What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Missouri driver's license
You can replace a Missouri driver's license in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, or online through the state's website if your license is lost or stolen and you don't need it urgently. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and costs $11.50. The online route takes a few days and also costs $11.50, but you'll receive your replacement by mail. You'll need your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID to prove who you are.
If your license is damaged but still readable, some offices will replace it on the spot. If it's unreadable or you're unsure whether damage qualifies, call your local Missouri Department of Revenue office first — they can tell you whether to come in or use the online method.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a Missouri Department of Revenue office takes about 15 minutes and costs $11.50.
- Online replacement through the Missouri Secretary of State website takes several days and also costs $11.50, with the new license mailed to you.
- You'll need proof of residency, a valid ID, and your Social Security number for either method.
- If your license is damaged but still readable, bring it to an office and they may replace it when ready.
- Replacement licenses have the same expiration date as your original license, so you don't pay to renew early.
In-person replacement at a Missouri Department of Revenue office
Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a valid ID. Bring the damaged license if you have it. The staff will verify your identity, take a new photo, and issue your replacement on the spot. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll pay $11.50 and leave with your new license in hand.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Your valid ID can be a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you don't have one of these forms of ID, call ahead — the office can tell you what else they'll accept.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities like St. Louis and Kansas City tend to be busier in the morning and around lunch. If you want to avoid a wait, go early in the morning on a weekday, or check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if your local office offers online scheduling.
Online replacement through the Missouri Secretary of State website
Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's online license replacement portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You'll answer security questions to verify your identity, then pay $11.50 by credit or debit card. The state will mail your replacement license to the address on file, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
Online replacement is only available if your license is lost or stolen, not if it's damaged. You also cannot use this method if your address has changed — you'll need to update your address in person or by mail before ordering online. If you've moved recently, go to a Department of Revenue office instead, or mail a change-of-address form to the state first, then wait a few days before trying online.
Keep your confirmation number from the online transaction. If your replacement doesn't arrive within two weeks, use that number to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue and ask them to track it.
What to do if your license is damaged
If your license is still readable — the photo is clear, the name and number are legible, and the card isn't falling apart — bring it to a Department of Revenue office and they'll usually replace it on the spot for $11.50. If the damage is severe enough that the office staff can't read key information, they'll treat it as a lost license and may ask you to fill out a lost-license form, though the cost and timeline stay the same.
Water damage, fading, and cracked plastic are all reasons the state will replace a license. Bent corners or minor scratches usually don't may have access to. If you're unsure, take a photo of the damage and call your local office — they can tell you in 30 seconds whether you need to come in or whether you can use the online method.
Replacing a license with a changed address
If you've moved since your license was issued, you cannot use online replacement. You must go to a Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency at your new address, a valid ID, and your current license (or a report of it being lost or stolen). The office will update your address, take a new photo, and issue your replacement for $11.50.
Proof of residency must show your new address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work. If you've just moved and don't have a document yet, a letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement can work in some cases — call ahead to ask.
Replacing a license you reported as lost or stolen
If you reported your license lost or stolen to the Missouri Department of Revenue, you can replace it in person at any office or online through the Secretary of State website. You don't need to bring a police report or any documentation of the loss — just your ID, Social Security number, and proof of residency. The replacement process is the same as for any other lost license.
If you reported the license lost and then found it, you can still get a replacement. The old license will be deactivated once you receive the new one, so the found license won't work anymore. There's no penalty for reporting it lost and then finding it.
How much a replacement costs and what affects the price
A replacement Missouri driver's license costs $11.50, whether you get it in person or online. This is a flat fee — there are no additional charges for rush processing, expedited mail, or any other service. The fee covers the cost of the card, the photo, and the state's processing.
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You are not paying to renew early. If your original license expires in two years, your replacement also expires in two years. When that expiration date arrives, you'll pay the renewal fee at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I explore?
Yes, if you go to a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. You'll have your replacement license in hand within 15 minutes. If you use online replacement, the license will be mailed to you and usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
Call your local Missouri Department of Revenue office and ask what documents they'll accept. Utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements are standard, but they may accept other documents like insurance bills or bank statements. Some offices have flexibility if you've just moved or are in temporary housing.
Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?
If you have it, bring it — it speeds up the process. If it's lost or stolen, you don't need it. Just bring your ID, Social Security number, and proof of residency, and tell the staff that the license is lost or stolen.
Will my replacement license have a new number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. The only thing that changes is the card itself and the issue date. Your driver's license number stays with you for life in Missouri.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
Go to a Department of Revenue office in person instead of using online replacement. You'll have your new license when ready and can use it right away. The $11.50 cost is the same either way.