What Missouri requires to get your first driver's license
Missouri requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online. Bring documents that show who you are, where you live, and your legal name.
The state accepts a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to provide your Social Security number; if you do not have one, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access.
Once you have submitted your documents and passed the written test and vision screening, Missouri will issue your license. The license is valid for six years if you are under 70 years old, and three years if you are 70 or older.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
- Missouri requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a vision test before receiving your license.
- A standard Missouri driver's license is valid for six years, or three years if you are 70 or older.
- You cannot renew your license online or by mail for your first license — you must appear in person at a revenue office.
Documents you must bring to the revenue office
Bring originals or certified copies of your documents — photocopies alone will not work. For identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, bring your passport and a visa or travel document.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill confirming that you live there.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible. Bring your completed process form (DL 43) when you go to the office — you can fill it out at home or at the office.
The written test and what it covers
Missouri's written test has 25 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test covers rules of the road, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.
You can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The guide covers everything the test asks about. Many people study the guide for a few days before taking the test and pass on their first try.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations may require you to wait. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You are allowed to take the test in Spanish if English is not your first language.
Vision screening and medical requirements
Missouri requires a vision screening at the revenue office. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test will check your vision with them on.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, Missouri may restrict your license or require you to take a road test. Conditions like severe hearing loss, seizure disorders, or certain medications may trigger a medical review. The revenue office will tell you if your situation requires additional steps.
You do not need a doctor's note to get a standard license. However, if you have a condition you think might affect your driving, tell the staff at the revenue office — they can advise you on whether you need medical clearance before explore.
Real ID and what it means for your Missouri license
Missouri offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your legal name and date of birth. This can be a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate — documents you likely already have. There is no extra fee for a Real ID license in Missouri.
If you do not want a Real ID license, you can still get a standard license, but you will not be able to use it for air travel or federal building access after May 2025. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time by visiting a revenue office with your current license and the extra identity document.
How to find a Missouri Department of Revenue office near you
Missouri has revenue offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Department of Revenue website by entering your city or county. The website shows office hours, which vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours.
Many offices are busy during lunch hours and on Fridays. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will likely wait less time. Some offices use an online appointment system; check your local office's page to see if you can reserve a time slot.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour from the time you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Renewing your Missouri license and keeping it current
Once you have your first license, you can renew it online or by mail before it expires. Missouri sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. If you renew online, you will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If your address changes, you must update it within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a revenue office. If you change your name due to marriage or court order, you must visit an office in person with your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change.
Your license will be suspended if you do not pay traffic fines, fail to appear in court, or accumulate too many points from traffic violations. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in Missouri or any other state. You must resolve the reason for suspension and pay any required fees before the state will reinstate your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Missouri driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Missouri issues driver's licenses to permanent residents and people with valid visas. You will need to bring your passport and visa or travel document, along with proof of residency and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices with no extra fee. You have unlimited attempts to pass. Many people study the Missouri Driver Guide for a few days and pass on their second or third try. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same visit.
Do I need to take a road test to get my first license?
No. Missouri does not require a road test for a standard driver's license. You only need to pass the written test and vision screening. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can get your full license.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
Missouri issues your license the same day you pass the test and submit your documents. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you, which usually takes one to two weeks.
What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?
You can request certified copies from the agency that issued them. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. For a passport, contact the U.S. State Department. For naturalization papers, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The revenue office staff can tell you which documents you need if you are unsure.