How to renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If you may have access to, the online renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs $13.50. If you don't may have access to for online renewal, you can renew by mail or visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person.
Your license is valid for six years from the date of renewal. Missouri does not require you to pass a written test or vision test when you renew, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have a medical condition flagged in the system.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Missouri's website costs $13.50, takes 15 minutes, and works only if your license expired less than five years ago and has no medical holds.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- In-person renewal at a local Department of Revenue office takes about 30 minutes and is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years.
- You will receive your new physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Missouri does not require a vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.mo.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $13.50 fee. The system will verify your information against state records in real time.
After you submit your renewal online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If the system rejects your renewal request, you will see the reason on screen — usually because your license is too old, you have a medical suspension, or your Social Security number does not match state records.
Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes
To renew by mail, read form DL 44 from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or request it by phone at 573-526-2407. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $13.50 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your packet. You can continue to drive with your current license during this time. Your new license will be mailed to you separately once it is processed. If you need your renewal faster, mail renewal is not the right choice — use in-person renewal instead.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office
Visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your current driver's license and payment of $13.50 in cash, check, or card. You do not need an appointment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if the number on your license is not current.
Processing takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a medical suspension, or if you need to update your address or name.
To find the office nearest you, use the Department of Revenue's office locator on dor.mo.gov or call 573-526-2407. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter lines.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Missouri driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Missouri traffic laws and road signs. The office will administer both tests on the spot.
Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and payment of $13.50. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Updating your address, name, or other information during renewal
If you are renewing in person, you can update your address, name, or other information at the same time. Bring proof of your new address if you are moving — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Online and mail renewal do not allow you to change your address or name. If you need to update either one, you must renew in person or visit an office separately to make the change. Address changes can be made online through the Department of Revenue website if you are not renewing at the same time.
Cost, payment methods, and what your renewal fee covers
Missouri charges $13.50 to renew a standard driver's license for six years. This is a flat fee regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards.
The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. It does not include any additional charges for address changes, name changes, or vision tests. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may owe additional reinstatement fees — contact the Department of Revenue to confirm your balance before you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for six years from the renewal date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Missouri license?
You cannot renew a Missouri license if you no longer live in Missouri. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Missouri resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as you have a valid Missouri address on file.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license in Missouri?
Missouri offers both standard licenses and Real ID compliant licenses. A Real ID license costs $13.50 and requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Standard licenses do not require citizenship proof. You must renew in person to get a Real ID license.
How do I know if my license is may be able to access for online renewal?
The Missouri Department of Revenue website will tell you when ready when you start the online renewal process. If you are not may be able to access, the system will display the reason — usually because your license is too old, you have a medical suspension, or your information does not match state records. You can then choose mail or in-person renewal instead.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license to send in or reference. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID) and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement license and handle the renewal in one visit.