Where to get your license in Springfield

The Springfield Driver License Office is located at 2715 North Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65803. This is the main office where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you are renewing an existing license and do not need a new photo or address change. However, if you are getting your first license, moving to Missouri from another state, or need to take a driving test, you must visit the Springfield office in person.

Before you go, check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current wait times. The Springfield office can have lines of 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Springfield Driver License Office is at 2715 North Glenstone Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You must visit in person to take your written test, road test, or get your first license; renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to pass the document check.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping; you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured.

Documents you need to bring

Missouri requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot get a license without all three, and the Springfield office will turn you away if you show up without them.

For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer. If you do not have your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Springfield address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, ask the office about temporary options — some accept a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company account confirmation.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the Springfield office.

The test covers right-of-way rules (who goes first at a four-way stop, when to yield to pedestrians), speed limits and when they change, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or at night. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available online or in print at the Springfield office. Most people study for a few hours and pass on their first try.

If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though the office may ask you to wait an hour or two before retesting. You pay the test fee each time you take it.

The road test and what the examiner checks

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on streets near the Springfield office. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning on lights and wipers, backing up, parallel parking, making left and right turns, stopping at stop signs, and merging into traffic if there is an opportunity.

The examiner is looking for smooth steering, proper use of mirrors, safe speed, and following traffic laws. Common reasons people fail are hitting the curb while parking, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, speeding, or not checking mirrors before turning. You do not need to be perfect — minor mistakes are normal — but major safety errors result in failure.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Missouri, has valid insurance, and has working lights, wipers, and brakes. The vehicle must pass a quick safety check before the test begins. If the car fails the safety check, you cannot test that day. You also need a licensed adult (18 or older) to sit in the back seat during the test; this person cannot be the examiner or a family member of the examiner.

Fees and how long it takes

A new driver's license costs $25 and is valid for six years. The written test costs $5 and the road test costs $5, so your total cost for getting a new license is $35 if you pass both tests on your first try. If you fail either test and retake it, you pay the test fee again.

You can usually get your license the same day you pass your road test. The office will take your photo and print your license on site. If there is a problem with your documents or background check, the office may mail your license to you within 7 to 10 business days instead.

The entire process — from walking in the door to leaving with your license — typically takes 2 to 4 hours if you have all your documents and pass both tests. This includes time waiting in line, taking the written test, waiting for a road test slot, and taking the road test. If the office is very busy, it can take longer.

If you are moving to Springfield from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and road tests again. You can exchange it for a Missouri license by visiting the Springfield office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and issue your Missouri license.

You have 30 days from the date you move to Missouri to get a Missouri license. After 30 days, you are driving on an expired license in the eyes of Missouri law, even if your out-of-state license has not expired yet. If you are stopped by police, you can be cited for driving without a valid license.

The exchange fee is $25, the same as a new license. You do not pay for the written or road test because you are not taking them. Your new Missouri license will be valid for six years from the date you get it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Springfield office or do I have to walk in?

The Springfield office does not take appointments. You must walk in during business hours. However, you can check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current wait times before you go, which helps you pick a time when the office is less busy.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as soon as the next business day. There is no waiting period. You pay the $5 test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try after practicing more.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the road test or can I use the office's car?

You must bring your own vehicle. The office does not provide cars for testing. The vehicle must be registered in Missouri, insured, and pass a safety check for working lights, brakes, and wipers.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Springfield?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo or address change. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. If your license is expired or you need a new photo, you must visit the Springfield office in person.

What happens if I move out of Springfield but still have a Missouri license?

You do not have to update your license just because you moved within Missouri. Your license is valid statewide. However, if you want to change your address on your license, you can do so by mail or at any driver license office in the state.