What Missouri Requires Before You Can Get a License
Missouri requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test with an examiner. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though you can get a learner's permit at 15 with parental consent.
The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to Missouri from another state. Missouri's Department of Revenue handles all licenses and issues them through the Driver License Bureau.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- You need to pass a written test on Missouri traffic laws, a vision test, and a road test with an examiner before you receive a full license.
- If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your process in person at the license office.
- Missouri issues learner's permits to people 15 and older, which let you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice.
- The road test must be taken in a vehicle registered in Missouri, and you cannot use a vehicle with safety defects or equipment violations.
Documents You Must Bring to the License Office
Bring one document that proves your identity. Missouri accepts a birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. A hospital-issued birth certificate does not count.
Bring one document that proves you live in Missouri. The state accepts 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. The document must show your current address.
You must provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you visit the license office.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody paperwork.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the license office. You must get at least 16 questions correct to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
You can study for the written test using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The guide covers everything the test covers. Many people read through it once or twice before taking the test.
The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. An employee at the license office will test your vision using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the road test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor before you try again.
The Road Test: What the Examiner Watches For
The road test takes about 30 minutes. You drive a vehicle registered in Missouri while an examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the car. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: whether you check your mirrors, signal before turning, obey speed limits, stop completely at stop signs, and stay in your lane.
You cannot use a vehicle with safety defects. The examiner will check that your brakes work, your tires have tread, your lights and wipers work, your horn works, and your mirrors are adjusted. If any of these fail inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: backing up, parking, turning, and stopping. You will drive on city streets and possibly on a highway. The examiner will also ask you to pull over and demonstrate that you know where your emergency brake is and how to turn on your headlights.
You must pass the road test to get your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee each time.
Age Requirements and Learner's Permit Rules
You must be at least 16 years old to get a full driver's license in Missouri. If you are 15, you can get a learner's permit, which lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the car with you.
To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and vision screening. You do not take a road test for the permit. A parent or guardian must sign your process if you are under 18.
With a learner's permit, you can drive during daylight hours and in good weather. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits. The permit is valid for one year.
Many new drivers use a learner's permit for several months to practice before taking the road test. There is no minimum amount of time you must hold a permit before you can take the road test, but practicing for at least a few weeks is a good idea.
Fees and How Long the Process Takes
The fee for a learner's permit is $11.50. The fee for a full driver's license is $24.50. These fees are paid at the license office when you explore. Missouri accepts cash, check, and card.
You can walk in to a license office without an appointment, but wait times vary. Some offices have short waits; others may have a line. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Department of Revenue website, which often reduces your wait time.
The written test and vision screening usually take 15 to 30 minutes. If you pass both, you can schedule a road test for another day. Road tests are often booked a few weeks out, depending on how busy your local office is. Once you pass the road test, you receive your license the same day.
Moving to Missouri From Another State
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or road test again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Missouri license by bringing your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to a license office.
You will still need to pass the vision screening. If you fail, you will need to see an eye doctor before you can get your Missouri license.
The fee for exchanging an out-of-state license is $24.50, the same as getting a new license. Your new Missouri license will be valid for six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must go to a Missouri Driver License Bureau office to take the written test and vision screening. You cannot take the test online or by mail. You can study at home using the Missouri Driver Guide, but the actual test must be taken in person at a license office.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can retake it as many times as you need. You will pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third try after getting more practice.
Do I need to bring my learner's permit to the road test?
Yes. You must bring your learner's permit and a valid form of identification to the road test. You also need to bring the vehicle you will be driving, and it must be registered in Missouri and pass the safety inspection.
Can someone else take the road test in my vehicle if I do not own a car?
No. You must be the one driving during the road test. You can borrow a vehicle from a family member or friend as long as it is registered in Missouri and passes the safety check. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present during your test.
What if I lose my license after I get it?
You can get a replacement at any Driver License Bureau office. Bring proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $11.50. You do not have to retake any tests. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue before you can get a replacement.