Missouri driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a license office
Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You have a grace period of up to one year after expiration to renew without penalty, though driving on an expired license is not legal. Missouri offers three renewal paths: online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website (the fastest option), by mail if you meet certain requirements, or in person at any Missouri license office.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your address or other information, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people renew online and receive their new license within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, the mail and in-person routes both work, but in-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses expire every six years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office.
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and your vision has not changed since your last exam.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes about two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a license office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a new license the same day if you pass the vision test.
- You must renew before your license expires to drive legally, though you have up to one year after expiration to renew without extra fees.
Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is not yet expired, your address has not changed, you have not had any vision correction changes, and you have not had any medical conditions develop that affect your ability to drive. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts to enter your information. The system will verify your identity and confirm that you meet the renewal requirements. Once you complete the transaction and pay the renewal fee (currently $24.50 for a six-year license), your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during this time.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
Mail renewal is an option if you do not meet the online requirements or prefer not to renew digitally. You will need to complete the process for Missouri Driver's License or Noncommercial Driver's License (Form DL 43), which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request by phone. You must also include your current driver's license, a completed vision statement form (if you have had any vision changes), and payment for the renewal fee.
Mail your completed process, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your materials. Your current license remains valid during this time. If you need your license sooner, do not use the mail option; instead, renew in person at a license office.
Renewing in person at a Missouri license office
In-person renewal is the best choice if your license is expired, you need to update your address or other information, or you need your new license the same day. You will need to bring your current driver's license (or a valid form of identification if your license is expired), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have had any vision changes, bring documentation from your eye care provider.
Go to any Missouri Department of Revenue license office during business hours. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. If you pass the vision test, you will receive your new license on the spot. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a six-year license. You can find the nearest license office and check hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot use the online renewal option. You must renew by mail or in person. Missouri allows you to renew for up to one year after expiration without paying a penalty fee, but you cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and road test in addition to renewing. Contact your local Missouri Department of Revenue office to confirm what you will need to bring and what tests you will need to take.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The standard renewal fee for a six-year Missouri driver's license is $24.50, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method. Online and mail renewals accept card payments. In-person renewals accept all payment methods. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license.
If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current CDL renewal fees, as they vary based on the type of commercial endorsement you hold.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you will need to renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) along with your current license and other required documents. The staff at the license office will update your information and issue your new license with the correct address.
If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, include a note with your process or call the Missouri Department of Revenue before mailing your materials to ask about the process for address updates by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date six years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a Missouri Department of Revenue license office in person with proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. You will explore for a replacement license, not a renewal, and the process is similar to renewal but may have different requirements.
How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Missouri Department of Revenue receives your process. Processing time can vary depending on mail delivery and the volume of applications the department is handling. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Missouri driver's license?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license, and you do not need a new photo. If you renew in person at a license office, a new photo will be taken as part of the renewal process.
What if I fail the vision test at the license office?
If you do not pass the vision test, the license office staff will tell you that you cannot renew your license until you have your vision corrected or obtain a statement from an eye care provider. You can then schedule another appointment to renew once you have addressed the vision issue. You cannot drive legally on an expired license while waiting to pass the vision test.