How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license renewal steps and timelines

You can renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs $13.50. In-person renewal at a local office takes about 30 minutes and costs $13.50, but you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your license is valid for six years in Missouri. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your expiration date, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same methods — there is no grace period, but the process is identical. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current license and a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is required if your license is expired by more than five years, if you need a REAL ID, or if you want a temporary license when ready.
A standard Missouri driver's license costs $13.50 to renew; a REAL ID costs $24.50 and requires proof of citizenship and current address.

Online renewal: who can use it and what you need

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is available only if your current license is not expired, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need a REAL ID. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID. If you choose standard, the new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you choose REAL ID, you will be directed to schedule an in-person appointment because REAL ID requires proof of citizenship and current address that cannot be verified online.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes

To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Missouri Driver's License or Permit), which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request by calling 573-526-2407. You will also need to send in your current, unexpired license.

Mail your completed form and current license to the Missouri Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200. Include a check or money order for $13.50 made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash. The state will process your process and mail your new license within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving it.

If your license has expired, you can still mail in your renewal, but keep in mind that you will not have a valid license during the 2 to 3 weeks the state is processing your process. If you need to drive during that time, you should renew in person instead so you can get a temporary license when ready.

In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $13.50 (cash, check, or card). The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, because you will need to retake the written test. It is also the only way to get a REAL ID, which requires proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) in addition to proof of address. A REAL ID costs $24.50 instead of $13.50.

You can find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office and check its hours on the state website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment online. Check before you go.

REAL ID vs. standard license: what the difference costs and requires

A standard Missouri driver's license costs $13.50 to renew and is valid for driving within the state and for some federal purposes. A REAL ID costs $24.50 to renew and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (like a courthouse or military base) starting May 7, 2025. If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.

To get a REAL ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, passport card, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your current address. You cannot renew REAL ID online or by mail. The new REAL ID will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If you already have a REAL ID and are renewing it, you do not need to bring proof of citizenship again — the state has it on file. You only need your current license, proof of address, and payment. You can still renew online or by mail if your name and address have not changed.

What happens if your license is expired or lost

If your license has expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person). There is no grace period in Missouri, but the renewal process is the same. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and will need to retake the written test.

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. A replacement costs $13.50 and requires you to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to bring proof of your identity (a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID) and proof of your current address. You will receive a temporary license when ready and the permanent license in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary license is valid for 30 days. If you need a longer window, renew your license as soon as possible — a renewed license is valid for six years from the renewal date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Missouri, you cannot renew a Missouri license. You must explore for a license in your new state. If you still live in Missouri but moved to a different address, you can renew online only if you update your address in person at a Department of Revenue office first, or you can renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your name changed. Renew by mail or in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The state will issue a new license with your current legal name.

How do I know when my license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Missouri licenses are valid for six years. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start your renewal.

Can I get a temporary license if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal does not give you a temporary license. Only in-person renewal provides a temporary paper license you can use when ready. If you need to drive while your renewal is being processed, renew in person instead of by mail.

What if I need my new license before the standard delivery time?

Renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. You will receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license in 7 to 10 business days. This is the only way to get a license in your hands faster than the mail or online timelines.

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.