How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if you meet certain requirements, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal.

Your Missouri driver's license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — online and mail renewal are not available once your license lapses.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through Missouri's website takes about 10 minutes and costs $13.50, but only works if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or medical information.
Mail renewal is free and takes about two weeks, but you must submit your process before your license expires and include your current license and a completed form.
In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) if you want a Real ID-compliant license for federal travel.
If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a Department of Revenue office in person.
Missouri does not require a new photo every renewal cycle, so you may keep your current photo unless you choose to update it.

Online renewal through Missouri's website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $13.50, and you receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time of renewal.

Online renewal is only available if all of the following are true: your current license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name since your last renewal, your address on file is current, you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you are renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

To renew online, you will need your current Missouri driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also create or log into your Missouri Online Services account. After you complete the process and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records.

Mail renewal for early applicants

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you are explore at least 30 days before it expires. Mail renewal is free — you pay no fee. The process takes about two weeks from the time the Department of Revenue receives your process.

To renew by mail, read and complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 43) from the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Include your current driver's license and mail both to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — the Department of Revenue does not accept payment by mail for renewals. If you are renewing for free (as a senior or military member), include proof of your status.

Mail renewal is a good option if you want to avoid a trip to an office and do not need your license urgently. However, you cannot use mail renewal if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add Real ID compliance to your license.

In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office

You can renew in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, whether your license is valid or expired. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $13.50 for a standard six-year license. You pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Bring your current driver's license and one piece of proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you want your renewed license to be Real ID-compliant for federal travel, you must also bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing for free as a senior or military member, bring proof of your status.

You will take a new photo at the office unless you request to keep your current photo. Missouri does not require a new photo every renewal, so keeping your current photo is allowed. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a small star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have this star and you want it on your renewed license, you must renew in person and bring the required identity and address documents listed above.

If your current license already has the Real ID star, your renewed license will automatically be Real ID-compliant — you do not need to bring extra documents. If you renew online or by mail and your current license does not have the star, your renewed license will not have it either. You can add Real ID compliance later by visiting a Department of Revenue office in person.

Finding a Missouri Department of Revenue office and checking wait times

Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter waits than visiting on a weekend or late afternoon.

You do not need an appointment to renew your license at most Missouri offices, but some locations may offer appointment scheduling. Check the website for your local office to see if appointments are available. If you are renewing for free as a senior or military member, some offices may have separate lines or hours.

Renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with restrictions

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or your license has medical restrictions, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and any medical documentation required by the state (such as a medical examiner's certificate if your restrictions require it).

Commercial license renewals take longer than standard renewals and may require additional steps. Call your local Department of Revenue office before you visit to confirm what documents you need and whether the office handles commercial renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license if I moved to another state?

No. You must renew your license in the state where you currently live. If you have moved out of Missouri, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. You can renew a Missouri license only if you still live in Missouri or are a Missouri resident stationed overseas with the military.

What happens if my license expires before I can renew it?

If your license expires, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Department of Revenue office. Online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible after you realize your license has lapsed.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No. Missouri does not require a new photo every renewal cycle. You can keep your current photo, or you can request a new one at the time of renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you will keep your current photo. If you renew in person, you can choose whether to take a new photo.

How much does it cost to renew a Missouri driver's license?

A standard six-year renewal costs $13.50. Mail renewal is free. Seniors age 70 and older and active-duty military members may be able to renew for free — check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local office to confirm your status.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support debt?

Missouri may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or certain other debts. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local office to find out whether your license is suspended. If it is, you must resolve the underlying issue before you can renew.

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.