What You Need to Do to Renew in Missouri

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which route you take depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or name has changed. Online renewal is the fastest and costs nothing extra, but it is only open to standard driver's licenses that are not expired by more than five years. If your license is older than that, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew up to one year early. If you let your license expire, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot use the online system.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes, costs nothing, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days if your address has not changed.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if you have a commercial driver's license.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
  • In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and requires a Real ID-compliant document if you want a Real ID license.
  • The renewal fee is $13.50 for a standard license and $26.50 for a Real ID license, and payment must be by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is available only if your standard driver's license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your legal name or address since your last renewal. 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 using these details and then let you review your information on the new license.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $13.50 renewal fee by credit card, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your driving privileges. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail instead.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal works for any standard driver's license, even if it expired more than five years ago, as long as you have not changed your legal name. You will need to send the Missouri Department of Revenue three things: your current license, a completed DL 44 form (the standard renewal process), and payment of $13.50 by check or money order.

read the DL 44 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request one by calling 573-526-2407. Write your name and address on the form exactly as they appear on your current license. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, so if you have moved, you must renew in person instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue Office

Renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your legal name, if you need to update your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The renewal fee is $13.50 for a standard license or $26.50 if you want a Real ID license. Real ID licenses require an additional document that proves your identity and citizenship — a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on the state website or call 573-526-2407 for hours and locations. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

Commercial Driver's License Renewal

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a medical certificate if your CDL requires one. The renewal fee is $13.50 for a standard CDL or $26.50 for a Real ID CDL.

If your CDL has been expired for more than 60 days, you may have to pass a written test and a driving test again, depending on how long it has been expired. Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before you go to find out whether you will need to test. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal the same day.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving on an expired Missouri license is illegal, even if you have already started the renewal process. You can still renew by mail or in person after expiration, but you cannot use the online system. If you are pulled over with an expired license, you can be cited and fined.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the state may require you to pass a written test and an eye exam before issuing a new one. Call 573-526-2407 to ask whether you will need to test. The safest approach is to renew before your license expires — you can do this up to one year early, and your new license will be valid for six years from the date of issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license online if I moved to a new address?

No. Online renewal only works if your address has not changed since your last license was issued. If you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person. In-person renewal is the fastest way to update your address at the same time.

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

Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days for delivery. In-person renewal is processed the same day, but your new license is still mailed to you and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

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

You must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated legal name.

Do I need a Real ID license to renew in Missouri?

No. A standard driver's license is still valid for driving. Real ID is required only if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Real ID renewal costs $26.50 instead of $13.50 and requires proof of citizenship and identity.

What if my license has been expired for more than five years?

You can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. The state may require you to pass a written test and an eye exam. Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before you renew to find out what you will need to bring.