What Missouri Requires to Renew Your License
Missouri requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to renew in person. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to submit your current license, a completed DL 44 form (the renewal process), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. The state does not accept online renewal for standard driver's licenses, though you can renew a commercial driver's license online if you meet certain conditions.
The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are renewing at a Missouri license office or by mail. If anything on your license has changed — your name, address, or physical description — you will need additional documents to prove that change. Missouri also requires vision screening at renewal, which happens at the license office but not when you renew by mail.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
- Mail renewal requires your current license, the DL 44 form, and payment by check or money order — no vision test is performed.
- Missouri license offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and you do not need an appointment for most renewals.
- Your renewal fee depends on whether you choose a four-year or six-year license, and the cost varies slightly if you add a REAL ID endorsement.
- If your name or address has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents.
Documents for In-Person Renewal at a Missouri License Office
Bring your current Missouri driver's license as your primary form of identification. You will also need one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from your employer or a property tax bill also counts.
You must prove your Social Security number. The easiest way is to bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. A birth certificate does not prove your Social Security number and will not be accepted for this purpose.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, your proof-of-residency document serves that purpose — you do not need a separate address-change form.
Documents for Mail Renewal
Complete the DL 44 form, which is the Missouri driver's license process. You can read it from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request it by mail. Sign the form in the spaces marked for your signature — an unsigned form will be returned.
Include your current driver's license with your mailed renewal packet. Do not send the original; Missouri will return it to you. Enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee — Missouri does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order.
Mail your packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date Missouri receives your packet. You will receive your new license by mail at the address you listed on the form. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to confirm receipt of your packet.
Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods
Missouri offers two renewal options: a four-year license or a six-year license. A four-year renewal costs $20. A six-year renewal costs $30. These prices explore to standard driver's licenses for people age 21 and older.
If you add a REAL ID endorsement (the gold star on your license), the cost is $5 more for either renewal period. REAL ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025, though Missouri will still issue standard licenses without it.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date it is issued. Missouri does not offer a grace period for expired licenses — your license must be valid to drive legally.
Vision Screening and Medical Conditions
If you renew in person at a Missouri license office, you will take a vision test as part of the renewal process. You must be able to read the eye chart at the standard distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the examiner will give you the option to leave and return with corrective lenses, or you can be referred to an eye care professional.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, or vision loss — you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. Missouri does not automatically require this for all renewals, but the license office may ask for one if they have reason to believe your condition has worsened. If you are unsure whether your condition requires a report, contact your local Missouri license office before you renew.
Where to Renew and What to Expect
Missouri has license offices in every county. You can renew at any office in the state, not just the one in your county. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have reduced hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal — walk-ins are accepted.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. The renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the fee at the counter, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.
If the office is very busy, you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.
Name or Address Changes During Renewal
If your name has changed, you must bring the document that caused the change along with your other renewal documents. Missouri accepts marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and court orders. The document must be an official copy — a photocopy is not acceptable. If you were married or divorced outside the United States, bring a certified English translation along with the original document.
If your address has changed, your proof-of-residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) serves as your address update. You do not need to fill out a separate form. The license office will update your address in the system when you renew.
If you have changed your name and address, bring both the name-change document and a proof-of-residency document at your new address. If your proof-of-residency document is in your old name, bring it anyway — the license office will accept it as long as it shows your current address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online?
Standard driver's licenses cannot be renewed online in Missouri. You must renew in person at a license office or by mail. Commercial driver's licenses can be renewed online if you have not had any traffic violations or license suspensions in the past five years, but you must still pass a vision test in person before your online renewal is processed.
What if my current license is expired?
You can still renew an expired license using the same process as a current license. Bring the expired license along with your other documents. Missouri does not charge a penalty for renewing an expired license, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.
How long does my temporary license last?
Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued at the license office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status of your renewal.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years is an acceptable substitute for your Social Security card. Bring whichever document you have available. The document must show your full name and Social Security number.
What if I moved and my proof-of-residency document is in my old name?
Bring the document anyway. The license office will accept a utility bill, lease, or bank statement as proof of your current address even if it is in your old name, as long as the address on the document matches the address you are providing on your renewal process.