Documents and information you must bring to renew
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 Missouri Department of Revenue will not process a renewal without all three of these items.
Your current license serves as your primary identification. If you have lost it, you can still renew, but you will need to bring a second form of ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Any document showing your full nine-digit number is acceptable.
Proof of residency must show your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and your license still shows an old address, bring the residency document along with your current license.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri address dated within 60 days.
- Proof of Social Security number can be your card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099; proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail.
- If you wear corrective lenses, you must bring your glasses or contacts to the renewal appointment, or bring a current prescription from an eye doctor.
- Renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $42 for an eight-year license; payment by cash, check, or debit card is accepted at the office.
- You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had a vision correction change since your last renewal.
Vision requirements and corrective lenses
If your current license has a corrective lens restriction (marked with a code on the front), you must bring your glasses or contacts to your renewal appointment. The Department of Revenue will test your vision while you are wearing them. If you do not bring them, the examiner cannot complete the renewal.
If you have had a change in your vision since your last renewal — for example, you now need glasses when you did not before, or your prescription has changed significantly — you must bring either your corrective lenses or a current eye exam prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The prescription must be dated within the last 12 months. Without this, you cannot renew in person.
If you have no vision correction needs and your license does not carry a restriction, you do not need to bring anything related to vision. The examiner will perform a basic vision screening at the office as part of the renewal process.
Where to renew and what to expect at the office
You must renew at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. There is no mail-in renewal option for standard driver's licenses in Missouri, except through the online renewal system described below. Find your nearest office on the Department of Revenue website by entering your zip code.
When you arrive, bring all documents listed above and plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the office. You will fill out form DL-43 (the renewal process), have your photograph taken, and pay the renewal fee. Bring a pen to complete the form. No appointment is required at most offices, but some locations accept appointments through the Department of Revenue website — checking ahead can reduce your wait time.
The office will issue your new license on the spot if everything is in order. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal: when you can use it
Missouri offers online renewal through its website if you meet specific conditions. Your current license must not be expired, and you must not have had any changes to your vision correction status since your last renewal. You also cannot have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information and vision status. You will not have a new photograph taken — your previous photo will be used on your renewed license.
If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You will not receive a temporary paper license. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If your renewal is rejected during the online process, you will be notified and directed to renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A four-year driver's license renewal costs $24. An eight-year renewal costs $42. You choose the length when you renew. Missouri does not offer a two-year renewal option for standard licenses.
Payment is accepted in cash, by check, or by debit card at the office. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person renewals. If you renew online, you can pay by debit or credit card. No fees are refundable if you change your mind after paying.
Timeline for renewal and when your license expires
Your Missouri driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiration date. The Department of Revenue does not send renewal reminders by mail, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires a full process, a written test, and a road test. Renewing before expiration avoids this. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewed card to arrive, the temporary paper license is valid for driving until the permanent card comes in the mail.
Name or address changes during renewal
If you have changed your name since your last renewal, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Missouri address.
If you have moved to a new Missouri address, you can renew online only if you have not changed your address since your last license was issued. If you have moved, renew in person and bring proof of your new address. The office will update your address on your new license at no additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. Once your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license, which includes a written test and a road test. Renew before your birthday to avoid this.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return?
You can use a 1099 form, a bank statement showing your full Social Security number, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a verification letter before you go to the Department of Revenue office.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew my license?
No. Renewal does not include a written test or road test. You only need to provide the documents listed, pass the vision screening, and pay the fee. Tests are required only when you explore for a new license.
What happens if I renew online but my vision has changed and I did not report it?
If you renew online and later fail a vision test during a traffic stop or at another office, your license can be suspended. Always report vision changes honestly when you renew, even if it means renewing in person instead of online.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must be present at the Department of Revenue office to renew your license in person. You cannot send someone else on your behalf, and mail-in renewal is not available for standard driver's licenses.