The Basic Process for Missouri License Renewal
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 how much time you have before your license expires and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address on the license itself.
Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, which tells you your renewal important date and provides instructions for each method. You do not have to wait for this notice to start the process — you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online renewal through the Department of Revenue website if your license is current and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and costs the same as online renewal, but you must mail in your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- The renewal fee in Missouri is $24 for a six-year license, and you will need proof of identity and residency if you renew in person.
Renewing Online Through the Missouri Website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no mail or office visit. Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.mo.gov and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, if you do not need a new photo, and if your address and name are correct on your current license. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. Once you complete the online process and pay the $24 fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within seven to ten business days.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. Request a renewal process form from the Missouri Department of Revenue by calling 573-526-2407, or read the form from dmv.mo.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form.
The Missouri Department of Revenue processes mail applications in the order they are received. Your new license should arrive within two to three weeks of the department receiving your process, though processing times may be longer during busy periods. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster — you can receive a temporary license the same day you visit an office.
Renewing in Person at a Missouri Office
Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you on dmv.mo.gov by entering your city or ZIP code. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within seven to ten business days. The renewal fee is $24, and most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning or on a weekday often means a shorter wait.
What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years
If your Missouri driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to pass the written test and the road test again, just as you did when you first received your license. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office to start the reapplication process. The staff can tell you what documents you need and schedule your written test. Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test. The total cost for a new license is higher than a renewal fee and varies depending on the type of license you need.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you are moving to a new address in Missouri, you can update your address during the renewal process. Online renewal allows you to change your address if it is a Missouri address. If you are moving out of state or need to change your name, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
When renewing in person with a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your license with the new name and address at the same time. If you are moving out of state, your new license will reflect your new address, and you will need to follow that state's rules for getting a driver's license there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. Online and mail renewal both require a Missouri address on file. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office before you leave, or you will need to reapply for a license in your new state. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to ask about your specific situation.
What happens if I let my license expire?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods. If it expired more than five years ago, you must reapply and pass the written and road tests again. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
After you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives within seven to ten business days. Mail renewal may take longer if the department is processing a high volume of applications. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives within seven to ten business days.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or court fine?
Missouri does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether a hold exists. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve it before you can renew your license.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person and bring proof of identity and residency. The office will issue you a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.