Yes, Missouri allows online renewal for most drivers
You can renew your Missouri driver's license online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions. Not every driver is may be able to access — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have a commercial license, and you must have a Real ID-compliant license or be renewing a standard license to a standard license. The online process takes about 15 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
The state processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days after approval. You do not need to visit a license office, take a new photo, or retake a vision test unless Missouri's system flags your record for review.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you hold a standard (not commercial) license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method to complete the online form on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
- Real ID-compliant licenses can renew online to Real ID licenses, but standard licenses can only renew to standard licenses online; Real ID upgrades require an in-person visit.
- Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days after the state approves your renewal, which usually takes one to two business days.
Who can and cannot renew online
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your Missouri driver's license is expired but not more than five years past expiration. Your license must also be a standard or enhanced license — commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot renew online under any circumstance. If you hold a Real ID-compliant license, you can renew it online to another Real ID license. If you hold a standard license, you can renew it online to another standard license.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on the license itself — those changes require an in-person visit to a license office. If you want to upgrade from a standard license to a Real ID license, you must visit a Missouri license office in person and bring original documents proving your identity and residency.
Drivers under 21 cannot renew online. Neither can anyone whose license was issued outside the United States or whose medical certification (if required) has expired.
What you need to start the online renewal
Gather these items before you begin: your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. Missouri accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for the renewal fee. You will also need access to an email address where the state can send your confirmation.
Have your license in front of you when you log in. The Missouri Department of Revenue website will ask you to verify information from your current license to confirm your identity. If any of your contact information has changed since your license was issued — such as your mailing address — update it during the online process. The address you provide is where your new license will be mailed.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online license renewal portal. You will find a link on their main website under "Driver Licenses and Permits." Click the renewal option and select "Renew Online."
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to begin. The system will pull up your current license information. Review everything on the screen — your name, address, height, eye color, and other details. If any information is incorrect, you cannot fix it online; you will need to visit a license office instead.
Confirm that your address is current. If you have moved, enter your new mailing address. This is where your renewed license will be sent. Answer any questions the system asks about violations, medical conditions, or organ donation status. Pay the renewal fee using your credit or debit card. Missouri's renewal fee varies by license type and how many years you are renewing for; check the website for the exact amount before you start.
Submit your process. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. The state will process your renewal within one to two business days and send you an email when your new license is approved and in the mail.
Real ID versus standard license renewal online
If your current license displays a gold star in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant. Real ID licenses can renew online to other Real ID licenses without any additional steps. The online process does not require you to re-verify your identity documents because you already did that when you first obtained your Real ID license.
If your license does not have a gold star, it is a standard license. Standard licenses can renew online to standard licenses only. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license, you must visit a Missouri license office in person and bring original documents: a passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two documents proving your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Real ID upgrades cannot happen online.
How long renewal takes and when you get your new license
The Missouri Department of Revenue processes online renewals within one to two business days. You will receive an email confirmation when your renewal is approved. Your new physical license card is then printed and mailed to the address you provided during the online process.
Delivery typically takes seven to ten business days from the date of approval. During this time, your old license remains valid. You do not need to request a temporary license or paper permit — your expired license serves as proof of identity until your new card arrives. If your new license does not arrive within two weeks of approval, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status.
What to do if you are not may be able to access for online renewal
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will need to retake your vision test and have a new photo taken. The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. If you need to change your name or address on the license, visit a license office in person. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license, you must also visit in person with original identity and residency documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last five years. If it has been expired longer, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office and retake your vision test and photo.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. The state uses your photo from your current license for your renewed license. You only need a new photo if you renew in person or if Missouri's system flags your record for review, which is rare.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
Update your address during the online renewal process. Enter your new mailing address, and your renewed license will be sent there. You do not need to visit a license office to change your address if you are renewing at the same time.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial licenses must be renewed in person at a Missouri license office. You will need to retake your vision test and medical certification review.
What happens if my online renewal is denied?
The Missouri Department of Revenue will send you an email explaining why your renewal was not approved. Common reasons include a suspension on your record, an expired medical certification, or information that does not match state records. You will need to resolve the issue and either reapply online or visit a license office in person.