How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license renewal basics

In Missouri, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, though you may face a late fee. Missouri does not require a new photo or vision test for most renewals unless your license is classified as a Real ID (the gold star in the corner) or you are renewing after a certain number of years.

Key Takeaways

Missouri allows online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website for most drivers, and it takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your renewed license by mail.
Mail-in renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the renewal notice.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is the fastest option if you need your license when ready or if your address has changed.
Real ID licenses and licenses renewed after certain intervals may require a new photo and vision test, even during routine renewal.
Missouri charges a renewal fee that varies based on license type; standard licenses cost less than Real ID licenses.

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option for most Missouri drivers. You can renew on the Missouri Department of Revenue website as long as your current license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is your only option for when ready service.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have changed your address, if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time, or if you have certain medical or legal restrictions on your license. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail-in renewal and what to send

Mail-in renewal works if your license is not expired by more than one year and your address has not changed. The Missouri Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. That notice includes a prepaid envelope and an process form you need to sign and return.

To renew by mail, sign the process form, place your current driver's license in the envelope, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice. Include the renewal fee if it is not already prepaid. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the state receives your materials, and your new license will arrive by mail after that.

Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If you lose the prepaid envelope or process form, you can read the form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request a new renewal notice by phone at 573-526-2407.

In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

In-person renewal is the best choice if your license is expired, if you have changed your address, if you need your license the same day, or if you are renewing a Real ID license. You can walk in to any Missouri Department of Revenue office during business hours without an appointment. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring your proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return). The office will take a new photo and may conduct a vision test.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on their website or call 573-526-2407 for the location and hours closest to you.

Real ID licenses and what changes during renewal

Missouri Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you are renewing a Real ID license, the process is more involved than a standard license renewal. You must renew in person and bring additional documents to prove your identity and citizenship.

Required documents for Real ID renewal include your current Real ID license, proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The office will take a new photo and conduct a vision test. Real ID renewal fees are higher than standard license renewal fees.

If you are renewing a standard (non-Real ID) license and do not need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you can continue to use a standard license. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard Missouri driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel. If you plan to fly, you should upgrade to a Real ID during your renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Missouri renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. A standard six-year license renewal costs one amount, while a Real ID six-year license costs more. If you are renewing an expired license, there may be an additional late fee. The exact fee is listed on your renewal notice or on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

For online renewal, you can pay by credit card or debit card. For mail-in renewal, the prepaid envelope usually covers the fee, but check your renewal notice. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your Missouri driver's license has expired by more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal, plus payment for any applicable late fees.

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use it to renew. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. A replacement is different from a renewal and may cost more. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office will issue you a temporary paper license and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I moved to a different state?

No. If you have moved out of Missouri, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing your Missouri license. You cannot renew a Missouri license by mail or online if your address has changed to an out-of-state address. If you still live in Missouri but moved within the state, you can renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

After you complete your online renewal process and pay the fee, the Missouri Department of Revenue will mail your new license to you. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at an office.

Do I need a vision test to renew my Missouri driver's license?

For most standard license renewals, you do not need a vision test. However, if you are renewing a Real ID license, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you are renewing in person, the office may conduct a vision test. The test is quick and checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely.

What happens if I drive on an expired Missouri license?

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Missouri. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a fine and other penalties. If your license has expired, renew it as soon as you can. You can renew online or by mail if your license expired less than one year ago, or in person if it expired more than one year ago.

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

Missouri may suspend or deny your license renewal if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered child support obligations. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to find out whether there are any holds on your license. If there are, you will need to resolve those issues before you can renew.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.