The Missouri Department of Revenue Issues All Driver's Licenses
You get your Missouri driver's license from the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Examination and Licensing Bureau. This is the only state agency that issues licenses. You cannot get one from a county office, a police station, or a third-party vendor — you must go to a Driver License Office run by the state.
Missouri has 18 Driver License Offices spread across the state. Each one handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance. The office you visit depends on where you live or where it is most convenient for you to go. You do not have to use the office closest to your home, though many people do.
Before you go to any office, you will need to gather documents and decide whether you want to visit in person or use an online option for certain steps. The process is faster if you prepare ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's 18 Driver License Offices are run by the Department of Revenue and are the only places where you can take your written test, road test, or get your license issued.
- You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website, which also shows current wait times.
- You must bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number — showing up without them will mean a wasted trip.
- You can renew your license online if you are not changing your address or license type, but new licenses and tests must be done in person at an office.
- Road tests are scheduled through the office where you plan to take them, and wait times vary by location and season.
Finding the Driver License Office Nearest You
The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists all 18 offices with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. The offices are located in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and other major cities across the state. You can search by city or county to find the one that works for you.
Each office shows its current wait time online. Wait times change throughout the day and vary by season — they tend to be longer in spring and early summer when more people are testing. If you see a long wait at one office, you can check another location and may find a shorter line.
Some offices are busier than others. Rural offices often have shorter waits than those in major cities, but the trade-off is that they may have fewer hours or be farther from where you live. Call ahead if you are planning to travel more than 30 minutes — the staff can tell you whether you should expect a wait and whether they have the services you need that day.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Missouri requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get your license without all three. Bring originals, not copies — the staff will not accept photocopies.
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a W-2 form from your employer.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change. If you are a non-citizen with a work visa, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Getting Your Written Test and Road Test Scheduled
You take your written test at the Driver License Office on the day you visit. You do not need to schedule it ahead — you walk in, wait your turn, and take the test when a staff member calls you. The test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You must pass it before you can schedule a road test.
Road tests are scheduled separately, either the same day you pass your written test or on a future date. If you pass your written test, the staff will show you available times for road tests at that office or others nearby. You can choose a date and time that works for you. Road test wait times vary — some offices have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of several weeks during busy seasons.
When you schedule your road test, you will be given a confirmation number and a date. You must bring the same documents you brought for your written test, plus proof that your vehicle is registered and insured in Missouri. The vehicle you use for the test must pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start driving.
Online Renewal for Current License Holders
If you already have a Missouri driver's license and are renewing it without changing your address or license type, you can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if you are changing your address, upgrading to a REAL ID, changing your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a Driver License Office in person. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years.
REAL ID Licenses and What You Need
Missouri offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for these purposes after May 7, 2025.
Getting a REAL ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The fee is slightly higher than a standard license. You must explore in person at a Driver License Office; you cannot get a REAL ID online.
If you are not sure whether you need a REAL ID, consider whether you fly domestically or visit federal buildings. If you do neither, a standard license is sufficient. If you think you might in the future, getting a REAL ID now saves you a trip to the office later.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Visit
Arrive at the office with all your documents and plan to spend 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the wait. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Leave your phone on silent and be ready to answer questions about your address, medical history, and driving record.
When you are called, a staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. For a written test, you will be directed to a computer terminal where you take the test on screen. You must answer at least 16 of 25 questions correctly to pass. If you pass, you can schedule your road test that day or come back later.
For a road test, an examiner will inspect your vehicle, then ride with you while you drive a set route. The test takes about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes — and will watch how you handle traffic, stop signs, and speed limits. You will know whether you passed before you leave the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my written test and road test on the same day?
Yes. If you pass your written test, you can schedule your road test for the same day if the office has an examiner available. Many people do this to get both tests done in one visit. If no time slot is open that day, you can schedule it for another date.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts in Missouri. You can schedule another road test as soon as the next available time slot, which may be the same day or a few days later depending on the office's schedule. You will pay the test fee again.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in to most Missouri Driver License Offices without an appointment. However, some offices now offer appointment scheduling online to reduce wait times. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if your local office takes appointments. Even if appointments are available, walk-ins are still accepted.
What if I lose my documents before my road test?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue office where you scheduled your test and explain the situation. You will need to bring replacement documents — a new birth certificate, utility bill, or Social Security card — on the day of your test. Bring them as soon as you can so the office can verify them before your scheduled time.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign your license. You cannot have someone else do this on your behalf. If you cannot make your scheduled road test, call the office to reschedule before your appointment date.