How to Transfer Your Driver's License to Missouri

What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to Missouri

To transfer your driver's license to Missouri, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof documents, pass a vision test, and pay the transfer fee. Missouri will not mail you a license or let you renew by mail if you are moving from another state. You cannot keep your old license once Missouri issues you a new one.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license is issued the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that waiting period, the paper license is your legal proof of driving privilege in Missouri.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Missouri DOR office with your current out-of-state license and required documents; no online or mail transfer is available.
Missouri requires proof of identity, Social Security number, Missouri residency, and a vision test before issuing a transferred license.
The transfer fee is $10 for a standard driver's license valid for six years, or $20 for a REAL ID-compliant license valid for eight years.
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after issuance, and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you may still transfer it, but Missouri will conduct a background check and may deny the transfer.

Documents You Must Bring to the DOR Office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license or ID card as your primary identity document. If your license is expired, bring it anyway—Missouri will still accept it as proof of your previous driving status. You also need a second form of identity if your out-of-state license does not have your current address on it.

Proof of Social Security number is required. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A birth certificate alone does not satisfy this requirement. You must also bring two documents proving your Missouri residency. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count as residency proof.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you, along with their ID and proof of guardianship (birth certificate, custody order, or adoption papers). If you are transferring a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current CDL and medical certification form (MCSA-5875) if it is required by federal law.

The Step-by-Step Transfer Process at the DOR Office

First, locate your nearest Missouri DOR office using the office finder on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Walk in during business hours—most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities often have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon.

At the counter, tell the staff member you are transferring your license from another state. Hand over your out-of-state license and all required documents. The staff member will verify your documents, check your Social Security number against state records, and run a background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This check looks for suspended licenses, revocations, or disqualifications in Missouri or other states.

Next, you will take a vision test using a machine at the office. You must read the eye chart at a certain distance and pass the color blindness screening. If you wear corrective lenses, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it when ready at no extra cost. After passing, you will have your photo taken for the license. Smile naturally and look directly at the camera.

Finally, pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license. The staff member will hand you a printed temporary license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your Missouri address. Keep this paper license with you while driving. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and License Validity Periods

A standard Missouri driver's license costs $10 and is valid for six years from the date of issue. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $20 and is valid for eight years. REAL ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you do not need REAL ID, the standard license is sufficient for driving in Missouri.

If you are under 21, your license will have different renewal dates and restrictions. A license issued to someone under 21 is valid until their 21st birthday, then must be renewed. There is no additional fee to renew at that time if you do it within 30 days of your birthday. After age 21, your license follows the standard six- or eight-year cycle.

Missouri does not charge a transfer fee separate from the license fee. The $10 or $20 you pay covers both the transfer and the new license itself. Some DOR offices accept cash, debit, or credit card; a few accept checks. Call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

What Happens If Your Out-of-State License Is Expired or Suspended

You can still transfer an expired out-of-state license to Missouri. Bring the expired license along with your other documents. Missouri will process the transfer and issue you a new Missouri license as long as your background check clears. An expired license does not disqualify you; it straightforward means your previous state did not renew it.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Missouri will discover this during the background check. The DOR will deny your transfer and you will not receive a Missouri license. You will need to resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it before Missouri will issue you a license. Contact the DMV or DOR in your previous state to find out what is required to lift the suspension—this might mean paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period.

If you have an active suspension in Missouri from a previous violation or unpaid traffic fine, the DOR will also deny your transfer. You must clear any Missouri records before transferring in. Check the Missouri DOR website or call your local office to learn about you have any holds on your record.

Transferring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

If you hold a CDL from another state, you must transfer it to Missouri within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current CDL, your medical certification form (MCSA-5875), and all standard transfer documents. If your medical certification is expired or missing, you cannot transfer your CDL until you obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner.

Missouri will require you to pass a written knowledge test for any endorsements you hold (hazmat, tanker, passenger, doubles/triples). You will also take the standard vision test and have your photo taken. The CDL transfer fee is $10 for a standard license or $20 for REAL ID, the same as a regular license. Your temporary paper CDL is valid when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license online or by mail?

No. Missouri requires you to appear in person at a DOR office. You cannot transfer your license online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must bring your original documents and pass the vision test in person.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. These documents show your Social Security number and are accepted as proof. A birth certificate alone does not work. If you do not have any of these documents, contact your local DOR office before your visit to ask what alternatives they accept.

How long does the plastic license take to arrive?

Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. If your plastic license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Missouri DOR office where you transferred your license.

Do I need to take a written driving test to transfer my license?

No. You do not take a written test or a road test for a standard license transfer. You only take the vision test. If you are transferring a CDL with endorsements, you will take a written knowledge test for those endorsements.

What if I moved to Missouri but have not changed my address on my out-of-state license?

Bring your out-of-state license with the old address and two documents proving your Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, etc.). The staff member will verify your residency and process the transfer using your new address on the Missouri license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.