The basic path: what you'll do and in what order

To get your Missouri driver's license, you will visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring the documents you've already gathered, pass a written test and a road test, and walk out with your license the same day if you pass both. The whole process from arrival to test completion usually takes two to four hours, depending on how busy the office is that day.

You cannot do this online or by mail. Missouri requires you to appear in person, show original documents, and demonstrate that you can read the road signs and drive safely. There is no way around the in-person requirement, and there is no separate "process" form you fill out ahead of time — the staff at the office will collect your information when you arrive.

The order matters: you take the written test first, and only if you pass do you schedule a road test. Some people pass the written test and fail the road test, so you may need to return another day for a second attempt at the driving portion.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your documents; there is no online or mail-in path.
  • Bring your proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency, proof of Social Security number, and your learner's permit or instruction permit.
  • You will take a written test first; if you pass, you schedule a road test with a Department of Revenue examiner on the same day or a future date.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Missouri Driver Guide; you must answer at least 16 of 25 questions correctly.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to start the car, follow directions, handle turns and stops, and obey traffic laws.

What documents to bring to the office

Bring originals, not copies. The Department of Revenue staff will not accept photocopies or digital images on your phone. You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your learner's permit or instruction permit.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a certified birth certificate. A school ID, a work ID, or a state ID from another state will not work on its own — you need one of the documents listed above.

For proof of Missouri residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax statement. The document must show your name and a Missouri address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works if it shows your current address.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring your learner's permit or instruction permit — the temporary document you received when you passed the written test at an earlier visit. If you do not have it, you cannot take the road test that day.

Finding a Department of Revenue office near you

Missouri has 43 Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can find the one closest to you on the Missouri Secretary of State website under "Driver License Offices." The website lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.

Some offices are busier than others. If you can, call ahead to ask how long the wait is that day. Many offices are quietest on weekday mornings and busiest on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. If you arrive early in the day on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will usually wait less than an hour.

You do not need to make an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, though some locations now offer online scheduling through the Missouri Secretary of State website. If your local office offers scheduling, you can reserve a time slot up to 30 days in advance, which can save you from waiting in line.

The written test: what to study and how many questions you face

The written test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass — that is a score of 64 percent. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and Missouri traffic laws. All questions come from the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available online on the Missouri Secretary of State website.

The test is on a computer at the office. You will sit at a desk, read each question on the screen, and select your answer. You cannot go back to change an earlier answer, so read carefully. The test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. You are allowed to retake the test as many times as you need, but each attempt costs money. Most people pass on the first try if they have studied the Driver Guide.

The road test: what the examiner will ask you to do

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. A Department of Revenue examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive. You will use your own car or a family member's car — the Department of Revenue does not provide a vehicle. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: start the car, adjust the mirrors and seat, drive forward and backward, make left and right turns, stop at stop signs and red lights, change lanes, and park. The examiner is watching to see whether you follow traffic laws, check your mirrors, signal before turning, maintain a safe speed, and stay in your lane.

You will drive on regular streets in the neighborhood around the office, not on highways. The examiner will give you directions one turn at a time. If you make a serious mistake — such as running a red light, hitting the curb, or failing to yield — you will fail. Minor mistakes, such as hesitating at a stop sign or drifting slightly out of your lane, will not automatically fail you, but too many of them together will.

If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt. You do not have to retake the written test. Most offices can schedule your next road test within a few days to a week, though this varies by location and how busy the office is.

What happens after you pass both tests

If you pass the written test and the road test on the same day, the office will take your photograph and issue your license before you leave. Your Missouri driver's license will be a plastic card that arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, which is valid until your plastic card arrives.

If you pass the written test but take the road test on a different day, the same thing happens — you get your photo taken and a temporary license at the office, and your plastic card arrives by mail.

Your new license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, so you will not have to retake the tests again unless Missouri suspends or revokes your license.

Fees and what they cover

The fee for a Missouri driver's license varies depending on how long you want it to be valid. A standard six-year license costs one amount; a four-year license costs less. The exact fee changes periodically, so check the Missouri Secretary of State website for the current price before you go to the office.

The written test and road test are included in the license fee — you do not pay separately for each test. If you retake the written test or road test, you pay the test fee again each time you attempt it.

Missouri accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test the same day I take the written test?

Yes, if you pass the written test and the office has an examiner available. Many people do both on the same day. However, if the office is very busy or if you fail the written test, you may need to return another day for the road test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. You do not have to retake the written test. Call the office or visit in person to schedule your next road test, which is usually available within a few days to a week depending on how busy the office is.

Do I have to use my own car for the road test?

Yes. The Department of Revenue does not provide a test vehicle. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You can use a family member's car or a friend's car as long as the owner is comfortable with it.

What if I lose my temporary paper license before my plastic card arrives?

Contact the Department of Revenue office where you took your test and ask for a replacement. You may have to pay a small fee. Bring your proof of identity and Social Security number.

Can I get a license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Missouri issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens if they can prove their identity, residency, and Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the same documents as anyone else, except use your ITIN instead of a Social Security number if you do not have one.