What Missouri Issues and Who Can Get One
Missouri issues four types of driver licenses: a standard Class F license for regular driving, a Class E license for commercial driving, a Class D license for driving school instructors, and a Class A license for chauffeurs. Most people need a Class F license. You can get one at age 16 with a learner's permit, or at age 17 without one if you complete an approved driver education course.
To get any Missouri license, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a valid Social Security number, and provide proof of your Missouri residency. You also need to pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and driving skills test. If you already hold a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written and driving tests again, but Missouri will still require the vision test and proof of residency.
Missouri licenses are valid for six years for drivers under 70, and four years for drivers 70 and older. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri issues Class F licenses for regular driving, Class E for commercial, Class D for instructors, and Class A for chauffeurs, with Class F being the most common.
- You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, a valid Social Security number, and Missouri residency before taking any tests.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and driving skills test, though out-of-state license holders may skip the written and driving tests.
- Missouri licenses last six years for drivers under 70 and four years for drivers 70 and older, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Common mistakes include not bringing original documents to your appointment, forgetting to renew before expiration, and not understanding which documents count as proof of residency.
Documents You Need Before Your First Appointment
Bring originals, not copies. Missouri requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. For identity, bring your passport, military ID, or birth certificate. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
For residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as residency proof. If you cannot provide a recent document, bring two older ones (more than 60 days old) instead.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you can skip the residency documents and renew by mail or online instead.
Steps to Get Your First Missouri License
Start by scheduling an appointment at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office online or by phone. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer. Bring all original documents listed above plus your current out-of-state license if you have one.
At your appointment, a staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. Then you will take a vision test. If you pass, you move to the written knowledge test, which covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes and must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving skills test at a later date. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass, you receive your license on the spot or by mail within 10 business days.
Learner's Permit and Supervised Driving Requirements
If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner's permit before taking the driving skills test. The permit costs $11.50 and is valid for one year. You must pass the vision and written tests to get it. With a permit, you can drive only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older who is sitting in the front seat next to you.
Missouri does not have a formal graduated licensing system with restrictions that change over time. However, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving skills test. During that time, you cannot drive alone, and you should practice with your supervising driver to prepare for the test.
If you are 17 and have completed an approved driver education course, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the driving skills test. Bring proof of course completion from your school or training provider.
Renewing Your Missouri License
You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. Online renewal costs $11.50 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website to start.
If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail. By mail, fill out the renewal form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. In person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your fee to any Department of Revenue office.
If your license is expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person and retake the vision test. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written and driving tests as well. Renewal costs $11.50 for a six-year license or $9.50 for a four-year license if you are 70 or older.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to any Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. Bring your ID and proof of residency. You do not need to retake any tests. The replacement costs $11.50 and you receive it on the spot or by mail within 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you can report it to the police at the same time. Ask for a report number and bring it to the Department of Revenue office. This protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.
Fees and Processing Times
A new six-year Class F license costs $11.50. A four-year license for drivers 70 and older costs $9.50. A learner's permit costs $11.50. Replacement licenses cost $11.50. Online renewal costs $11.50. All fees are paid at the time of process or renewal.
Processing times vary by method. In-person applications are processed the same day, and you receive your license by mail within 10 business days. Online renewals take 10 to 15 business days. Mail renewals take 10 to 15 business days. If you need your license faster, ask about expedited processing at your local office; some offices offer it for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Missouri license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before expiration. Online renewal is the fastest option if your address has not changed. In-person or mail renewal is required if you have moved.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no extra cost. For the driving test, you must schedule another appointment, usually within a few days. You pay the full fee again only if you fail the driving test three times in a row.
Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Missouri from another state?
Not if your out-of-state license is valid and you pass the vision test. Missouri will issue you a license without the written or driving test. However, if your out-of-state license is expired, you must take both tests.
How do I find my nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office?
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to find hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are required. Many offices now require appointments, so call ahead before visiting.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Missouri and can result in a fine of up to $300 and a traffic citation. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this penalty.