How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a license office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is when ready but requires an appointment, which can take weeks to book depending on your location.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and whether your personal information has changed. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. If you need a Real ID for federal travel or building access, you must renew in person and bring specific documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and costs $11.50 if your license is not expired and your information has not changed.
Mail renewal costs $11.50 and takes two to three weeks; you fill out a form, mail it with your current license, and receive your new one by mail.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a Real ID, or if your name or address changed.
Real ID renewal requires a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency — documents you must bring in person.
Missouri licenses are valid for six years for most drivers and eight years for drivers 70 and older.

Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses

You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a Real ID. The process takes about five minutes. 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 fee is $11.50.

After you complete the online renewal, Missouri mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes one to two weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner or if you do not meet the online requirements, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks without leaving home

To renew by mail, read the DL 43 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request one by phone at 573-526-2407. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license to the address shown on the form. Include a check or money order for $11.50 made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash.

Missouri processes mail renewals in the order received. Your new license arrives by mail two to three weeks after they receive your process. Your old license is returned with your new one. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a name change, or if you need a Real ID.

In-person renewal: required for Real ID and expired licenses

You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a Real ID, if your name changed, or if your address changed. In-person renewal is also your only option if you want to change your photo or correct information on your license.

To renew in person, you need your current license and payment ($11.50 for a standard license, $24.50 for a Real ID). You must schedule an appointment through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by calling 573-526-2407. Wait times for appointments vary by location; some offices have openings within days, while others may have a several-week wait. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Real ID renewal: documents you must bring

A Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in May 2025. If you need a Real ID when you renew, you must go in person and bring original documents or certified copies. Missouri requires three things: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency.

For proof of identity, bring your current driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Missouri address. A Real ID costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years (or six years if you are under 70).

License expiration dates and renewal windows in Missouri

Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday. Standard licenses are valid for six years; licenses for drivers 70 and older are valid for eight years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if it expired less than five years ago. If it expired five years ago or longer, you must renew in person.

Missouri does not send renewal reminders by mail. Check your license to see your expiration date, or log into your Missouri Department of Revenue account online to view it. If you are unsure when your license expires, call 573-526-2407.

What to do if your name or address changed

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is $11.50 for a standard license or $24.50 for a Real ID.

If only your address changed and your name stayed the same, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID. Update your address when you renew. If you moved and your license is expired, you must renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but the method depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired five years ago or longer, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office and may need to retake the written test.

How long does it take to get an appointment at a Missouri Department of Revenue office?

Wait times vary by location and time of year. Some offices have appointments available within a few days; others have waits of several weeks. Schedule your appointment as soon as you know you need to renew in person. You can book online or by calling 573-526-2407.

What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed by mail or online and your new license has not arrived yet, you can request a duplicate at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your old license or a form of ID. A duplicate costs $11.50 and is issued on the spot.

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

No. A standard driver's license is still valid for most purposes. You only need a Real ID if you plan to use your license for federal building access or domestic air travel. Real ID became required for air travel in May 2025, but you can still use a passport instead.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

Yes, as long as your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID. You can update your address during the online renewal process. If your license is expired or you need a Real ID, you must renew in person.

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.