Renewing Your Missouri License: The Basic Steps

Missouri lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Office. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting an office at all — you'll need to do this about 30 days before your license expires. If you're renewing in person, you can walk in during business hours; no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether Missouri needs to verify your identity in person. A standard renewal takes about two weeks by mail and a few minutes online.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who haven't changed their address in the last four years.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Office is fastest if you need your new license when ready or if you don't meet the requirements for mail or online renewal.
  • Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date of issue, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Driver License Office in person.

Renewing Online Through the Missouri Secretary of State

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You can renew at sos.mo.gov using Missouri's online system. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is still valid, you haven't changed your address in the last four years, and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed. The system will tell you when ready whether you can proceed online. If you can, your new license will be mailed to you within about two weeks.

Online renewal costs the same as mail renewal — the fee depends on how many years you're renewing for. Missouri offers three-year and six-year renewal periods.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete Form DL 43, which you can read from the Missouri Secretary of State website or request by phone. Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order; credit cards are not accepted by mail.

Mail your renewal packet to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive it. You can track your renewal status on the Secretary of State website using your license number and date of birth.

Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. If your address has changed, you'll need to include a document proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Renewing in Person at a Driver License Office

Visit any Missouri Driver License Office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. Bring your original documents or certified copies — a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate will work for identity. You'll complete a form at the office and pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you've changed your address and don't have a document to prove it, or if your medical conditions or restrictions have changed. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Driver License Offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Wait times are shortest early in the morning and mid-week. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

Missouri driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. The renewal fee depends on how long you're renewing for: a three-year renewal costs less than a six-year renewal.

If your license expires while you're waiting for your renewal to arrive by mail, you can still drive legally as long as you have proof that you've submitted your renewal process. Keep your receipt or confirmation number with you. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year

If your Missouri license has been expired for more than a year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person and complete the full renewal process. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. There is no additional penalty or fee for renewing after your license has been expired for an extended period.

Changing Your Address or Other Information During Renewal

If you've moved, you can update your address during renewal. For mail or online renewal, include a document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. For in-person renewal, bring the same proof document with you.

If you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, or update medical information, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. Bring the documents that support your change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example. The office will guide you through what's needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?

Yes. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for six years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.

What if I lost my current license?

If you've lost your license, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License Office in person with proof of your identity and Social Security number. The office will issue you a replacement license, which is treated as a renewal if your original license hasn't expired yet.

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

Mail and online renewals take about two weeks from the date Missouri receives your process. In-person renewal is fastest — you'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. If you need your new license sooner, in-person renewal is your only option.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere, as long as you meet the requirements for that method. If you need to renew in person and you're out of state, you'll need to visit a Missouri Driver License Office when you're back in the state, or contact the office about other options.

What happens if my license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?

You can drive legally while your renewal is being processed if you have proof that you've submitted your process — keep your receipt or confirmation number with you. Once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid and you must use the new one.