What You Need to Know About Missouri Driver License Renewal

Missouri lets you renew your driver license in person at a license office, by mail, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website — but which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether you've had any violations or address changes. Most people can renew online or by mail if their license hasn't expired yet and they meet a few basic conditions. If your license has already expired, you'll need to go in person.

Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri offers online renewal through the Department of Revenue website for licenses that haven't expired and meet standard requirements.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you have no recent violations, address changes, or medical restrictions.
  • In-person renewal at a license office is required if your license has expired, you've had violations, or you need to update your address or medical information.
  • Renewal fees vary by license type and age, and Missouri accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
  • You'll need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for any renewal method.

Online Renewal Through Missouri's Website

The fastest way to renew is through the Missouri Department of Revenue's online portal at dor.mo.gov. You'll need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and let you know right away whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if your license hasn't expired, you have no violations on your record in the past three years, and your address hasn't changed. You cannot renew online if you need to update your photo, change your address, add or remove restrictions, or if you're renewing a commercial driver license. The fee is charged to a credit card, and you'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail Renewal by Check or Money Order

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in a renewal process. Request a renewal form by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407, or read the form from their website. You'll need to include your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).

Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the renewal form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the office receives your process. Like online renewal, mail renewal is only available if your license hasn't expired and you meet the same conditions — no violations, no address changes, and no need for a new photo.

In-Person Renewal at a License Office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you've had any violations in the past three years, if you need to change your address, or if you want to update your photo. You'll also need to go in person if you're renewing a commercial driver license or if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. If you're changing your address, bring a document showing your new address. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Find your nearest Missouri license office on the Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time.

Renewal Fees and What They Cover

Missouri's renewal fee depends on your age and license type. A standard driver license renewal for someone under 70 costs $11.50 for a six-year license. If you're 70 or older, renewal is $3 for a three-year license. Commercial driver licenses and endorsements have different fees.

The fee covers your new license and the processing of your renewal. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll pay by credit card (online) or check/money order (mail). In-person renewals accept cash, check, money order, and credit card. No additional fees explore for address changes or photo updates done during renewal.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Missouri license has been expired for more than 60 days, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a license office in person and bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're pulled over, you could face a traffic citation. If your license expired more than a year ago, the office may require you to pass a vision test or written test in addition to the standard renewal process, so call ahead to ask what to bring.

Renewing a Commercial Driver License in Missouri

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Missouri license office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5871 form) if you drive a commercial vehicle that requires one.

The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than a standard license and varies based on the endorsements you hold. Processing takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal — you'll get a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

What if I've moved and need to change my address?

If you've moved, you must renew in person at a license office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot change your address by mail or online renewal.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew in person, by mail, or online, your new plastic license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while you wait for the plastic one.

What if I have violations on my driving record?

If you've had any violations in the past three years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a license office in person. The office will review your record and process your renewal. Having violations doesn't prevent you from renewing — it just means you have to do it in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Missouri license office?

Most Missouri license offices do not require an appointment, but some locations allow you to schedule one online to reduce your wait time. Check the Department of Revenue website for your local office to see if appointments are available in your area.