What You Need to Do to Renew an Expired Missouri License
You can renew an expired Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet other conditions. The in-person route works for any expiration date. Online renewal takes about 10 business days; in-person renewal is usually same-day or within a few days. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a fee, and pass a vision test if you renew in person.
Missouri does not mail renewal notices, so it is your responsibility to track your expiration date. You can find it on the front of your license — it appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or medical holds on your driving record.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office works for any expiration date and takes about 15 minutes, though wait times vary by location.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to renew in person.
- The renewal fee is $13.50 for a four-year license or $27 for an eight-year license; online renewal costs the same but you cannot choose the term length.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take a vision test and may need to retake the written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
Online Renewal Through the Missouri Secretary of State
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online services portal, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and complete the renewal form. You will upload a digital photo (or use the photo already on file), review your information, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. The system will mail your new license to the address on file within 10 business days.
You are may be able to access for online renewal only if all of the following are true: your license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no active suspensions or revocations on your record, you have no medical holds, you are not required to take a vision or written test, and you have not changed your name since your last license was issued. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
Online renewal does not let you choose between a four-year and eight-year license — the system issues a four-year license. If you want an eight-year license, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue Office
Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your documents and fee, and you will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. The office will take a new photo, run your vision test, and process your renewal on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can find the nearest office and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities often have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time, or go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak hours.
When you arrive, bring all required documents in original form (not copies). The office staff will verify them before you pay the fee and take your photo. You do not need an appointment.
Documents and Identification You Must Bring
Bring one document from each of these three categories: a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. All documents must be originals — photocopies are not accepted.
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport, military ID, state ID card, or your expired Missouri driver's license |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return |
| Proof of Missouri Residency | Utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (all dated within the last 60 days) |
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a name change, you cannot renew online and must go in person.
Renewal Fees and License Term Options
A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $13.50. An eight-year license costs $27. You choose the term length when you renew in person; online renewal automatically issues a four-year license. Payment is by cash, check, or card, depending on the office location — call ahead if you want to know which methods your local office accepts.
The fee covers the license itself and the vision test. There is no additional charge for the photo or processing. If you are a Missouri resident over 65 years old, you may be may have access to to a reduced fee — ask the office staff when you arrive.
Vision and Written Tests During Renewal
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you will take a vision test only — no written exam. The vision test is brief and done on-site at the Department of Revenue office. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take a vision test and may be required to retake the written driving test. Whether you must retake the written test depends on how long your license has been expired and your age. Ask the office staff when you arrive, or call the Missouri Department of Revenue ahead of time to confirm what you need to study.
If you need to retake the written test, bring a pen and be prepared to answer questions about Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Revenue website.
What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or in the normal way. You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out why the suspension or revocation was issued and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Suspensions and revocations are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical issues.
Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at the number on their website, or visit an office in person with your license and identification. The staff will tell you what you owe, what documents you need, and whether you must take a test or pay a reinstatement fee before you can renew. Do not wait — the longer a suspension or revocation sits, the harder it becomes to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew online or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal — you complete the form from home and your license is mailed to you.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead. Any of these documents proves your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the Department of Revenue office.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 15 days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes, if you renew in person. The office takes a new photo as part of the renewal process. If you renew online, you can upload a new photo or use the photo already on file from your last license.
What if my address has changed?
Tell the office staff your new address when you renew in person, and they will update it on your new license. If you renew online, update your address in the online form before you submit it. Your new license will be mailed to your new address.