What Missouri requires from you to get your first license

Missouri requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Missouri residency, and a document that shows your full legal name and date of birth — usually a birth certificate or passport. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. There's no separate written permit step in Missouri; you take all three tests in one visit to the Department of Revenue office.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test happens on the road with an examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You can take any of these tests again if you don't pass the first time, though you'll pay a fee each time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of Missouri residency, and a document showing your legal name and birth date to your appointment.
  • Missouri does not issue a separate learner's permit; you take the written, vision, and driving tests all on the same day.
  • You need to score at least 80 percent on the written test and pass both the vision and driving tests to receive your license.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign your process in person at the Department of Revenue office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. This document must show your full legal name and date of birth. You also need to show proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form all work. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same time you explore for your license, but the process takes longer.

For proof of Missouri residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check with your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license or state ID from another state does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows a Missouri address.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need both your old name and your new name on file.

What the written test covers

The written test has 25 questions and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Questions come from the Missouri Driver Guide, which you can read online or pick up at any Department of Revenue office. The test covers traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving practices like following distance and how to handle bad weather.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs a fee, usually around $5 to $10, though this varies by location.

The vision and driving tests

The vision test checks that you can see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and your license will be marked to show you must wear them while driving. The vision test takes just a few minutes and happens at the same office where you take your written test.

The driving test is conducted by a Department of Revenue examiner who sits in the car with you. You'll drive on local roads for about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, merging, and how you respond to traffic. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure. If you fail, you can retake it, but you'll need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment.

Fees and how long it takes

The total cost for a first-time license in Missouri is usually between $30 and $50, depending on how long you want the license to last. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for six years. You pay the fee when you pass all three tests and receive your license the same day, though some offices may mail it to you.

The appointment itself takes about 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish, not counting the driving test. The driving test adds another 20 to 30 minutes. Wait times at Department of Revenue offices vary widely — some offices have walk-in service, while others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to find your local office and see if appointments are available.

If you're under 18

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the Department of Revenue office and sign your process in person. You cannot explore online or by mail. Your parent or guardian will need to bring their own ID to prove who they are.

Once you get your license, Missouri's Graduated Driver License law applies to you. This means you have restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 19 years old in the car (unless they're a family member). After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts but the passenger restriction stays in place for another six months. These restrictions end when you turn 18 or have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.

What happens if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment. There's no waiting period. Each retake costs a fee, and you'll need to go back to the Department of Revenue office.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new appointment to retake it. You cannot retake the driving test on the same day. You'll pay the test fee again. Most people who fail the driving test pass on their second or third attempt, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the test material online using the Missouri Driver Guide before you go in.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport or passport card instead. If you have neither, you'll need to get a birth certificate from the state where you were born before you can explore for a license. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need to take a written test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you're moving to Missouri and already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Missouri license without taking the written or driving test. You'll still need to pass the vision test and bring proof of residency and your Social Security number.

How long is my license good for?

Missouri driver licenses are valid for four or six years, depending on which option you choose when you explore. You pay a lower fee for the four-year license. When your license expires, you'll need to renew it by visiting a Department of Revenue office or renewing online if you're may be able to access.

What if I fail the driving test three times?

There's no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test in Missouri. You'll pay the test fee each time, but you can keep trying until you pass. Some people take a driving course to improve their skills before retaking the test.