Documents and information you'll need to bring
To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri residency. The state also requires you to pass a vision test and answer questions about your health and driving record at the time of renewal.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Missouri will not process a renewal under a different name without this proof.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works. The document must show your current Missouri address.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days.
- You will take a vision test and answer health questions in person, even if you renew by mail or online.
- If your name changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
- Missouri offers mail renewal for standard licenses if you meet age and medical requirements, but not all drivers are may be able to access.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and how long you want the license to be valid — typically $15 to $30 for a standard license.
Who can renew by mail instead of in person
Missouri allows mail renewal only if you meet specific conditions. You must be between 21 and 70 years old, have a valid Missouri license, and have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. You also cannot have any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your current license.
If you are may be able to access, you can request a mail renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue. You fill it out, include a new photo (which you can take yourself and print), and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the department receives your packet.
If you do not meet the age or medical requirements, or if your license has any holds or restrictions, you must renew in person at a Missouri license office. The same applies if your license has been expired for more than one year.
How to renew in person at a license office
Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue license office with your documents. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you are renewing, and they will give you a form to fill out. The form asks about your address, whether your health has changed, and whether you have had any traffic violations since your last renewal.
After you submit the form, you will take a vision test using a machine at the office. You will also have your photo taken for the new license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You pay the renewal fee at the counter before you leave. Missouri accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific location.
Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts
A standard driver's license renewal costs $15 if you choose a four-year license or $30 if you choose an eight-year license. The eight-year option is available only to drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 21 must renew every four years.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. Medical certification renewal for CDL holders costs an additional $10.
Your renewal takes effect on the date you complete it in person or on the date the department processes your mail renewal. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, but once your new license arrives, use the new one.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your Missouri license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the driving test, and the vision test. You will also need to provide the same documents as a new applicant: proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
Reapplication takes longer than renewal and costs more. A new license costs $30 for four years or $60 for eight years. You will need to schedule an appointment at a license office to take the written and driving tests, which can take several weeks depending on office availability.
Special situations: name changes, medical updates, and address changes
If your name changed since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change along with your other renewal documents. Missouri will print your new name on the renewed license at no extra cost.
If your health has changed in a way that affects your driving — for example, you now have a condition that limits your vision or your ability to operate the vehicle safely — tell the clerk during renewal. You may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. Depending on the condition, Missouri may add restrictions to your license, such as requiring corrective lenses or limiting you to daytime driving only.
If you moved to a new address in Missouri, you can update your address during renewal. If you moved out of Missouri, you cannot renew your Missouri license — you must obtain a license from your new state.
Finding a license office and checking hours
Missouri has license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so check before you go.
Offices in larger cities tend to be busier, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. If you can visit on a weekday morning or a Tuesday or Wednesday, you may wait less time. Some offices post current wait times on their websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and medical requirements, or you must renew in person at a license office. Mail renewal requires you to print and mail a form, so it is not the same as an online transaction.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You must report it to the Missouri Department of Revenue and request a replacement. A replacement costs $10 and takes about two weeks. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using the normal renewal process.
Do I need to take the written driving test again when I renew?
No. Renewal does not require you to retake the written or driving test. You only take the vision test and answer health questions. If your license was expired for more than one year, you must reapply and take both tests.
What if I have an out-of-state license and want to switch to Missouri?
Switching from an out-of-state license to a Missouri license is not a renewal — it is a new process. You will need to take the written test, vision test, and driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew in person, your new license is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks after the department receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.