What you need to know about Missouri driver license renewal

Missouri lets you renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Office — and which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is Real ID compliant. If your license expires soon, online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. If you need a Real ID license or your current one is damaged, you'll have to go in person.

Your Missouri driver license is valid for six years from the date you receive it. The state sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for it — you can start the process whenever you're ready after your license is within six months of expiring.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri offers online renewal for standard licenses that are not damaged and expire more than 60 days away, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not damaged and you don't need a Real ID, though mail processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if you need a Real ID license, your license is damaged, or you want to update your photo.
  • You'll need your current Missouri driver license number, a valid email address, and a payment method for online or mail renewal.
  • Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship and residency, which you must bring in person.

Online renewal: the fastest route

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is available if your license is not damaged, you have a valid email address, and your license does not expire within the next 60 days. You'll need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll answer questions about your current address and driving record, review your information, pay the fee, and receive a confirmation email. Your renewed license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than six months. If any of those explore, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver License Office.

Mail renewal: when you have time to wait

You can renew by mail if your license is not damaged, you don't need a Real ID license, and your license does not expire within the next 60 days. You'll use the renewal notice that Missouri sends you in the mail, or you can request a renewal form from the Department of Revenue website.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. You can drive on your current license while you wait.

Mail renewal is simpler than in-person renewal because you don't have to take time off work or find a Driver License Office near you. However, it takes longer than online renewal, so don't wait until your license is about to expire.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if you need a Real ID license, your current license is damaged or illegible, you want to update your photo, or your license has been suspended or revoked. You'll also need to go in person if you want to change your name, address, or other information beyond what online or mail renewal allows.

Bring your current Missouri driver license, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing a Real ID license, bring the same documents — Real ID requires proof of both citizenship and residency.

You can find your nearest Driver License Office and check wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new license on the spot if you're renewing a standard license. Real ID licenses are mailed to you after processing.

Real ID licenses: what's different and why it matters

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in 2025, you'll need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — a standard Missouri driver license will no longer be accepted for those purposes. If you don't fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving and other everyday uses.

Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses — the difference varies depending on how long your license is valid for, but expect to pay $5 to $10 more. You must renew a Real ID license in person because the Department of Revenue needs to see original proof of citizenship and residency. You cannot renew a Real ID license online or by mail.

If your current license is a standard license and you want to switch to Real ID, you'll need to go in person and bring proof of citizenship and residency. You can also keep your standard license and get a Real ID passport card from the federal government if you need it for travel.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired Missouri driver license is illegal, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show a renewal confirmation email or receipt as proof that you've applied, but it's not a legal substitute for a valid license.

If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you can still drive if you have a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mail renewal. However, it's safer to renew early so your new license arrives before the old one expires. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew online or by mail — you'll have to go in person.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Missouri driver license renewal fees depend on the type of license and how long it's valid for. Standard licenses cost less than Real ID licenses. The exact fee is listed on the Department of Revenue website and on the renewal notice you receive in the mail.

For online renewal, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. For mail renewal, you'll send a check or money order. For in-person renewal, most Driver License Offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver license if I've moved out of state?

No. Missouri only renews licenses for people who live in Missouri. If you've moved to another state, you'll need to get a driver license from your new state. You can surrender your Missouri license to that state's licensing agency, or you can keep it as a form of identification.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

You'll need to replace your license before you can renew it. Go in person to a Driver License Office with proof of citizenship and residency, and you'll receive a replacement license on the spot. You can renew at the same time if your license is close to expiring.

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

Online renewal takes seven to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your process. In-person renewal for a standard license is when ready — you get it the same day. Real ID licenses ordered in person are mailed to you and take seven to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You'll need to go in person to a Driver License Office, and you may need to pay reinstatement fees or complete other requirements before you can renew. Contact the Department of Revenue to find out what you need to do.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Missouri driver license?

Not unless you want to. Online and mail renewal use your current photo. If you want a new photo, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver License Office. Some people renew in person just to update their photo, even if they could renew online.