A Class E License Is Missouri's Standard Driver License for Cars and Light Trucks
A Class E license is the most common driver license type in Missouri. It permits you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and other vehicles under 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If you are learning to drive or renewing a standard license in Missouri, Class E is what you will receive.
Missouri issues Class E licenses to drivers age 16 and older who pass the written test, vision screening, and road test. The license is valid for six years from the date of issue for drivers age 21 and older, and four years for drivers under 21. You do not need a commercial license, passenger endorsement, or special certification to hold a Class E — it is the default license for everyday driving.
Key Takeaways
- A Class E license lets you drive cars, pickup trucks, and light vehicles up to 26,001 pounds GVWR on public roads in Missouri.
- You must be at least 16 years old, pass a written exam, vision test, and road test to receive a Class E license.
- Class E licenses are valid for six years if you are 21 or older, or four years if you are under 21.
- If you need to drive a commercial vehicle, tow a trailer over a certain weight, or transport passengers for hire, you will need a different license class or endorsement instead of Class E.
Who Can Get a Class E License in Missouri
You must be at least 16 years old to explore for a Class E license in Missouri. If you are 16 or 17, you will first receive a Intermediate Driver License, which has restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits. At age 18, those restrictions lift and you hold a full Class E license.
You must also be a Missouri resident or have a valid reason to be licensed in Missouri, such as employment or school enrollment. Bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) to the DMV office.
If you are under 18, you must also complete a Approved Driver Education Course before you can take the road test. This course covers classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Once you finish, the school will issue you a certificate of completion, which you bring to the DMV.
Steps to Get Your First Class E License
The process differs slightly depending on whether you are under 18 or 18 and older.
| Step | Under 18 | Age 18 and Older |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Complete driver education | Required — enroll in an approved course | Not required |
| 2. Get a learner's permit | Pass written test at DMV | Pass written test at DMV |
| 3. Practice driving | Minimum 60 hours (10 at night) with licensed adult | No minimum requirement |
| 4. Schedule road test | After 30 days with permit and driver ed certificate | Can test when ready after permit |
| 5. Pass road test | Demonstrate safe driving to examiner | Demonstrate safe driving to examiner |
| 6. Receive Class E license | Valid for 4 years | Valid for 6 years |
You will need to bring original documents to the DMV: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (W-2, tax return, or Social Security card), and your learner's permit. If you are under 18, also bring your driver education certificate. Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.
What You Cannot Drive With a Class E License
A Class E license does not permit you to operate commercial vehicles, even if you own them. You cannot drive a vehicle with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds, a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. If you drive any of these, you need a Commercial Driver License (CDL) instead.
You also cannot tow a trailer if the trailer's GVWR exceeds the difference between your vehicle's GVWR and 26,001 pounds. For example, if your truck has a GVWR of 24,000 pounds, you cannot tow a trailer with a GVWR over 2,001 pounds. To tow heavier trailers, you need a Towing Endorsement or a different license class.
If you want to drive for a rideshare company, taxi service, or other passenger-for-hire operation, you need a Class D license with a Passenger for Hire endorsement, not a Class E. Check with your employer about which license type they require.
Renewing Your Class E License
You can renew your Class E license online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri DMV office. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test. The renewal fee is $25 for a six-year license (or $15 for a four-year license if you are under 21).
If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the written or road test. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you may receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail.
Your Class E license expires on your birthday in the year it is due. You can renew up to 180 days before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the written test and road test, as if you were a new driver.
Class E vs. Other Missouri License Types
Missouri issues several license classes for different purposes. A Class F license is for drivers age 16 to 17 who have not completed driver education — it is more restrictive than Class E and expires when you turn 18. A Class D license is for drivers age 21 and older and has fewer restrictions than Class E on certain vehicle types, though it is less common.
A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required if you drive a vehicle over 26,001 pounds GVWR, carry hazardous materials, or transport 16 or more passengers. CDLs require a separate written test, medical certification, and road test. A Motorcycle Endorsement is added to a Class E license if you want to ride a motorcycle on public roads.
If you are not sure which license type you need, contact your local Missouri DMV office or check the Missouri Department of Revenue website. They can tell you which class applies to your vehicle and driving situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class E license?
Yes, as long as the pickup truck's GVWR is 26,001 pounds or less. Most standard pickup trucks fall within this limit. Check your vehicle's registration or door jamb for the GVWR. If it exceeds 26,001 pounds, you need a CDL.
What happens if I drive with an expired Class E license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Missouri. You can be stopped, cited, and fined. If your license expired less than 180 days ago, you can renew it without retaking tests. If it expired more than two years ago, you must pass the written and road tests again.
Do I need to retake the road test when I renew my Class E license?
No, you do not need to retake the road test during a standard renewal. You only retake it if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if the DMV requires a retest due to medical or safety concerns.
Can I get a Class E license if I have an out-of-state driver license?
Yes. You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Missouri Class E license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity to a DMV office. You may not need to retake the written or road test, depending on your state's reciprocity agreement with Missouri.
What is the difference between a Class E and a Class F license?
A Class F is for drivers age 16 to 17 who have not completed driver education. It has restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits, and expires at age 18. A Class E has no such restrictions and is valid for four to six years. Once you turn 18 or complete driver education, you can upgrade to Class E.