Renewing your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a Driver License Office if you need to renew in person. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but only works if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. If you do not meet those conditions, you will need to visit a Driver License Office or use the mail option.
Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes effect when ready once you pay the fee, though your physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired less than five years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- The online process costs the same as in-person renewal and takes minutes, with your new card arriving by mail within seven to ten business days.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires you to submit a paper process, a check or money order, and a copy of your current license.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office gives you a temporary license on the spot and costs the same as other methods.
- Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
To renew online, go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details on file.
Online renewal costs $115 for a six-year license. Once you complete the transaction and your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your temporary driving privileges remain valid when ready, and your physical card will arrive at the address on file within seven to ten business days. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in.
The online system will tell you right away if you are not may be able to access — for example, if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have medical conditions on your record that require in-person verification, or if your address has changed. If you see an ineligibility message, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mail renewal with paper forms and a check
To renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request one by phone at 573-526-2407. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, address, and any changes to your name or medical information. Include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), a check or money order for $115 made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and mail the packet to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your process. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so you will not know the exact status until your new card arrives. If you need your license sooner, call 573-526-2407 to confirm receipt, but be prepared for wait times during busy periods.
Mail renewal works for anyone whose license is expired or expiring soon, regardless of medical conditions or address changes. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, the Department of Revenue may ask you to come in person to verify your identity before processing your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Driver License Office
Visit any Driver License Office in Missouri with 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 90 days). Bring a check or credit card for the $115 renewal fee. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent card will be mailed to your address within seven to ten business days. In-person renewal is the best option if you need to make address changes, update medical information, or correct errors on your current license.
To find the Driver License Office nearest you, use the office locator on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead to ask about current traffic can help you plan your visit.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a new license for the first time. This means you will need to visit a Driver License Office in person, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test.
The reapplication process takes longer than renewal and costs more. You will receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is processed. If your license has been expired for a long time and you are unsure of the exact expiration date, call 573-526-2407 to check your record before you go to the office.
Medical conditions and restrictions on your license
If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or automatic transmission only — you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver License Office so staff can verify that your medical condition has not changed and that any restrictions still explore. Bring documentation from your doctor if your condition has improved or if you have had corrective surgery.
If you have a new medical condition that should result in a restriction, tell the staff member during your in-person renewal. They will note it on your new license. If you develop a medical condition between renewals, you are required by law to report it to the Department of Revenue — you can do this by phone at 573-526-2407 or by visiting an office in person.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online — you must use the mail method or renew in person. When you renew by mail, include a copy of proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your process. When you renew in person, bring the same proof and the staff member will update your record before processing your renewal.
If you need to change your name on your license — due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The name change will be processed at the same time as your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire six years from the date you renew, not six years from your old expiration date. This means if you renew one year early, your new license will expire five years after your old one would have.
What do I do if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Office in person with proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The staff will issue a replacement license on the spot. There is a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee — call 573-526-2407 to confirm the current amount.
How long is a Missouri driver's license valid?
Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can check your expiration date online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by calling 573-526-2407.
What if I moved out of state — can I still renew my Missouri license?
You can renew by mail from out of state if your license has not been expired for more than five years and you have no medical restrictions. If you have moved permanently and plan to get a license in your new state, you should do that instead of renewing your Missouri license. If you are temporarily out of state, mail renewal is your best option.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Missouri?
Missouri offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID compliant licenses. A Real ID license costs more and requires additional proof of identity and citizenship, but it is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025. When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you renew online or by mail without specifying Real ID, you will receive a standard license.