What to do if your Missouri driver's license has expired

If your Missouri driver's license has expired, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you use depends on how long ago it expired and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or written test — Missouri allows you to skip both if you meet certain conditions.

The fastest route is online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person renewal at a local office is necessary only if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or other details on the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri allows online renewal for most expired licenses, and the process takes about 10 minutes through the Department of Revenue website.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test and written exam.
  • Mail renewal is available for licenses expired five years or less, but processing takes two to three weeks.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • Renewing before your license expires avoids the risk of driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Missouri.

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the quickest option for most people. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online — most people are, as long as their license expired within the last five years.

Once you complete the online form, you will pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Missouri will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, take a new photo, or retake the written test. Your current license remains valid for driving until the new one arrives, even though it is technically expired.

Mail renewal if you prefer not to go online

If you do not want to renew online, you can request a renewal form by mail from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Call 573-526-2407 to request the form, or read it from the Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Department receives your form. Like online renewal, you do not need to take a new photo or retake the written test if your license expired five years or less ago. This method works well if you have no urgent need to drive or if you prefer to avoid visiting an office.

In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. You will need to pass a vision test and take the written driving exam again. Bring your current (expired) license, 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 moved since your license was issued, bring two documents showing your new address.

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; many offices are less crowded early in the morning or mid-week. The renewal process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, Missouri treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to pass a vision screening and retake the written driving test, just as you would for a first-time license.

Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to bring your birth certificate or passport if the Department cannot verify your identity through other documents. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Missouri Driver's Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website.

Driving with an expired license in Missouri

Driving with an expired license in Missouri is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal form or started the renewal process online. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license. The penalty is typically a fine, though the exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have other violations.

If you are waiting for your renewed license to arrive by mail, keep a copy of your online renewal confirmation or mail receipt in your vehicle as proof that you have renewed. This does not make it legal to drive, but it may help if you are stopped. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires, or to avoid driving until your new license arrives.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Missouri charges $13.50 for a four-year driver's license or $24 for an eight-year license. Online and mail renewal accept payment by credit card, debit card, or check (for mail only). In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm.

If you renew online or by mail, your payment is processed when ready and your new license is mailed to you. If you renew in person, you pay at the office and receive a temporary paper license right away. There are no additional fees for vision tests or written exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

No. Once your license expires, driving is illegal even if you have submitted a renewal form or started the online process. If you renewed online or by mail, keep your confirmation receipt in your vehicle, but this does not make it legal to drive. Renew before your license expires to avoid this problem.

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

Missouri mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after processing your request. Mail renewal itself takes two to three weeks from the time the Department receives your form. Plan ahead and renew at least three weeks before your license expires.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, not if your license expired five years or less ago. Missouri keeps your existing photo on file. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will receive a new photo taken at the office.

What if I moved since my license was issued?

You can update your address during online or mail renewal without visiting an office. If you renew in person, bring two documents showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. Your new license will show your updated address.

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

Missouri does not typically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you have failed to pay or appear in court. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm whether a hold exists. If there is a hold, you must resolve it before renewing in person.