Documents and fees required for Missouri driver's license renewal

To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the renewal fee. Missouri accepts a limited list of documents for each category—a document that works for identity in one state may not work in Missouri. The fee is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

You do not need to pass a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless Missouri's system flags your record for a retest. If you renew before expiration, you skip the testing step entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Proof of identity must be an original or certified document—a photocopy of your passport or birth certificate will not be accepted.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment.
  • You can renew in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail if your license is not expired, or online if you meet specific requirements.
  • The renewal fee is $13.50 for four years or $27 for eight years, and you must bring a valid payment method to your appointment.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to retake the written and vision tests, even if you renew by mail or online.

Proof of identity documents Missouri accepts

Missouri requires one original or certified document proving your identity. A photocopy, even a notarized one, is not acceptable. Your current Missouri driver's license counts as proof of identity for renewal purposes.

Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). If you do not have any of these, Missouri also accepts a military ID, tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a document issued by a U.S. state or territory that shows your name, date of birth, and signature. A school ID, work badge, or credit card does not meet this requirement.

If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an English translation certified by the issuing agency or a certified translator. The Department of Revenue will not accept a translation you made yourself.

Proof of residency: what documents work

You need one document showing your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within 90 days of your renewal appointment. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit union statement, or a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.

Government-issued mail counts if it shows your name and address—this includes a voter registration card, property tax notice, or vehicle registration. A credit card statement, cell phone bill, or mail from a medical provider does not meet Missouri's requirement. If you have moved recently and your utility bill or lease has not yet arrived, bring a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead that includes the move-in date.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized statement from the bill holder confirming you live there, plus the bill itself. Without the notarized statement, the bill alone will not work.

In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your documents and payment method. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (you do not need to bring a card—you can state the number). The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

Processing takes about 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. Department of Revenue offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for the office nearest you and current wait times.

Mail renewal: when you can use it and what to send

You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person or online. To renew by mail, send the completed renewal form (Form DL 43), a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail your packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks. Your new license will be mailed to your address. You can continue using your current license during this time. Do not send cash through the mail.

If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, include a separate letter with your old address and new address so the Department of Revenue can update their records before mailing your new license.

Online renewal through Missouri's system

Missouri allows online renewal through its official website if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, you have not changed your name since your last renewal, and you are renewing a standard Class F (non-commercial) license. You cannot renew a commercial license, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement online.

To renew online, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, review your information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to submit documents online—the system verifies your identity against existing state records.

If the online system rejects your renewal, it will tell you why. Common reasons include an expired license, a name change, or a flag on your record requiring an in-person visit. In those cases, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license. At an in-person office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order—do not send cash. Online, you can pay with a credit or debit card only.

If you are renewing a license with a Real ID endorsement (the gold star in the upper right corner), there is no additional fee—the Real ID endorsement renews automatically at the same price as a standard license. If you want to add a Real ID endorsement during renewal and do not currently have one, you will need to bring additional documents (a certified birth certificate and proof of Social Security number) and pay the standard renewal fee; there is no separate Real ID fee.

What happens if your license expired more than one year ago

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office, and you will be required to retake the written test and vision test. Bring all the same documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number) plus your expired license if you have it.

The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You will take the test on a computer at the office. The vision test checks your eyesight to the standard required for driving. If you fail either test, you will not receive a renewed license and will need to study and return to retake the test. There is no additional fee for retesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. A valid Social Security number is required for all renewals. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to obtain one before you attempt to renew. This applies whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Revenue will update your name in their system and issue a new license with the correct name.

Do I need a new photo for license renewal?

If you renew in person, yes—the office will take a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used unless you request a new one. To request a new photo by mail, include a note with your renewal packet. Online renewal does not allow you to request a new photo.

How long is my license valid after I renew it?

Your new license is valid for four years or eight years, depending on which option you chose and paid for. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew again anytime within 90 days before expiration without penalty.

What if I move after I submit my renewal by mail?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your old address, new address, and confirmation number (if you have it) before your new license is mailed. They can update your mailing address. If your license is already mailed to your old address, you can file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service to have it forwarded.