How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew it. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore for a new license in person and take the written test again. Missouri licenses are valid for six years, so you can renew up to six months before expiration.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov is fastest and costs $13.50 for a standard six-year license if you do not need a new photo.
By-mail renewal is free and takes about two weeks, but you cannot change your address or photo and your license must not be expired.
In-person renewal at a Missouri DMV office costs $13.50 and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a valid payment method (online or in person) to renew.
Missouri does not require a Real ID upgrade to renew a standard driver's license, but Real ID licenses cost $24.50 and require proof of citizenship and residency.

Online renewal through the Missouri DMV website

The fastest way to renew is online at dmv.mo.gov. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The fee is $13.50 for a standard six-year license. Missouri will mail your renewed license to the address on file, so if you have moved, you must renew in person or by mail and notify the DMV of your new address at the same time.

By-mail renewal with no office visit

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. Mail your current license and the renewal form (available at dmv.mo.gov or at any DMV office) to the address listed on the form. There is no fee for by-mail renewal.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Because you cannot update your information by mail, this route works only if everything on your license is still correct. If you have moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Missouri DMV office

Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than five years), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid payment method. The fee is $13.50 for a standard six-year license.

You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be printed before you leave. There is no written test required for renewal. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at dmv.mo.gov.

Real ID licenses and what they cost

Missouri Real ID licenses cost $24.50 and require proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document) and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You cannot get a Real ID license by mail or online; you must visit a DMV office in person.

A standard Missouri driver's license is not a Real ID, but it is still valid for driving within the United States. Real ID is required only if you want to use your driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or need federal building access, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID.

What to do if your license is expired by more than five years

If your Missouri driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office. You will need to take the written knowledge test and the driving test, just as you would for a first-time license.

Bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license. The fee for a new license is $13.50 for a standard six-year license or $24.50 for a Real ID license. You can study for the written test using the Missouri DMV's free study guide at dmv.mo.gov.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you are moving, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). For by-mail renewal, include a note with your new address in the envelope with your license and renewal form.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will have a new photo taken and receive your updated license before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I do not have my current license with me?

For online renewal, you will need your license number. If you do not have it, you can call the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 to look it up using your name and date of birth. For in-person renewal, you can renew with an expired license or without your license if you bring other forms of identification like a passport or state ID.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail. By-mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. In-person renewal at a DMV office gives you your new license the same day before you leave.

What if I moved and my license is expired?

You must renew in person at a DMV office because you need to update your address and have a new photo taken. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) and your expired license. The fee is $13.50.

Do I have to take a driving test to renew my license?

No. Renewal requires no written test or driving test as long as your license is not expired by more than five years. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license and take both tests.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

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.