Missouri driver's license renewal: the basic process
Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Missouri Online Services portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Most Missouri drivers renew every six years. Your renewal date appears on the front of your current license. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you have a wide window to complete the process without rushing.
The state charges different fees depending on your age and the type of renewal. A standard six-year renewal for a driver under 70 costs $84.50. If you are 70 or older, the fee is $42.25 for a six-year license. These fees are set by Missouri law and do not vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri offers three renewal methods — online, by mail, or in person — but online and mail options are only available if your license is not expired and you meet specific requirements.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, or if you have a REAL ID-compliant license and want to keep that designation.
- The renewal fee is $84.50 for drivers under 70 and $42.25 for drivers 70 and older, and you will need a valid form of identification and proof of residency.
- Processing times vary: online renewals are typically fastest, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and in-person renewals are completed the same day.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore in person as if obtaining a new license.
Renewing online through Missouri Online Services
The Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo or signature.
To renew online, visit the Missouri Online Services website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The system will verify your information against state records and issue a temporary digital license when ready upon approval. Your physical card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.
Online renewal does not update your address. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new address.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal: no address change, no photo update needed, and your license was not issued as REAL ID-compliant (or you are willing to lose that designation). You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago.
To renew by mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or visit a local office to request a renewal process form. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the Department receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need to change your address, if you want to update your photo, or if you hold a REAL ID-compliant license and want to maintain that status. You must also renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years.
Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Your current Missouri driver's license or state ID card
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form)
- Proof of residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address)
- Payment for the renewal fee (cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted methods vary by location)
If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license and want to keep that designation, bring the same documents plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days.
Walk-ins are accepted at most Missouri Department of Revenue offices, but wait times vary. You can schedule an appointment online through the Missouri Online Services portal to reduce your wait time.
What to do if your license is expired
If your Missouri driver's license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), though in-person renewal is the most straightforward. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person. This means you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, in addition to providing all required documents. Contact your local Missouri Department of Revenue office to schedule a test appointment.
REAL ID renewal and compliance
Missouri REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you hold a REAL ID license and want to renew it with the same designation, you must renew in person and bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with your other documents.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not be REAL ID-compliant. You will still be able to use it for regular driving, but it will not be accepted for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building without additional identification.
If you do not currently have a REAL ID license and want to obtain one during renewal, you must renew in person and bring your birth certificate. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.
Fees, payment methods, and processing times
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | Fee | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 7–10 business days (card mailed) | $84.50 (under 70); $42.25 (70+) | Credit or debit card |
| By mail | 2–3 weeks | $84.50 (under 70); $42.25 (70+) | Check or money order |
| In person | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (permanent card mailed) | $84.50 (under 70); $42.25 (70+) | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card (varies by location) |
The renewal fee does not change based on which method you choose. However, if you renew in person and need a duplicate or replacement card before your renewal is due, there is an additional fee of $11.50.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not attempt to renew online or by mail if your address has changed. The system will reject your process, and you will have wasted time. Renew in person instead and bring proof of your new address.
Do not send cash by mail. The Department does not reimburse lost cash, and a check or money order is safer and traceable.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. While you can renew up to one year early, waiting until after expiration limits your options. If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal card to arrive, you cannot legally drive until the new card reaches you.
Do not assume your temporary paper license is valid for all purposes. It is valid for driving in Missouri, but some businesses and agencies may not accept it as proof of identity. Keep your old license until your new card arrives.
If you are renewing a REAL ID license, do not forget your birth certificate. Without it, you will lose your REAL ID designation, and you will have to renew again in person later to restore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must hold a valid Missouri address to renew a Missouri license. If you have moved to another state, you need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. You can keep your Missouri license until it expires, but you cannot renew it.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You must renew in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. The Department will issue a replacement license with a new number. If your lost license was REAL ID-compliant and you want to maintain that status, bring your birth certificate as well.
How long does a temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request a replacement.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes. Missouri does not suspend renewal for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DWI conviction), you must resolve the suspension before you can renew.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Department will issue a new license with your updated name.