How to renew your Missouri driver license

You can renew your Missouri driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew by mail or online and receive their new license within two to three weeks.

Missouri licenses expire on your birthday, four years after you received them. You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to choose the easiest route for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri driver licenses expire on your birthday every four years, and you can begin renewal up to one year in advance.
  • Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your address has not changed and your license is not expired.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Department of Revenue; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a local office is necessary if your license is already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
  • You will need either a Real ID-compliant document or a standard Missouri license when you renew, depending on your needs for federal identification.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, your address has not changed, and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and look for the driver license renewal section. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. After you complete the online form and payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or personal information. You will need to complete Form DL 44, which you can read from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request by phone. Include your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your materials. If you want to track your renewal, keep a copy of your form and note the date you mailed it. You can call the Department of Revenue to confirm they received your process.

Renewing in person at a Missouri office

Visit a local Missouri Department of Revenue office if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you prefer to complete the renewal face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card.

Processing at the office is usually faster than by mail or online. In many cases, you will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. Wait times at offices vary by location and time of day, so consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday if possible.

Real ID versus standard Missouri license

When you renew, you can choose between a standard Missouri driver license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license meets federal requirements and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it for driving and state identification.

If you want a Real ID license, you will need to provide additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address. The Real ID renewal fee is slightly higher than the standard renewal fee. You can renew for a standard license online or by mail; Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a Missouri office.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard four-year Missouri driver license is $13.50. A Real ID license costs $24.50 for four years. These fees cover the cost of producing and mailing your new license. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, mail renewal accepts checks or money orders, and in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and debit cards.

If you renew online or by mail, the fee is non-refundable once your process is processed. If you renew in person and change your mind before your process is submitted, you can ask about a refund at that time.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and road test again, even if you have been driving for many years. If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above.

If your license expired recently but you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. This permit is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while your renewal is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Missouri, you must surrender your Missouri license and obtain a license from your new state. Contact the Department of Revenue in your current state to begin that process. If you moved temporarily but still consider Missouri your home state, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to discuss your options.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a Missouri office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The office will update your address in the system before processing your renewal.

How long does it take to receive my license after renewing by mail?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your materials. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a local office instead—you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within one to two weeks.

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

No. A standard Missouri driver license is sufficient for driving and state identification. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to use your license for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You can continue using a standard license for all driving purposes.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For mail renewal, yes—someone can mail your process on your behalf. For online renewal, only you can complete the process using your personal information. For in-person renewal, you must appear at the office yourself with the required documents.