What You Need to Do to Renew in Missouri
Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you go in person; mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks.
Your current Missouri driver's license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you have three paths forward, each with different requirements and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri offers online renewal for licenses expired five years or less, and you can complete it from home without visiting an office.
- Mail renewal is available for the same expiration window and takes 2 to 3 weeks; you will need to mail in your current license and a check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must bring a valid ID and proof of residency.
- The renewal fee in Missouri is $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.
Online Renewal Through Missouri's Portal
Missouri's online renewal system is the fastest option if your license expired five years or less ago and you have not changed your name, address, or other critical information since your last renewal. You access the system through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You confirm your personal information, choose your license term (four or eight years), pay the fee, and submit. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address, you can do so during the online renewal, and the new address will appear on your renewed license.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have outstanding traffic violations or child support issues. The system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
Mail renewal works for licenses expired five years or less and requires you to mail in your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment. The form you need is Form DL 43, which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request by phone at 573-526-2407.
Mail your materials to:
Missouri Department of Revenue Driver License Bureau P.O. Box 200 Jefferson City, MO 65105
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years). Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. If you need your license sooner, use online renewal or go in person.
If you are changing your address, write your new address clearly on Form DL 43 or include a separate note. Your renewed license will be mailed to the new address you provide.
In-Person Renewal at a Department of Revenue Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you want your new license when ready. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Find your nearest 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.
Bring the following documents:
- Your current Missouri driver's license (or expired license if you still have it).
- Proof of residency dated within 90 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
- A valid form of identification if your license is expired more than five years: a passport, military ID, or state ID card.
- Payment: $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license, in cash, check, or card (accepted at most offices).
At the office, you will have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the fee. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take a vision screening and may be asked to retake the written knowledge test. Your new license is printed on site or mailed within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Missouri driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to bring a valid ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card) in addition to your expired license and proof of residency.
You will be required to pass a vision screening at the office. You may also be asked to retake the written knowledge test, though this is not automatic. Ask the staff member when you arrive whether you need to study the Missouri Driver Guide beforehand. If you fail the vision screening, you can request a corrective lens restriction on your new license (for example, "corrective lenses required").
The renewal fee is the same ($11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years), and your new license will be ready within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees, License Terms, and Payment Methods
Missouri charges $11.50 for a four-year driver's license and $23 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year license costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. Most people choose based on how long they plan to stay in Missouri or how often they want to update their photo.
Payment methods depend on how you renew:
| Renewal Method | Payment Methods Accepted |
|---|---|
| Online | Debit card or credit card |
| Check or money order (no cash) | |
| In person | Cash, check, or card (varies by office) |
If you are renewing by mail and sending a check, make it payable to "Missouri Department of Revenue." If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the office will contact you and your renewal will be delayed.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not checking whether your license is expired more than five years before attempting online or mail renewal. If it is, you will be rejected and have to start over with an in-person visit. Check your license expiration date before you begin.
A second mistake is sending cash in the mail. The Department of Revenue will not accept it, and your envelope may be returned or your payment lost. Use a check or money order only.
A third mistake is not including proof of residency when renewing in person. Without it, the office cannot process your renewal, even if you have your license and payment. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
If you are changing your address, make sure the office has it in writing before you leave. If you renew online or by mail and forget to update your address, your new license will be mailed to your old address, and you will have to request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support order?
No. Missouri will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic fines, an active child support order, or a suspended license. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court that issued the ticket or the child support enforcement office to find out what you owe and how to pay it. Once resolved, you can renew.
What if I lost my current license and cannot mail it in?
If you lost your license, you cannot use mail renewal. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your proof of residency and a valid ID (passport or military ID). The office will issue you a replacement license and charge the standard renewal fee.
How long can I drive on an expired Missouri license?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Once your license expires, you must renew it before driving. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, even if you have applied for renewal.
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew by mail or online with a name change.
What if my new license arrives with an error on it?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue when ready at 573-526-2407. If the error is the office's mistake (wrong address, misspelled name), they will issue a corrected license at no charge. If you provided incorrect information, you may be charged a replacement fee.