How to Renew Your Missouri Driver's License

Missouri driver's license renewal: what you need to do

You can renew your Missouri driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your materials. In-person renewal is when ready but requires a trip to a local office.

Your renewal may be able to access depends on when your license expires, whether you have had any address changes, and whether you have a REAL ID compliant license or a standard license. If you do not meet the online or mail requirements, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

Missouri lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.
Online renewal costs $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed DL-43 form, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue office is the only option if your license is expired, you have moved, or you need a new photo.
REAL ID compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require proof of citizenship and a Social Security number verification at renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements

Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is available only if all of these are true: your license is not yet expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, you do not need to update your photo, and you have a valid email address. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue online services portal, select "Renew Driver License," and follow the prompts. You will pay by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have moved, or if you want to change your photo. In those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: submit documents and wait

Mail renewal requires you to send in a completed DL-43 form (process for Missouri Driver License/Permit), your current driver's license, and payment by check or money order. The DL-43 form is available on the Missouri Department of Revenue website or at any license office.

Mail your materials to the address listed on the form — typically the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Licensing Bureau, in Jefferson City. Include a note with your phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address or photo. If either of those is not true, renew in person instead. Do not mail cash; use a check or money order only.

In-person renewal: required if your license is expired or you have moved

You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office if your license has expired, if you have changed your address, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you are renewing a REAL ID compliant license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The office will verify your Social Security number electronically, so you do not need to bring the card itself if you have another document.

Processing is when ready — you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Find your nearest office on the Missouri Department of Revenue website and check hours before you go; some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days.

Fees and license validity periods

A four-year Missouri driver's license costs $11.50 and is available to anyone. An eight-year license costs $23 and is available to anyone age 21 or older. Both online and in-person renewal offer the same fee options. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal.

Your new license is valid for the period you choose — four or eight years — from the date of renewal. Missouri does not extend your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive; you can legally drive on your current license until the new one reaches you by mail.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Missouri offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID compliant licenses. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. They cost the same as standard licenses ($11.50 for four years, $23 for eight years).

If you have a REAL ID license and are renewing in person, you must bring proof of citizenship and proof of your Social Security number. The office will verify your Social Security number through the Social Security Administration database, so you do not need to bring your card. If you are renewing online or by mail and your current license is REAL ID compliant, your new license will also be REAL ID compliant — no additional documents are needed.

If you have a standard license and want to switch to REAL ID at renewal, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID through online or mail renewal.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it expires, you lose the option to renew online or by mail and must go in person. Missouri allows you to renew up to one year before expiration, so renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice.

Do not send cash by mail. Use a check or money order only. Do not forget to include your current license with your mail renewal process — the office needs it to process your request. If you have moved, do not try to renew online; you must renew in person or by mail with your new address on the DL-43 form.

Do not assume your temporary paper license is valid for all purposes. It is valid for driving but not for federal identification purposes like air travel. Wait for your plastic license to arrive before you travel by plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license if it has already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail once your license expires. You must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, also bring proof of citizenship and Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

What counts as proof of my current address for in-person renewal?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current address. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count.

Do I have to bring my Social Security card to renew a REAL ID license in person?

No. You need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or similar document. The office will verify the number electronically through the Social Security Administration, so you do not need to bring the card itself.

Can I renew online if I want to change my address?

No. Online renewal is only available if you have not changed your address. If you have moved, renew by mail (include your new address on the DL-43 form) or in person (bring proof of your new address).

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.