Missouri driver's licenses renew every six years, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation

Your Missouri driver's license expires on your birthday, six years after you received it. The state gives you a grace period of up to one year after expiration to renew without penalty, but driving on an expired license is not legal. You have three paths to renew: online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website (the fastest option for most people), by mail if you meet certain requirements, or in person at a Missouri license office if you need to update your photo or address.

The method you choose depends on whether anything about you has changed since your last license was issued. If your address, name, or appearance has changed significantly, you will need to renew in person. If nothing has changed and your license is still valid (not expired more than one year), you can often renew online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri driver's licenses expire on your birthday every six years, and you have a one-year grace period after expiration to renew.
  • Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your address and name have not changed and your license is not expired more than one year.
  • Mail renewal is available for certain renewals, but you must request a form from the Department of Revenue or read it from their website before sending it in.
  • In-person renewal at a Missouri license office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your address or legal name, or your license has been expired for more than one year.
  • You will need your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a valid form of identification to renew in person.

Renewing online through the Missouri Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the quickest way to renew your Missouri driver's license if you are may be able to access. You go to the Missouri Department of Revenue's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and other identifying information, review your current information, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

You are may be able to access to renew online if your current license is still valid (expired less than one year ago), your address and legal name have not changed, and you do not need a new photo. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the website to use while you wait for the physical card.

The renewal fee for a six-year license is $135. If you choose to add the REAL ID designation (required for federal purposes like flying domestically), the fee is higher and you will need to provide additional documents, which means you cannot complete the renewal online — you must go in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available for certain renewals but requires you to request the renewal form first. You can read the renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call their customer service line to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($135 for a standard six-year license), and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the Department receives your form. You cannot renew by mail if your address or legal name has changed, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need a new photo. Mail renewal also does not allow you to add REAL ID status.

Keep a copy of your completed form and the receipt from your check or money order in case there are questions about your renewal. The Department will mail your new license to the address on your current license.

Renewing in person at a Missouri license office

In-person renewal is necessary if your address or legal name has changed, if you need a new photo, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you want to add REAL ID status. You will need to visit a Missouri license office in the county where you live. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). If your legal name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The in-person renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken, review your information on screen, pay the renewal fee, and receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need for in-person renewal

The Missouri Department of Revenue requires specific documents depending on your situation. At minimum, bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need a valid form of identification. This can be your passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. If your legal name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, the proof-of-address document serves as your address verification.

If you are renewing with REAL ID status, you will need additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and two forms of proof of your current address. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for the complete list before you go, as REAL ID requirements are more detailed than standard renewal.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A standard six-year Missouri driver's license renewal costs $135. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card (online) or check or money order (by mail). If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — the specific methods accepted may vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

If you add REAL ID status to your license, the fee increases. The exact amount varies, so check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call their customer service line for the current REAL ID renewal fee. REAL ID renewal requires in-person renewal only.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be charged a late renewal fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount depends on how long your license has been expired. If you are unsure whether a late fee applies to you, call the Missouri Department of Revenue before you renew.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Missouri law allows you to drive for up to one year after your license expires if you have submitted a renewal request. However, you must carry proof that you have renewed — either your temporary license (if you renewed online or in person) or a copy of your mailed renewal form. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot show proof of renewal, you can be cited for driving with an expired license.

If your license expires and you do not renew within one year, your license becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. You will have to explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires taking the written test and road test again. To avoid this, renew before your birthday or shortly after if you miss the important date.

If you are unsure of your expiration date, check your current license — the expiration date is printed on the front. You can also log into your Missouri Department of Revenue account online to see your expiration date and renewal status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri driver's license before my birthday?

Yes. Missouri allows you to renew your license up to six months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire on your birthday, six years from the date you received it. This means if you renew early, you are not extending your license period.

What if I moved to a different county in Missouri?

If you moved within Missouri, you must renew in person at a license office in your new county. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and ID. You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.

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

Not always. If you renew online or by mail and nothing about your appearance has changed significantly, your old photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will have a new photo taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you must go in person instead.

What is REAL ID and do I need it?

REAL ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses. Starting May 2025, a REAL ID license will be required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a REAL ID designation, you can add it when you renew by going in person and providing additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Department receives your form. You can use a temporary license (printed online or given to you in person) while you wait for your permanent license.