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office
You must renew in person if your license is already expired, you have changed your name, you have moved and need to update your address, you have medical restrictions, or you hold a CDL. In-person renewal typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if renewal is overdue), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card at the office. Find your nearest Department of Revenue office and check hours at dmv.mo.gov.
Documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, Social Security number, payment method | 7–10 business days |
| Completed process form, current license copy, payment | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current or expired license, Social Security proof, residency proof, payment | when ready temporary license; permanent by mail in 7–10 days |
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it through the normal process. However, you cannot use an expired license as your primary form of identification for most purposes, and you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office — online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Missouri treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, and you may need to retake the driving test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact your local Department of Revenue office to confirm what tests are required in your situation.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $25. If you are 70 or older, the fee for a four-year license is $15. These are the only fees charged for a standard renewal; there are no additional processing fees. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts debit or credit card only; mail renewal accepts check or money order only (no cash); in-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card.
If you are renewing a CDL, the fee is higher and depends on the endorsements you hold. Contact the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 for current CDL renewal fees, or check dmv.mo.gov for the most recent pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a new license from your new state of residency. Missouri considers an out-of-state move a change that requires a new process, not a renewal. You should contact your new state's DMV to begin the process there.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic citation, fine, and points on your driving record. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it through the standard process. If it has been expired longer than one year, you will need to retest.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Standard processing time is 7 to 10 business days after the Department of Revenue receives your process. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks total because of mailing time. If you need your license faster, renew in person at a Department of Revenue office to receive a temporary license when ready.
Do I need a new photo for my Missouri license renewal?
For online and mail renewal, your existing photo is used unless you request a new one. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo as part of the process. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by contacting the Department of Revenue, though this may delay processing.
Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or restriction?
If you have medical restrictions on your current license, you must renew in person so the Department of Revenue can review your medical status. Bring any required medical documentation from your doctor. If your condition has changed, the office may require an updated medical report before renewing your license.