The Basic Path to Renewing Your Missouri License
You can renew your Missouri driver's license in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State's website — but not all three options work for everyone. 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 or by mail if their license hasn't expired yet and they don't need a new photo. If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The in-person route also lets you handle address changes and other updates on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State's website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the Department of Revenue.
- In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you want to update your photo.
- Missouri licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without losing time on your new license.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license, and proof of Missouri residency for any renewal method.
Renewing Online: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State's website takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in roughly one to two weeks. You can renew online if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and you do not want a new photo.
To renew online, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's driver license services page, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee. Missouri accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Once you complete the transaction, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than 30 days. If you fall into that category, use the mail or in-person option instead.
Renewing by Mail: When You Have Time
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. read or request the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Missouri Department of Revenue website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
The Department of Revenue processes mail applications in the order they arrive. Turnaround time is typically two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — the Department of Revenue does not accept credit cards by mail. Keep a copy of your process and proof of mailing in case you need to follow up.
If your address has changed, write the new address clearly on the process form. If your name has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew by mail and must go in person with legal documentation of the name change.
Renewing in Person at a Department of Revenue Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you have had a name change. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address and cannot do so online or by mail first.
Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than five years), proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's office locator to find the nearest driver license office and check their hours. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check the website to confirm. Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Understanding Missouri License Expiration and Renewal Timing
Your Missouri driver's license expires on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires without losing any time on your new license — the new expiration date will still be your birthday, four or eight years from the renewal date depending on your age and license type.
If you renew after your license has expired, you can still renew using the standard process, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If your license has been expired for more than five years, the Department of Revenue may require you to pass a vision test or written exam in addition to the standard renewal process. Call your local office to confirm what you will need.
Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods
Missouri renewal fees vary based on your age and the type of license you hold. A standard driver's license renewal typically costs between $20 and $30, though the exact amount depends on whether you are renewing a regular license or a commercial driver's license (CDL). Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for the current fee before you submit your process.
Standard Missouri driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age at renewal. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years. If you are 21 or older, you can choose a four-year or eight-year license; the eight-year option costs more but means you renew less often. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods and renewal requirements.
What to Do If Your License Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go in person to a Missouri Department of Revenue office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and Missouri residency, just as you would for an in-person renewal.
A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is valid for the same period as your original license would have been. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I have moved out of state?
No. Missouri only renews licenses for people who live in Missouri. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can keep your Missouri license as a form of ID, but you cannot renew it.
What happens if I renew online but my address changed?
If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Department of Revenue. If that address is no longer correct, contact the Department of Revenue before you renew to update it, or renew by mail or in person so you can provide your new address at the same time.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
It depends on the office. Some Missouri Department of Revenue driver license offices accept walk-ins during regular hours, while others require appointments. Check the office locator on the Department of Revenue website or call ahead to confirm the policy at your nearest location.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals typically take one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The Department of Revenue may require you to pass a vision test or written exam in addition to the standard renewal process. Call your local office before you go to confirm what documents and tests you will need.