Documents and information you must bring
Missouri requires you to bring specific documents to the DMV when you renew your driver's license. You cannot renew by mail or online in Missouri, so you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Bring your current Missouri driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have it, bring a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate instead. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work.
Bring one document that proves your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at a Missouri DMV office; mail and online renewal are not available.
- Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within 60 days.
- Standard renewal takes about 10 business days; you can request a temporary permit to drive while you wait.
- The renewal fee is $84 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the DMV when you submit your process.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
How long your renewed license lasts and when to renew
A Missouri driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The DMV recommends renewing within 30 days of your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the DMV. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, Missouri treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision screening again, in addition to providing all the standard renewal documents.
The renewal fee and what happens at the DMV
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Missouri driver's license is $84. You pay this fee when you submit your process at the DMV office. Missouri does not accept payment by mail or phone — payment must be made in person at the office.
When you arrive at the DMV, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photograph, and process your process. The entire visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
After you submit your process, the DMV will mail your new license to the address you provided. Standard processing takes about 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DMV office on the day you renew — this permit is valid for 30 days.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and medical conditions
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.
If you have moved to a new address, you do not need to update your address before you renew. straightforward provide your current address when you complete the renewal process at the DMV, and your new license will be mailed to that address.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you take medication that impairs driving, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. The DMV will tell you whether this is required based on your specific situation. Contact your local DMV office before your appointment if you think this applies to you.
What to do if you have moved out of state or lost your license
If you have moved to another state and no longer live in Missouri, you cannot renew your Missouri license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV for their requirements.
If your Missouri license has been lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must report it to the DMV and request a replacement. Bring your documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address) to the DMV office, pay the replacement fee of $84, and follow the same process as a renewal. The replacement license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.
Finding your local DMV office and scheduling an appointment
Missouri DMV offices are located in every county. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
To schedule an appointment, visit the Missouri DMV website or call your local office directly. The phone number for each office is listed on the website. Appointments can usually be scheduled up to 30 days in advance. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait longer or be turned away if the office is at capacity.
Bring all your documents with you on the day of your appointment. Arriving 10 minutes early gives you time to check in and have your documents organized. If you forget a document, the DMV staff will tell you what is missing, and you will need to return with it to complete your renewal.
Vision screening and the written test
During a standard renewal, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. This test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested while wearing them if that is how you normally drive.
If your vision does not meet Missouri's standards, the DMV may restrict your license to require you to wear corrective lenses while driving. This restriction will appear on your new license.
You will not take the written knowledge test during a standard renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If that applies to you, you will need to study the Missouri Driver Guide (available on the Secretary of State website) and be prepared to answer questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I am out of state?
No. Missouri does not offer mail or online renewal, and you must appear in person at a DMV office. If you are temporarily out of state, you will need to return to Missouri to renew. If you have permanently moved to another state, you should obtain a license from that state instead.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document that shows your Social Security number. You can also bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. The DMV needs to verify your number, but the card itself is not required.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. The DMV takes a new photograph at every renewal. You cannot use your old photo from your previous license. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for eight years.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Missouri DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or other requirements depending on the reason for the suspension.
How much does it cost to renew if I want a REAL ID compliant license?
Missouri's standard renewal fee of $84 includes a REAL ID compliant license. All new Missouri driver's licenses issued since 2017 are REAL ID compliant by default. You do not pay extra for this — it is included in the standard fee.