How Missouri Driver's License Renewal Works

In Missouri, you renew your driver's license through the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office, though some situations require an in-person visit. Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself — you cannot renew early or late.

Standard Missouri licenses are valid for six years. If you are over 70, your license is valid for three years. Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) are valid for four years. You will receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but do not wait for it — you can start the process as soon as the 180-day window opens.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at dmv.mo.gov or by mail starting 180 days before your license expires, and you must complete renewal by the expiration date.
  • Online renewal costs $11.50 and takes about 10 minutes; mail renewal costs $11.50 and takes two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time.
  • You must visit a Missouri license office in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a CDL.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
  • Missouri does not require a new photo or vision test for standard license renewals unless your license is expired or you are over 70.

Renewing Online Through the Missouri DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option and available at dmv.mo.gov. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and the fee is $11.50.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you are not renewing a CDL. If any of these explore to you, you must use mail renewal or visit an office. After you complete the online transaction, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal takes longer but works if you cannot renew online. Request a renewal form by calling the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407, or read the form from dmv.mo.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $11.50 to the address listed on the form.

Processing time for mail renewal is two to three weeks, plus the time for your new license to arrive by mail. Plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you need your license before the new one arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a local license office.

When You Must Visit a License Office in Person

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you are renewing a CDL. You also must visit in person if you are over 70 and renewing for the first time after turning 70 — you will need a new vision test and photo.

Find your nearest Missouri license office at dmv.mo.gov or call 573-526-2407 to make an appointment. Most offices now require appointments, and wait times vary by location. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring your current Missouri driver's license to any in-person renewal. You will also need one document proving your Social Security number — your actual Social Security card is the easiest, but a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form works too.

For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your name yet, bring a lease or utility bill in your name plus a piece of mail from a government agency showing your new address.

Fees and Payment Methods

Standard driver's license renewal costs $11.50 in Missouri, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. CDL renewal costs $31.50. Payment methods depend on how you renew: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards; mail renewal accepts checks or money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, you may face additional fees or requirements. Contact the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 to find out what applies to your situation.

What Happens After You Renew

After online or mail renewal, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online or two to three weeks for mail, plus delivery time. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can use it while you wait for the new one.

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired. You must visit a Missouri license office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office staff will tell you if any additional requirements explore based on how long it has been expired.

Do I need a new photo and vision test when I renew?

Not for a standard renewal if your license is not expired. You will get a new photo and take a vision test only if you are over 70 and renewing for the first time after turning 70, or if your license is expired. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license.

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

You must visit a license office in person to change your name or address. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (utility bill or lease), plus proof of Social Security number and the other required documents.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for mailing. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mailing time. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my CDL by mail or online?

No, CDL renewal must be done in person at a Missouri license office. You will need to pass a vision test and medical examination. Call 573-526-2407 or visit dmv.mo.gov to schedule an appointment.