Missouri's Renewal Process for Drivers 70 and Older
Missouri requires drivers aged 70 and older to renew their license in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. You cannot renew by mail or online, no matter how many years you have held a valid license. The state does this because federal law requires vision screening and in-person verification for older drivers, and Missouri enforces it strictly.
Your renewal appointment must happen before your current license expires. Missouri will not issue a temporary extension, so plan ahead. The renewal itself takes about 30 minutes once you are called, but office wait times vary by location and time of day.
You will need to pass a vision test as part of the renewal. If you fail the vision screening, the examiner will tell you on the spot and you will not receive a renewed license that day. You can retest after correcting the problem (new glasses, for example) and returning to the office.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers 70 and older must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; mail and online renewal are not available.
- You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to the appointment.
- A vision test is required and you must score 20/40 or better in each eye to pass; corrective lenses are allowed.
- Renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $31 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
- Your new license is issued the same day if you pass the vision test; the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Bring your current Missouri driver's license. This is your primary document and the examiner will need it to pull your record and verify your identity. If your license is expired, bring it anyway—Missouri will still process the renewal.
Bring one form of valid photo identification issued by a government agency. A passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If your photo ID is not in English, bring an English translation certified by a notary or the issuing agency.
Bring one document proving your current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A government check or tax return also counts. The document must show your name and current street address. A PO box does not count as proof of residence.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
Finding and Scheduling Your Appointment
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest license office. Enter your city or ZIP code. The tool shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only.
Call the office directly to schedule an appointment. Most offices now require appointments rather than accepting walk-ins, though a few still take both. The phone number is listed on the office locator page. Tell the staff member you are renewing and that you are 70 or older; they will schedule you for the correct type of appointment.
Some offices have longer wait lists than others. If your local office is booked out several weeks, check offices in nearby towns. You can renew at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, not just the one closest to your home.
Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. Bring the originals, not photocopies. The examiner will not accept a photocopy of your proof of residency or your ID.
The Vision Test and What Happens If You Fail
The vision screening is done at the office by the examiner or a staff member. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. You must score at least 20/40 in each eye to pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, you will not receive a renewed license that day. The examiner will explain what you need to do next. You can schedule a new appointment after you have corrected the problem—for example, by getting new glasses or having an eye doctor clear you to drive.
Some drivers fail because their current prescription is outdated. If this happens, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist, get a new prescription, and return to the office with your new glasses. You do not need a letter from the eye doctor; just bring the new glasses and schedule another appointment.
If you have a medical condition affecting your vision, your eye doctor may need to submit a report to the Missouri Department of Revenue before you can renew. The examiner will tell you if this is required in your case.
Fees and How Long the Process Takes
A four-year license costs $24. An eight-year license costs $31. You pay at the office on the day of your appointment. Missouri accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards.
You receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the vision test. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until the plastic card arrives.
If the plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, call the office where you renewed. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed.
Special Situations: Medical Conditions and Restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as a seizure disorder, severe arthritis, or hearing loss—Missouri may require you to provide medical documentation. The examiner will ask you during the renewal appointment if you have any conditions that might affect your driving. Answer honestly.
If the examiner believes a medical condition needs evaluation, they will direct you to have your doctor complete a Medical Evaluation Form (Form DL 43). Your doctor fills this out and sends it to the Missouri Department of Revenue. You do not send it yourself. The state will then decide whether to issue your license, issue it with restrictions, or deny it.
Restrictions might include driving only during daylight hours, only within a certain distance of your home, or only with corrective lenses. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.
Renewing Before Your License Expires
You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. Schedule your appointment well in advance—at least 4 to 6 weeks before your expiration date if possible.
If you wait until your license is expired, you can still renew in person at a Missouri office, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have a temporary paper license from the renewal appointment.
If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew by mail or online once you return to Missouri—but only if you are under 70. Since you are 70 or older, you must renew in person, so plan your travel accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else renew my license for me if I cannot get to the office?
No. Missouri requires you to appear in person for the vision test. No one can take the test on your behalf. If you have difficulty traveling, ask the office staff whether they can schedule you at a time when the office is less busy, or ask about offices in your area that might have shorter wait times.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules. You must renew in person and pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner, not just a vision test. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly for the specific requirements for your CDL class.
Do I need an eye doctor's letter to pass the vision test?
No. The examiner at the office performs the vision screening. You do not need to bring a letter from your eye doctor unless the examiner tells you that a medical condition requires one. If you fail the vision test, you can get new glasses and return for a retest without a doctor's letter.
What happens if I move to another state after renewing in Missouri?
Your Missouri license remains valid until it expires. When you move, you will need to get a license from your new state. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check your new state's requirements.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You must clear any suspension or revocation with the Missouri Department of Revenue before you can renew. Contact the department directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving record.