Documents and information you must bring
Missouri requires you to bring four things to renew your driver's license in person: proof of your current address, proof of your Social Security number, a document proving your identity, and your current Missouri driver's license. You do not need all four from separate documents — some documents count for more than one requirement.
Your current address can be proven with a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return from the current year also works. Your Social Security number can be proven with a Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub.
For identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card instead. Your current Missouri license itself counts as identity proof, so you do not need a second identity document if you have your license with you.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of your address from the last 60 days, proof of your Social Security number, and one identity document to renew in person.
- A utility bill or bank statement covers your address requirement; a Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub covers your Social Security number requirement.
- Your current Missouri license counts as your identity document, so you do not need a passport or birth certificate if your license is still valid.
- If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card instead of a birth certificate.
- You can renew by mail if you are age 70 or older, have no address change, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
When you can renew by mail instead of in person
Missouri allows mail renewal only if you meet all three conditions: you are age 70 or older, your address has not changed since your last license was issued, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If you meet these conditions, you can mail your renewal process and current license to the Missouri Department of Revenue without visiting an office.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks instead of same-day or next-day service. You will not receive your new license until the mail process is processed, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Real ID requirements if you want federal compliance
A standard Missouri driver's license does not meet federal Real ID requirements for air travel or federal building entry. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must bring the same four documents as a standard renewal, plus one additional document proving your address and Social Security number together — such as a utility bill in your name with your address printed on it.
Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and take longer to process. Missouri charges an additional fee for Real ID, and the license itself is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.
Fees and how long renewal takes
A standard Missouri driver's license renewal costs $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license. Real ID licenses cost $24.50 for four years or $49 for eight years. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — confirm the current fee when you visit or call ahead.
In-person renewal at a Missouri license office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you receive your new license the same day or within one business day. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If you renew online (available for some renewals), you receive your license within five to seven business days.
Online renewal if your license qualifies
Missouri allows online renewal for some drivers, but not all. You can renew online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no address change, and your license is not expired by more than one year. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online renewal.
Online renewal is faster than mail renewal — you receive your new license within five to seven business days — and you do not have to visit an office or mail documents. However, you cannot change your address, name, or other information online; those changes require an in-person visit.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the normal renewal process. You must first contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court; revocations are usually permanent until you meet specific conditions.
Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through the standard process. If you need to drive before your license is restored, you may be able to obtain a limited driving permit, but this depends on the reason for the suspension or revocation.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If your name or address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person — you cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your current license, the four standard documents listed above, and one additional document proving your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or your new address.
Name and address changes take the same amount of time as a standard renewal — same day or next day for in-person visits. If you are changing your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document proving the change; a photocopy usually is not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if it has been expired for more than a year?
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a new photo. Contact your local Missouri license office to find out what documents you need for a new process.
What if I do not have a Social Security card or other proof of my Social Security number?
You can use a W-2 form, 1099 form, or recent pay stub instead of a Social Security card. If you do not have any of these, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue before your visit to find out what other documents they will accept.
Do I need to take a new photo for license renewal?
Yes, you will have a new photo taken during renewal, whether you renew in person or online. You do not need to bring a photo with you. If you renew by mail, your new photo will be taken from your previous license on file.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended license from another state?
Missouri will not renew your license if you have an active suspension in Missouri or if you have an outstanding suspension in another state that has been reported to the national database. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to learn about you have a suspension and how to clear it.
What happens if I lose my license before renewal?
If your license is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement requires an in-person visit and costs less than a renewal. You can then renew the replacement license when it expires using the standard renewal process.