How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

The Basic Steps to Renew in Missouri

You can renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.

Most people renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can do this only if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a local office in person. Each route has different requirements and timelines, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

• Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is current and you have not renewed online recently.
• You need your current Missouri driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
• If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
• Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the state.
• Your new license is valid for six years from the date of issue, and Missouri sends you a reminder notice about 60 days before expiration.

Renewing Online: The Fastest Route

Online renewal is available through the Missouri Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

You are may be able to access to renew online if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If any of these do not explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail sections below.

The process takes about 15 minutes. You will enter your license number and Social Security number to verify your identity, review your current information, pay the fee (which varies but is typically less than $30), and submit. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a Missouri Department of Revenue Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you want to change your name or other information on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you are ineligible for online renewal because you renewed online within the past two years.

Bring your current Missouri driver's 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, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If your address has changed, bring documents showing both your old and new addresses.

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines. You will pay the renewal fee at the office, take a new photo, and receive your renewed license on the spot. The license is valid when ready.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo or address change. You will need to complete Form DL 43 (process for Missouri Driver's License or Permit), which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request by phone at 573-526-2407.

Mail your completed form, your current driver's license, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash; include a check or money order. The state will process your process and mail your new license to you, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and requires you to part with your current license for several weeks, so most people choose online or in-person renewal instead. Use mail renewal only if you cannot access the online system or do not have time to visit an office.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it using the same process as a current license — online, by mail, or in person. The fee is the same.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit to a Missouri Department of Revenue office, a written test, and a road test. Contact your local office or call 573-526-2407 to learn what documents you will need to bring.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

Missouri driver's license renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how you renew. Online renewal is typically the least expensive option. In-person renewal at an office costs slightly more. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. The exact fee is shown before you complete your online transaction or when you visit an office.

Your renewed license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. Missouri will mail you a reminder notice about 60 days before your license expires, so you have time to plan your renewal. If you miss the reminder, you can check your expiration date on your current license or on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Missouri address to renew a Missouri license. If you have moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for information about obtaining a license there.

What if I lost my current license and cannot renew online?

You will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue you a replacement license and can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

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

Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Missouri Department of Revenue receives your process. Online renewal is faster — your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is fastest; you receive your new license when ready when you visit the office.

Can I renew my license online if my address changed?

No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring proof of both your old and new addresses. The office will update your address and issue your renewed license on the spot.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will update your name and issue your renewed license when ready.