What You Need to Do to Replace Your Missouri Driver's License
To get a replacement Missouri driver's license, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the window, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The replacement fee in Missouri is $11.50 for a standard driver's license, regardless of how much time remains on your current license. This fee does not change based on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. If you also need to update your address at the same time, there is no additional charge — the address change is included in the replacement transaction.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
- Bring one document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and one document proving your current Missouri address (such as a utility bill or lease).
- The replacement fee is $11.50, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
- Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you request a renewal at the same time.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the Department of Revenue.
Documents You Must Bring to the Department of Revenue Office
Missouri requires one document proving your identity and one document proving your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an original or certified copy.
For proof of address, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address for this purpose. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a landlord or property owner stating that you live at that address, though this is less common and may slow your transaction.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you cannot locate your Social Security card, you can provide your number verbally, and the Department of Revenue will verify it through the Social Security Administration.
Where to Go and What to Expect at the Office
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office by visiting the state's website or calling 573-526-2407. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead can tell you whether wait times are long that day.
When you arrive, take a number at the entrance and wait to be called. Bring all your documents and the $11.50 fee in cash or card — most offices accept both. The staff member will verify your identity and address, ask you to sign a form confirming the information, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You will leave with a temporary paper license printed on the spot.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, and they will remail the card to your new address at no extra cost.
If Your License Was Stolen or Lost
If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though the Department of Revenue does not require it. A police report can be useful if someone uses your license number for fraud or if you need documentation for insurance purposes. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or by visiting a police station in person.
When you go to the Department of Revenue to get your replacement, you do not need to bring the police report. straightforward tell the staff member that your license was stolen, and they will process the replacement the same way. The Department of Revenue does not flag stolen licenses differently in their system, so the replacement process is identical whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
If you are concerned that your license number has been compromised, you can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly at 573-526-2407 to ask whether they recommend any additional steps. In most cases, straightforward replacing the license is sufficient.
Replacing Your License Without Changing the Expiration Date
A replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired on March 15, 2027, your replacement will also expire on March 15, 2027. You do not pay extra for this — the $11.50 replacement fee covers it.
If you want to renew your license at the same time (extending the expiration date), you can do that during the same visit. A standard renewal costs $11.50 for a four-year license or $24 for an eight-year license. If you choose to renew while replacing, you will pay both fees: $11.50 for the replacement plus $11.50 or $24 for the renewal, depending on which term you select. Many people choose to do both at once to avoid a second trip to the office.
What Happens If Your License Is Damaged but Still Readable
If your license is damaged — for example, the plastic is cracked, faded, or warped — you can still get a replacement. The Department of Revenue does not require the damage to be severe. Bring your damaged license to the office along with your proof of identity and address, and the staff will process the replacement.
You do not need to explain the damage or provide evidence of how it happened. straightforward present the damaged license at the window, and they will take it and issue a replacement. The $11.50 fee applies whether the damage is minor or major.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my replacement license in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive the permanent card. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to check the status.
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. You can bring a valid U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID from another state instead of a birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue before your visit to ask about other acceptable documents, as options vary by situation.
What if I moved and my address changed since I got my original license?
Bring a document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The replacement license will show your current address. If you do not have a document in your name yet, a notarized letter from your landlord or property owner will work, though it may slow your transaction.
Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you do not have it to bring. If it is damaged, you can bring it, but it is not required. The Department of Revenue can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the Department of Revenue office to get a replacement license. This is a state requirement and applies to all driver's license transactions. You cannot send someone else to pick it up or have it mailed to a different person.