What the Missouri Department of Revenue Handles for Driver's Licenses
The Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau is the state agency that issues, renews, and manages all driver's licenses in Missouri. They operate from a central office in Jefferson City and through a network of regional license offices across the state. When you need a new license, a renewal, a replacement, or a change to your existing license, you work directly with this bureau.
The bureau does not handle vehicle registration or title work — that falls to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, a separate division within the same department. But for anything related to your driver's license itself, the Driver License Bureau is your only point of contact in Missouri state government.
You can reach the Driver License Bureau by phone at 573-526-2407 during business hours, or visit their website at dor.mo.gov to find your nearest office location, check current wait times, and read the forms you need before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri driver's licenses are issued and renewed through the Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau, with offices in every region of the state.
- You must bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Missouri residency — the exact list depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one.
- Missouri licenses are valid for six years for most adults, and the renewal process can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
- The fee for a standard driver's license is $30 for a six-year license, but commercial licenses and other endorsements cost more.
- If you move to Missouri from another state, you have 30 days to get a Missouri license before driving with an out-of-state license becomes illegal.
Documents You Need to Bring to the License Office
The Missouri Department of Revenue requires you to bring documents that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Missouri. The exact documents depend on whether this is your first license, a renewal, or a replacement.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a tribal ID card. If you do not have any of those, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes items like a school ID, a utility bill, or a lease agreement — but the bureau's website lists the full secondary list because combinations vary.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the SSA. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.
For proof of Missouri residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a dated document yet, call the Driver License Bureau before you go in — they may accept a signed statement from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your process is pending.
If you are renewing by mail or online, you will not need to bring documents in person, but you will need to have them on hand to answer questions about them during the process.
Getting Your First Missouri Driver's License
If you have never held a Missouri driver's license, you must explore in person at a Driver License Bureau office. You cannot renew or replace online if you have no prior Missouri license on file.
Bring the identity, Social Security, and residency documents listed above, plus your completed process form DL-43, which you can read from dor.mo.gov or fill out at the office. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Missouri traffic laws. The bureau offers the knowledge test in English and Spanish.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may not have to take the knowledge test again — ask at the office when you arrive. If you do take it, you can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the department's website.
After you pass the tests and submit your documents, you will pay the $30 fee for a six-year license (or $15 for a three-year license if you prefer). You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing Your Missouri Driver's License
Missouri driver's licenses expire six years after issue. The Department of Revenue sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You have three ways to renew: in person, by mail, or online.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online at dor.mo.gov if your license is not expired yet, you have no medical conditions that require a new vision test, and you have not changed your name or address since your last license. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $30, and your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal works if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. Complete form DL-43, include a copy of your current license, and mail it to the address on the renewal notice. Include a check or money order for $30. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the bureau receives your envelope.
In-person renewal is required if your license has already expired, if you have changed your name or address, if you need a new vision test, or if you want to add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement). Bring your current license, the documents proving residency and identity listed above, and form DL-43. You will pay $30 at the office and receive your temporary license when ready.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Missouri, even if you have applied for renewal and are waiting for the new card to arrive.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement in person or by mail. A replacement is not the same as a renewal — you are getting a new card with the same expiration date as your original license, not a fresh six-year term.
To replace by mail, complete form DL-43, write "Replacement" at the top, and mail it with a check or money order for $15 to the address on the back of your renewal notice (or call the bureau for the mailing address). Include a copy of another form of ID if possible. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
To replace in person, go to any Driver License Bureau office with your identity and residency documents, complete form DL-43, and pay $15. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your replacement card in 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police first and bring a copy of the police report — this protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.
Adding Endorsements and Restrictions to Your License
An endorsement is a notation on your license that allows you to drive a certain type of vehicle or perform a certain function — for example, a motorcycle endorsement (M), a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a hazmat endorsement. A restriction is a limitation, such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only.
To add a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test and a riding skills test. You can study for the written test using the Missouri Motorcycle Operator's Manual, free on the department's website. The riding test is administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You pay a fee for each test; call the bureau for current amounts.
To get a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must pass a written test specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive (Class A, B, or C), a pre-trip vehicle inspection test, and a road test. You must also pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate. The CDL process is more involved than a standard license renewal and typically requires multiple visits to the license office. The bureau's website has a full CDL guide.
If you need to add a restriction — for example, if you now need glasses to drive — you can do this during a renewal or replacement. Tell the examiner at the license office, and they will update your license.
What to Do If You Move to Missouri from Another State
Missouri law requires you to get a Missouri driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal, even if that license is still valid.
To convert your out-of-state license to a Missouri license, go to any Driver License Bureau office with your out-of-state license, your Social Security card or equivalent, and proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will not have to take the knowledge test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year. You will take a vision test and pay $30 for a six-year Missouri license.
If your out-of-state license has expired or you have held it for less than one year, you will have to take the knowledge test. If you held a CDL or motorcycle endorsement in your previous state, you can transfer those to Missouri without retesting, but bring documentation of your previous endorsements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Missouri driver's license after I explore?
If you explore in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the bureau receives your envelope. Online renewal is fastest — your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my Missouri license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license is not yet expired. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a Driver License Bureau office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and form DL-43. You will pay $30 and receive a temporary license when ready.
What is the phone number for the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver License Bureau?
The main number is 573-526-2407. You can also find your nearest office location and current wait times on the department's website at dor.mo.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go.
Do I have to take a new vision test when I renew my license?
Not if you renew online or by mail and have no medical conditions that would require one. If you renew in person, you will take a vision test at the office. If you have had vision changes or eye surgery, tell the examiner — they may require an updated vision test even during an online or mail renewal.
What happens if I drive in Missouri with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri and can result in a traffic citation, a fine, and points on your driving record. If you are stopped by police, you may also face additional penalties. Renew your license before it expires, or renew it when ready if it has already expired.