The Missouri Department of Revenue Issues All Driver's Licenses
The Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver Examination and Licensing Bureau is the only state agency that issues driver's licenses in Missouri. They handle everything: your written test, your road test, your license issuance, and renewals. You cannot get a Missouri driver's license from any other state agency, county office, or private business.
The Department of Revenue operates through a network of Driver License Offices located across the state. These are the physical locations where you take your tests, submit documents, and receive your license. Each office is run by the state, not by local government, so the rules and procedures are the same no matter which office you visit.
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri Department of Revenue's Driver Examination and Licensing Bureau is the sole issuer of all Missouri driver's licenses.
- You must visit a state-run Driver License Office in person to test and receive your license; there is no online or mail-in option for new licenses.
- Driver License Offices are located in most counties, and you can visit any office in the state regardless of where you live.
- The Department of Revenue also handles license renewals, replacements, and changes to your license information.
- You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go.
Where Driver License Offices Are Located
Missouri has Driver License Offices in most counties across the state. The exact number and location of offices changes, but there are typically offices in larger cities and county seats. You do not have to visit the office closest to your home—you can go to any Driver License Office in Missouri to take your test and receive your license.
The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists all active offices with their addresses and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day, and the website often shows current wait times so you can plan when to visit.
If you live in a rural area far from any office, you may need to travel to the nearest city or county seat. Some people schedule their test appointment in advance to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted at most locations.
What You Need to Bring to a Driver License Office
Before you visit, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The exact documents required depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.
Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most items. If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms. The Department of Revenue website lists the full document checklist for your specific situation before you go, so you do not make a wasted trip.
The Written Test and Road Test at the Driver License Office
Both your written test and your road test happen at the Driver License Office. The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs. You take it on a computer at the office, and you get your score when ready. If you pass, you receive a learner's permit that day.
The road test happens after you have held your learner's permit for the required time (which varies by age). You schedule a road test appointment, bring your own vehicle or use one provided by the office, and a Department of Revenue examiner watches you drive. If you pass, you are issued your driver's license on the spot.
Renewing or Replacing Your License Through the Department of Revenue
If your license is expiring or you have lost it, the Department of Revenue handles that too. License renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, but replacements for lost or stolen licenses usually require an in-person visit to a Driver License Office.
When you renew in person, you do not retake the written or road test—you straightforward update your information, pay the renewal fee, and receive a new license. The process is faster than getting your first license, but you still need to bring proof of identity and residency.
Contact Information and Hours
The Missouri Department of Revenue's main phone line can direct you to your nearest Driver License Office or answer questions about documents and procedures. However, individual offices may have their own phone numbers, and calling ahead can help you confirm hours or ask about wait times.
The Department of Revenue website is the fastest way to find an office near you, check current hours, and see what documents you need. You can also look up your specific situation—whether you are a first-time driver, renewing, or replacing—and get the exact checklist for that transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Missouri driver's license from my local county clerk's office?
No. Only the Missouri Department of Revenue issues driver's licenses. County clerks handle vehicle registration and other services, but not driver's licenses. You must visit a state Driver License Office.
Do I have to visit the Driver License Office closest to where I live?
No. You can visit any Driver License Office in Missouri, regardless of where you live or work. Some people choose offices with shorter wait times or more convenient hours, even if they are farther away.
What if I cannot find a Driver License Office near me?
Most Missouri counties have at least one office, but rural areas may require travel to a larger city or county seat. Check the Department of Revenue website for all office locations and hours. If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you meet certain requirements.
Can I take my driver's test at a private driving school instead of the Department of Revenue?
No. Both the written test and the road test must be taken at a state Driver License Office run by the Department of Revenue. Private driving schools can teach you, but they cannot administer the official test.
How do I know what documents to bring before I go?
Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select your situation—first-time license, renewal, replacement, or change of information. The site will show you the exact documents needed. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so check before you go.