Missouri Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
Missouri allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. Which method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photograph. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days if you go online or by mail; in-person renewals are processed the same day.
Your Missouri license is valid for six years if you are under 70, and four years if you are 70 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a six-year license and $16.50 for a four-year license if you renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs $21.50 for six years and $14.50 for four years.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dmv.mo.gov if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photograph or address change.
- Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days; you will receive your new license by mail.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test.
- You must renew in person if you want to update your photograph, change your address, or add a Real ID designation to your license.
- Missouri does not require you to take a written test to renew, but you must have a valid Social Security number on file.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the quickest and cheapest path if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and pull your existing photograph and address from the DMV database.
After you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during that time.
You cannot renew online if your license is already expired, if you need to change your photograph, if you want to update your address, or if you are adding Real ID to your license for the first time. In any of those cases, you must go to a DMV office in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Missouri DMV Office
Visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office if you need a new photograph, want to change your address, are adding Real ID, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).
If you are adding Real ID to your license for the first time, you must also bring proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and a second form of address proof if your first document does not show your full name. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025.
The DMV will take a new photograph, process your renewal on the spot, and issue your new license when ready. You can drive with your receipt until your new license arrives by mail if the office is out of stock. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. Check the DMV website to find your nearest office and confirm hours before you go.
Renewing by Mail
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photograph or address change. Request a renewal form from the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone at 573-526-2407 or read it from dmv.mo.gov. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your form. Your old license remains valid during this time. If you need your new license faster, in-person renewal is your only option for same-day processing.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years
If your Missouri license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will require you to pass a vision test and may ask you to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.
Bring your current (expired) license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. If you do not have your expired license, bring a second form of government-issued photo ID such as a passport. The DMV will issue your new license the same day you pass the vision test.
Address Changes and Real ID Upgrades
You must renew in person if you want to change your address on your license. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The DMV will update your address in the system and issue a new license with the updated information.
If you do not have Real ID on your current license and want to add it during renewal, you must go to a DMV office. Real ID requires proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) in addition to your normal renewal documents. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025. You can renew without Real ID if you prefer, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically.
Fees and Payment Methods
Missouri renewal fees depend on the license type and how long it is valid. A standard six-year license costs $24.50 in person or by mail, and $21.50 online. A four-year license (for drivers 70 and older) costs $16.50 in person or by mail, and $14.50 online. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DMV will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass a vision test and may need to retake the written test. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive. If you need your license faster, renew in person for same-day processing.
Do I need to take a written test to renew my Missouri license?
No, you do not need to take a written test for a standard renewal. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV may require you to retake the written test. You will always need to pass a vision test if you renew in person.
What is Real ID and do I need it to renew?
Real ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. You do not need to add Real ID when you renew, but if you want it, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate.
Can I renew my Missouri license online if I want to change my address?
No, you must renew in person if you want to update your address. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV will update your address and issue your new license the same day.