What You Need to Know Before You Renew
Missouri allows you to renew your driver license in person at a Driver License Office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long until expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take effect when ready if done in person, or within 7 to 10 business days if done by mail or online.
Your Missouri driver license is valid for six years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office — online and mail renewals are not available once expiration has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past two years.
- Mail renewal requires a completed DL 44 form, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes 7 to 10 business days; it is available only if your license is current.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is required if your license is expired, you need to update your address, or you prefer to handle it when ready.
- The renewal fee in Missouri is $24.50 for a standard six-year license; fees vary slightly if you add endorsements or request a Real ID-compliant license.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to any in-person renewal appointment.
Online Renewal Through the Missouri Department of Revenue
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates an online renewal system at dmv.mo.gov. To use it, your current license must not be expired, you must not have changed your address within the past two years, and you must have a valid email address on file. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50, paid by debit or credit card.
Log in with your driver license number and date of birth. The system will display your current information and ask you to confirm or update it. Once you submit, your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready if stopped by law enforcement, though the physical card is what you should carry once it arrives.
Online renewal does not allow you to change your address, add or remove endorsements, or correct your name. If any of these explore to you, use mail renewal or in-person renewal instead.
Mail Renewal Using Form DL 44
To renew by mail, read or request the DL 44 form (process for Missouri Driver License or Permit) from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by calling 573-526-2407. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the Department receives your form. You cannot change your address by mail — if you have moved, you must renew in person. You also cannot add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial driving privileges) by mail.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the mailing receipt for your records. If your renewal does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to confirm receipt and check the status.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office
Visit any Missouri Driver License Office to renew in person. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dmv.mo.gov. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you need to change your address, you want to add or remove endorsements, or you prefer to complete it when ready. The fee is $24.50 for a standard six-year license, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Bring the documents listed in the next section. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is issued on the spot if you pass the vision screening and have no outstanding issues. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Many Driver License Offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the office location page on dmv.mo.gov to see whether your local office takes appointments or walk-ins, and arrive early if you do not have an appointment.
Documents You Must Bring
For any in-person renewal, bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a detailed list of acceptable documents on its website, but the most common are listed below.
| Document Type | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Passport, military ID, state ID from another state, certified birth certificate, or naturalization papers |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return |
| Proof of Missouri Residency | Utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days of your visit |
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself.
Original documents are preferred, but certified copies are accepted for most items. Do not bring photocopies unless they are certified. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the Driver License Office in advance at 573-526-2407.
Real ID Compliance and Endorsements
Missouri driver licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you do not want a Real ID license, you must opt out at the time of renewal — tell the staff member before you complete the transaction. Opting out does not change the fee.
If you want to add or remove endorsements such as motorcycle (M), commercial driving (CDL), or passenger endorsements, you must renew in person. The fee for adding an endorsement varies; contact your local Driver License Office for the exact cost. You may be required to pass a written test or skills test for certain endorsements.
Timeline and What Happens After Renewal
Plan your renewal based on your expiration date and the method you choose. If you renew online or by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card within 7 to 10 business days. Do not plan to travel by air or enter a federal building until your new card arrives, since the temporary paper license is not accepted for those purposes.
Your new license is valid for six years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your card. You can begin the next renewal up to one year before that date expires. If you do not renew before the expiration date, your license becomes invalid and you must renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal is available only if your current license has not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring your expired license with you.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a Driver License Office if you have changed your address. Bring proof of your new Missouri residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, your new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the card.
Do I need to take a new photo or vision test when I renew?
For online renewal, no. For mail renewal, no. For in-person renewal, yes — you will take a new photo and pass a vision screening. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to obtain a corrective lens restriction on your license.
What is the renewal fee, and what payment methods does Missouri accept?
The standard renewal fee is $24.50 for a six-year license. In person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online, you pay by debit or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order — do not send cash.