Renewing your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Missouri driver's license through three routes: online at dmv.mo.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Missouri license office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is expired by more than five years, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address—you must renew in person or by mail. Mail renewal takes longer (two to three weeks) but works if your license is current or expired less than five years. In-person renewal at a Missouri license office is when ready: you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dmv.mo.gov is the fastest option if your license is current or expired less than five years, and costs $11.50 to $23 depending on how long you want it valid.
- You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to renew online; the new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you changed your name, or you need to update your address, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
- In-person renewal at any Missouri license office gives you a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within two weeks.
- Missouri does not require a Real ID for standard driver's licenses, but you can request one during renewal if you plan to fly domestically after May 2025.
Online renewal: fastest if your license is current or recently expired
Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the homepage. You'll enter your current license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your address on file and ask whether you want a four-year license ($11.50) or an eight-year license ($23). Pay by debit or credit card and you're done.
Online renewal works only if your license is current or expired less than five years. If your license has been expired longer, the system will direct you to renew in person. You cannot change your address online; if you've moved, you must renew at a license office or by mail and bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
After you complete online renewal, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal: when ready temporary license, plastic card by mail
Visit any Missouri license office with your current license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address if you've moved. Bring your Real ID documents if you want to upgrade to a Real ID license (see the Real ID section below). The office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days.
Your plastic license card is mailed to your address within two weeks. In-person renewal costs the same as online ($11.50 for four years, $23 for eight years) and is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago, you've changed your name, or you need to update your address. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the online system.
Missouri license offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times at dmv.mo.gov.
Mail renewal: slower but works if your license is current or recently expired
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your license is current or expired less than five years and you have not changed your name or address. read the DL-43 form from dmv.mo.gov, sign it, and mail it with your current license and payment ($11.50 or $23 by check or money order) to the address listed on the form.
Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) if you've moved, even though the online system says mail renewal does not allow address changes—including proof can prevent delays. Mail your packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Examination Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Real ID upgrade: optional, required for domestic air travel after May 2025
Missouri's standard driver's license does not meet federal Real ID requirements for domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved document to board a domestic flight. You can upgrade to a Real ID license during renewal, but it is not required for driving.
To get a Real ID license, renew in person and bring the required documents: your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity and citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($11.50 for four years, $23 for eight years).
You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail. You must visit a license office in person. If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need to upgrade your license for air travel—bring your passport instead.
What to bring: documents checklist for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, date of birth, last four digits of Social Security number, debit or credit card |
| In Person | Current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of current address if you moved (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) |
| By Mail | Completed DL-43 form, current license, check or money order for $11.50 or $23, proof of current address if you moved (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) |
| Real ID Upgrade (In Person Only) | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of current address, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad) |
License expiration and driving with an expired license
Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday four or eight years after issue, depending on which term you chose. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has expired, you can still drive legally while your renewal is processing, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal (your confirmation email from online renewal, your mail receipt, or your temporary paper license from in-person renewal).
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a license office. Driving with a knowingly expired license after your new one arrives is not legal, even if the old one is still in your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Missouri requires your Social Security number to renew. If you do not have one and are a noncitizen, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly at 573-526-2407 to discuss your options. Some noncitizens may be able to obtain an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to use instead, but this requires verification with the department.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You must visit a license office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of your current address. The office will issue you a temporary paper license and mail your plastic card within two weeks. The cost is the same as renewal ($11.50 or $23).
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you visit the office. Your plastic license card arrives by mail within two weeks. You can drive on the temporary license until your new card arrives.
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 child support or certain unpaid traffic fines. Before you renew, check your license status at dmv.mo.gov or call 573-526-2407. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the underlying debt before renewal will be processed.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a license office in person instead.