Missouri driver's license renewal basics

Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people under 70 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your Missouri license is valid for six years if you are under 70, or three years if you are 70 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. The state will mail your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval if you renew online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri residents under 70 can renew online at dmv.mo.gov or by mail without visiting an office, as long as their license has not been expired for more than five years.
  • Online renewal costs $10.50 and takes about 10 minutes; by-mail renewal costs $10 and requires mailing a form and payment to Jefferson City.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to rush when you receive your renewal notice.
  • If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or have a suspended or revoked license, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website

To renew online, go to dmv.mo.gov and select the renewal option. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $10.50. You must be under 70 years old, and your license cannot have been expired for more than five years.

The online system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you can complete the renewal in one sitting. Missouri will send your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If you need to update your address, add a Real ID star, or make other changes to your license, the online system will tell you that you must visit an office in person. Do not ignore this message — attempting to force through an online renewal when you need changes can delay your license.

By-mail renewal

You can renew by mail if you are under 70 and your license has not been expired for more than five years. Request a renewal form by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407, or read the form from dmv.mo.gov. The form is DL 44.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $10 payable to "Missouri Department of Revenue," and mail everything to: Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date Missouri receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that.

By-mail renewal is slower than online renewal, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay by card. Keep a copy of your form and note the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

You must renew in person if you are 70 or older, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to add a Real ID star, if you need to change your address, or if your license is suspended or revoked. Find your nearest office at dmv.mo.gov or call 573-526-2407 to confirm hours.

Bring your current Missouri driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are adding a Real ID star, you will also need to bring a birth certificate or passport and a second form of ID.

The fee for in-person renewal is $10. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check dmv.mo.gov to see whether your local office takes appointments and whether you need to book ahead. Wait times vary by location and time of day.

Real ID endorsement and what it means for your renewal

Missouri driver's licenses can have a Real ID star — a small star in the upper right corner of your license. A Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it during renewal, you must renew in person.

To add the Real ID star, bring your birth certificate or passport, a second form of ID (such as a Social Security card or insurance card), and proof of your current address. The fee is the same — $10 — but the in-person visit is required. If you do not need the Real ID star, you can continue to renew online or by mail.

If you are flying domestically or entering a federal building before your renewal is due, you can add the Real ID star to your current license at any Missouri Department of Revenue office without renewing the full license. This costs $5 and takes about 15 minutes.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Missouri driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocation is more serious and usually results from repeated violations or a DWI conviction. The steps to restore your license depend on the reason, and some require payment, court action, or completion of a program.

Call 573-526-2407 or visit dmv.mo.gov to find out the status of your license before you go to an office. Knowing the reason ahead of time will help you bring the right documents and understand what you need to do next.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Missouri driver's license renewal costs $10 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal has an additional $0.50 processing fee, making the total $10.50. There are no other fees unless you are adding a Real ID star (which costs $5 extra) or need to replace a lost or damaged license.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "Missouri Department of Revenue."

If your payment is declined or lost in the mail, Missouri will contact you. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check bounces, the Missouri Department of Revenue will return your process and you will need to resubmit with a valid payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if it has been expired for more than a year?

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. If it has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew online or by mail. Bring your current (expired) license and the documents listed above.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Missouri mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery by mail usually takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for about two weeks total. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can visit an office in person and receive a temporary license the same day.

Do I need to renew my license in person if I moved to a new address?

Yes. If you have moved and need to update your address on your license, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You cannot update your address online or by mail.

What happens if I renew online but then realize I need to add a Real ID star?

You can add the Real ID star to your new license after it arrives by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office. It costs $5 and takes about 15 minutes. You do not have to wait for your renewal to be complete — you can add the star to your current license right now if you need it for travel or federal building access.

Can I renew my Missouri license if I have an SR22 on file?

Yes. An SR22 is an insurance filing and does not prevent you from renewing your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person as usual. Make sure your SR22 remains active with your insurance company throughout the renewal process — if it lapses, your license could be suspended even after you renew.