How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in Missouri

Missouri offers three renewal routes: online through the Missouri Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, and you have a valid email address. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew by mail or in person.

Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before expiration. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Missouri Secretary of State website is the fastest and cheapest option if your address has not changed and your license is not yet expired.
The online renewal fee is $11.50; mail renewal costs $13.50; in-person renewal costs $13.50 plus a $5 processing fee at some locations.
You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address to renew online.
If you have changed your address, your license is expired, or you want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person or by mail with original documents.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Go to the Missouri Secretary of State website and select "Renew Your Driver License" under the Driver License section. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.

Review your name, address, and date of birth on the screen. If any information is incorrect, you cannot complete the online renewal—stop and renew by mail or in person instead. If everything matches, you can proceed. You will be asked whether you want to renew with the same restrictions and endorsements (such as corrective lenses or commercial driving privileges). If you want to change these, you must renew in person.

Pay the $11.50 fee by debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, and you can continue driving your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: When Your Address Changed

If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use online renewal. Instead, mail your current license and a completed DL 44 form (process for Missouri Driver License) to the address listed on the form. You can read the DL 44 from the Missouri Secretary of State website or request it by phone at 573-526-2407.

Include a check or money order for $13.50 payable to "Missouri Department of Revenue." Do not send cash. Mail everything to the address on the form; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license (one marked with a gold star), you must also include a certified copy of your birth certificate, a proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and a proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). Without these documents, the office will issue a standard license instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

Visit any Missouri Driver License Office with your current license and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, also bring a certified birth certificate and a proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

The fee is $13.50 plus a $5 processing fee at some locations, for a total of $18.50. Pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot if you are not changing restrictions or endorsements. If you are adding or removing restrictions (such as corrective lenses), the office may mail the license instead, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at Driver License Offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in St. Louis and Kansas City tend to be busier. You can check current wait times on the Missouri Secretary of State website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's policy before visiting.

REAL ID Compliance and When You Need It

A REAL ID-compliant Missouri driver's license is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star, you can renew it as a REAL ID license by renewing in person or by mail and providing the required documents: a certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

If you renew online or by mail without these documents, Missouri will issue a standard (non-REAL ID) license. You can still drive with a standard license; you just cannot use it for federal purposes. If you want to upgrade to REAL ID later, you will need to renew again in person or by mail with the required documents.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Office with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. You will take a new written test, vision test, and photo. The fee is $13.50 plus the $5 processing fee.

If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), as long as you meet the other requirements for that method. For example, if your license expired six months ago but your address has not changed, you can renew online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is trying to renew online when your address has changed. The online system will reject your renewal if the address on file does not match your current address. Check your address before you start the online process. If it is wrong, stop and renew by mail or in person instead.

Another mistake is not including the required documents when renewing by mail. If you are renewing a REAL ID license by mail, you must include a certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable—it must be certified. If you send a photocopy, the office will reject your process and return it to you, which delays your renewal by weeks.

Do not send cash by mail. The post office does not insure cash, and if it is lost, you have no proof of payment. Send a check or money order instead. Also, do not mail your license to the wrong address. The DL 44 form lists the correct mailing address; use that address only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must have a Missouri address on file to hold a Missouri driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license in your new state instead. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Missouri resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as your Missouri address is current on your license.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

You cannot change your name during online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver License Office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my new one?

You can drive on your current license until it expires, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, contact the Missouri Secretary of State at 573-526-2407 to check the status.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?

No. When you renew online, Missouri uses your photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew a license you no longer have. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. The fee is $13.50 plus the $5 processing fee. You will receive a new license on the spot.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.