What Missouri Requires to Renew Your License

To renew your Missouri driver's license, you need to bring proof of your current address, proof of your Social Security number, and your expiring license itself. You'll also need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your health and driving record. If your license has been expired for more than a year, Missouri treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to take a written test and a driving test in addition to the documents listed here.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, and you can renew in person or by mail if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your expiring license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number to renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
  • A vision test is required at every renewal, and you'll answer health and safety questions that may affect your driving privileges.
  • If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew by mail and must take a written test and driving test as if you were a new driver.
  • Missouri offers mail renewal for licenses that are still valid, which takes 2 to 3 weeks but lets you skip the office visit.
  • Your new license costs $11.50 for a four-year renewal or $23 for an eight-year renewal, depending on which term you choose.

Documents You Must Bring to the Missouri Department of Revenue

Your current expiring license is the first document you need. If you've lost it or it was stolen, you'll need to report that to the Department of Revenue before you can renew, and you may be charged a replacement fee.

You also need proof of your current address. Missouri accepts a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, a notarized letter from your landlord or a recent property tax bill works.

Third, bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even though it may be required for other purposes.

Renewing in Person at a Missouri Department of Revenue Office

Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your documents and your current license. You'll fill out form DL 43, which asks about your health, vision, and any changes to your address or name. You'll take a vision test at the office — if you fail, you can bring glasses or contacts and retake it when ready, or you can come back another day.

The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll pay $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expiring license until the new one arrives.

Missouri Department of Revenue offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Department of Revenue website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

Renewing by Mail If Your License Is Still Valid

If your license has not yet expired, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. read form DL 43 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out, and mail it along with your expiring license and a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — send copies only, because the Department will not return them.

Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal: $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years. Pay by check or money order made out to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Your new license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks of the Department receiving your process. You can continue to drive on your expiring license during this time.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name, if you have a medical condition that requires a vision test, or if you want to add or remove the Real ID star on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than a Year Ago

Missouri does not allow you to renew a license that has been expired for more than 12 months. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This means you'll need to take a written test covering Missouri traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision test, and pass a driving test with a Department of Revenue examiner.

You'll still need to bring proof of your address and Social Security number, along with your expired license. The written test takes about 20 minutes, and the driving test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for the driving test. The cost is $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license, the same as a renewal.

If you're unsure whether your license is still within the one-year window, bring it to a Missouri Department of Revenue office and ask. The staff can tell you whether you can renew or must reapply.

Real ID and Your Missouri License Renewal

Missouri offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID license, which has a gold star in the upper right corner. A Real ID license meets federal identification standards and can be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025.

If you renew your license in person, you can choose to add the Real ID star at no extra cost. You'll need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus one additional document proving your citizenship or lawful presence in the United States — such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you renew by mail, you cannot add the Real ID star; you'll need to visit an office in person to do that.

If your current license already has the Real ID star, it will carry over to your renewed license automatically. You do not need to bring citizenship documents again.

Fees and How Long Renewal Takes

Missouri charges $11.50 to renew a driver's license for four years, or $23 to renew for eight years. You choose the term when you renew. Both prices are the same whether you renew in person or by mail. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an office; by check or money order if you renew by mail.

If you renew in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it arrives within 2 to 3 weeks. You can drive on your expiring license until your new one arrives. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license online?

No, Missouri does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Department of Revenue office or by mail if your license is still valid. Mail renewal is the closest option to online, but you must print the form, fill it out by hand, and mail it with your documents.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your proof of address and Social Security number.

Do I need a new vision test if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes, you'll take a vision test at renewal regardless of whether you wear correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the test without them, you can put them on and retake it. If you still fail, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report to the Department of Revenue.

What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my Missouri license?

If you no longer live in Missouri, you should not renew your Missouri license. Instead, you should get a driver's license from your new state. If you still own property in Missouri or have other ties to the state, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to discuss your situation, as the rules depend on your specific circumstances.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Missouri may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court costs. Before you renew, check your driving record on the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if there are any holds on your license. If there are, you'll need to resolve the ticket or fine before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out how to pay or arrange a payment plan.