What you need to do to replace your Missouri driver's license
To replace your Missouri driver's license, you visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your old one unless you request a change.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement. Missouri treats a replacement as a reissue of your current license, not a new license. The only time you would test again is if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you're upgrading to a different class (like adding a commercial endorsement).
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or current Missouri license) plus one proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license and $16.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay in cash, check, or card at the office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days; your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Your new license keeps the same number and expiration date unless you ask to change your address or other information during the replacement process.
- Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office during business hours — no appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Documents and fees you'll bring to the office
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of Missouri residency. For photo ID, Missouri accepts a current or expired passport, military ID, tribal ID, or your current Missouri driver's license. If your license was lost or stolen, bring whichever of these you still have.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Missouri address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you've recently moved and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the old document and a new one to show the move was recent.
The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard Missouri driver's license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $16.50. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when replacing your license — you can keep a standard license and upgrade later if you choose.
Missouri Department of Revenue offices accept cash, check, and card. Bring your payment method of choice; no office takes payment by phone or mail for replacements.
Where to go and what to expect when you arrive
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on the state's website or by calling 573-526-2407. Offices are located in most counties, and many larger cities have multiple locations. Hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some open Saturday mornings.
You do not need an appointment. Walk in during business hours, take a number if the office uses a queue system, and wait your turn. Wait times range from 5 minutes in a quiet office to 30 or 45 minutes in a busy location, especially mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you want to avoid a wait, call the office first and ask when they are least busy.
When your turn comes, tell the clerk you need a replacement license. Hand over your photo ID and residency proof. The clerk will ask if your address, name, or other information has changed. If nothing has changed, they will confirm your current information on screen. If you've moved, you can update your address now. The clerk will take your photo (or use your existing photo if you prefer) and process the fee.
You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, or any other purpose a regular license serves. Your plastic card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, call the office where you applied.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged
The replacement process is the same whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not need to file a police report or submit any special form — just bring your documents and pay the fee. If your license was stolen and you're concerned about identity theft, you can report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line, but this is separate from the replacement process and not required to get a new license.
If your license was damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you. The clerk may accept it as part of your ID, or they may ask you to bring a second form of ID. If your license is completely destroyed, bring your passport or military ID instead.
Replacing a license that expired or is about to expire
If your license has expired, you can still replace it using the same process. Bring your expired license as one of your forms of ID, along with a proof of residency. You will receive a new license with the same expiration date as your old one.
If your license is expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time, you have two options. You can replace it now (keeping the same expiration date) and then renew it later when it actually expires. Or you can wait until your expiration date and do a renewal instead, which gives you a fresh eight-year term. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions with different fees. A replacement is $11.50 or $16.50; a renewal costs $25 for a standard license or $30 for REAL ID. If your license expires within the next month, it may make sense to wait and renew instead of replacing.
Replacing a license with a commercial endorsement or motorcycle endorsement
If your current license has a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement, your replacement will include the same endorsement. You do not need to retake the CDL written test or motorcycle skills test. The endorsement transfers to your new card automatically.
If your CDL medical certificate is expiring soon, check the expiration date before you replace your license. If it expires within 30 days, you may want to renew your medical certificate first, because an expired medical certificate can affect your ability to drive commercially. Bring your new medical certificate to the replacement appointment if you've just renewed it.
What happens if you need your license before the mail arrives
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your plastic card arrives, a temporary license does not meet REAL ID requirements — you would need to bring a passport or military ID instead. If you're driving within Missouri, the temporary license is sufficient.
If your plastic card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue office where you applied. They can check the status of your card or issue a replacement temporary license if needed. Do not assume the card is lost until at least two weeks have passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Missouri requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office to have your photo taken and verify your identity. You cannot replace a license by mail, online, or through any third-party service.
What if I've changed my name since my last license?
Bring your photo ID (which may still show your old name), your proof of residency (which should show your new name), and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will update your name during the replacement process.
Do I need to bring my old license if it's lost?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead. You do not need the old license to replace it.
Will my new license have a different number?
No. A replacement license keeps the same number as your old license. Your number only changes if you renew your license after it expires, or if you request a new number for privacy or security reasons.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. After 30 days, you must use your plastic card or another form of ID. If your plastic card has not arrived by day 30, return to the office and ask for an extension.