How Missouri Driver's License Renewal Works
In Missouri, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Your Missouri license is valid for six years from the date it was issued. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who have not changed their address or name since their last license.
- Renewing online costs $11.50 and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is expired, you have changed your address or name, or you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
- In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- Missouri offers a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal purposes like flying domestically or entering military bases; upgrading to REAL ID requires an in-person visit.
Renewing Online: The Fastest Option
Online renewal through the Missouri Department of Revenue website is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, you have not changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and you do not need a new photo.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your current Missouri driver's license number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the $11.50 renewal fee. Once you submit your information, the state processes your renewal and mails your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
If you have moved, changed your name, or your license has already expired, you cannot use the online option. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will need to wait for your renewal notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue, which arrives about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a mail-in form and instructions for sending it back.
Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $11.50 payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and mail it to the address shown on the notice. Processing takes about two to three weeks after the state receives your form, and your new license arrives by mail afterward. The total time from mailing to receiving your new license is typically three to four weeks.
If you have not received a renewal notice and your license is expiring soon, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to request one, or choose to renew in person instead.
Renewing in Person at a Missouri Department of Revenue Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you have changed your name or address since your last license, you want a new photo, or you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license. In-person renewal also allows you to renew when ready and receive a temporary license on the spot.
Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's 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, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name, bring a document showing the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Visit your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office. You can find office locations and hours on the state website. In-person renewal costs $11.50 for a standard license or $24.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license. The office will take your photo, process your renewal, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Understanding REAL ID and When You Need It
Missouri offers a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, which meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A REAL ID license is required to fly domestically within the United States, enter a federal building, or access a military base. If you have a standard Missouri driver's license, you can still fly domestically if you have a passport or other federal ID.
Upgrading to REAL ID requires an in-person visit to a Missouri Department of Revenue office. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal, plus additional proof of your address (two documents may be required). The REAL ID license costs $24.50 and is valid for six years, the same as a standard license.
If you are renewing your license and want to upgrade to REAL ID at the same time, do it during your in-person renewal visit. You cannot upgrade to REAL ID online or by mail.
What to Do If Your License Has Expired
If your Missouri driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
An expired license does not prevent you from renewing. The state will process your renewal the same way as if your license were still valid. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. However, you cannot legally drive until you have a valid license, so renew as soon as possible.
Fees and Processing Times
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $11.50 | 7–10 business days | License still valid, no address or name change, no new photo needed |
| By Mail | $11.50 | 3–4 weeks | License still valid, no address or name change, no new photo needed |
| In Person (Standard) | $11.50 | 7–10 business days (temporary license issued same day) | License expired, address or name changed, new photo needed, or when ready license needed |
| In Person (REAL ID) | $24.50 | 7–10 business days (temporary license issued same day) | Upgrading to federal-compliant license |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Missouri resident living out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name. If you need to renew in person, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office during a trip home, or contact the department about other options.
What happens if I renew online but then change my address before my new license arrives?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue when ready with your new address. They may be able to redirect your license to your new address if they catch it in time. If your license is already mailed to your old address, you can pick it up there or request a replacement mailed to your new address.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew my license?
No. Renewal is not the same as getting a new license. You do not take any tests to renew. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to follow a separate process to restore it, which may include testing.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Missouri may suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines. Before renewing, check with the Missouri Department of Revenue or the court that issued the ticket to confirm your license is not suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the fine before you can renew.
How do I know when my license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver's license. Missouri licenses are valid for six years. You can also log into your account on the Missouri Department of Revenue website to check your expiration date and renewal status.