How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license renewal steps and timelines

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you meet the requirements — but not everyone is may be able to access.

Your license is valid for six years from the date of issue. Missouri sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

Missouri offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need a Real ID, and the process takes minutes.
You can renew by mail or in person if you prefer, though in-person renewal at a Driver License Office takes longer due to wait times.
Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal and proof of citizenship and residency, such as a birth certificate and utility bill.
Expired licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail; you must visit a Driver License Office in person and may need to retake tests.
Missouri charges different fees for standard licenses and Real ID licenses, and fees vary slightly depending on how many years you renew for.

Online renewal: who is may be able to access and what you need

You can renew online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if your license is still valid, you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID. The process takes about five minutes. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card).

Online renewal produces a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Missouri will mail your permanent plastic license within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on the temporary license while you wait.

If you have changed your address since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.

Mail renewal: what to send and how long it takes

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form that came with your notice (or read it from the Missouri Secretary of State website), sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a copy of your proof of address if you have moved since your last renewal.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date Missouri receives your process. There is no way to track your process by mail, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming trip or need your license for identification. If you need your license faster, renew in person instead.

You cannot pay by credit card or debit card when renewing by mail — only by check or money order. Make the check payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Office

You can walk into any Missouri Driver License Office and renew your license on the spot. Bring your current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You will receive your new plastic license the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

In-person renewal is the fastest way to get a new license in your hand. It is also the only option if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you have changed your address and do not have the renewal notice.

Find your nearest Driver License Office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead if you want to check wait times.

Real ID renewal: what changed and what you need

A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued ID. Missouri began issuing Real ID licenses in 2017. If your current license does not say "Real ID" in the top right corner, it is a standard license. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Real ID renewal requires in-person renewal only — you cannot do it online or by mail. You must bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). You will also need your Social Security number and current driver's license.

The fee for a Real ID license is higher than a standard license. Missouri charges about $15 more for a Real ID, though the exact amount depends on how many years you renew for. If you do not need a Real ID yet, you can renew your standard license and upgrade to Real ID later.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Missouri charges different fees depending on whether you renew for four years or six years, and whether you want a standard license or a Real ID. A standard four-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal. A Real ID costs more than a standard license for the same number of years.

Online and mail renewal cost the same. In-person renewal costs the same as online and mail. The fee does not change based on how you renew — only on the type of license and the number of years.

You can choose to renew for four years or six years when you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal defaults to six years, but you can select four years during checkout if you prefer.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and payment.

Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test. Missouri requires retesting if your license has been expired for more than one year. If it has been expired for less than one year, you may be able to renew without retesting, but the Driver License Office will tell you when you arrive.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have applied to renew. Do not drive until your new license arrives or you receive a temporary paper license from the Driver License Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. If you need a Real ID or your license has expired, you will need to visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person, which means traveling back to Missouri or finding an office near you if you are temporarily out of state.

What happens if I renew online but then need to change my address?

You can change your address at a Driver License Office in person, or by mail if you send a signed form with proof of your new address. Changing your address does not require a new license — it updates your record. Your current license remains valid.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Driver License Office?

Most Missouri Driver License Offices operate on a walk-in basis, but some locations now offer appointments. Check the Missouri Secretary of State website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but appointment holders may be seen first.

How do I know if my license is Real ID compliant?

Look at the top right corner of your license. If it has a gold or black star, it is Real ID compliant. If there is no star, it is a standard license. You can also call your local Driver License Office and give them your license number.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Missouri does not suspend your license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license even if you owe money. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted.

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.