What you need to do to get a Real ID in Missouri

To get a Real ID in Missouri, you visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The state calls it a "REAL ID-compliant driver's license" or "REAL ID-compliant ID card." You cannot get one by mail or online — you must appear in person with original documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Missouri residency.

The process takes one visit if you have all your documents ready. You will receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you already have a valid Missouri driver's license or ID card, you do not have to replace it unless you want the REAL ID version — a standard license still works for most purposes, but not for federal buildings or domestic flights after the federal important date.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with original documents proving identity, Social Security number, and Missouri address.
  • Required documents include a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of Missouri residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The fee for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is the same as a standard license renewal, but you pay it only once during your visit.
  • Your REAL ID card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot use it until it arrives, even though you paid at the office.
  • You can renew a REAL ID in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office, and the renewal process follows the same document requirements as the initial request.

Documents you must bring to the Missouri Department of Revenue office

Bring originals, not copies. The Missouri Department of Revenue will not accept photocopies or digital images. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (long-form, with a raised seal), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A driver's license from another state counts only if it is still valid and you are renewing your Missouri license, not getting one for the first time.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A paystub with your full Social Security number printed on it also works.

For proof of Missouri residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Missouri address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government-issued mail piece (such as a voter registration card or tax notice). A piece of mail from your employer with your address on it also counts.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

Missouri has 16 regional Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. Find the full list and hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website under "Driver License Offices."

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Scheduling an appointment does not may provide a shorter wait, but it reserves a time slot so you know roughly when to expect to be called.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. If you are renewing an existing license or ID card, bring that document too.

What happens during your visit

A Department of Revenue staff member will review your documents to confirm they are original and match the information you provide. They will ask you to sign a statement confirming your identity and residency. You will also have your photo taken for the card, so dress as you would for a passport photo.

The staff member will verify your documents against their records and may contact the Social Security Administration to confirm your Social Security number. This verification usually happens on the spot, but occasionally it takes a few days. If there is a problem, the office will call you.

You will pay the fee at the end of your visit. For a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, the cost is the same as a standard license — currently $11.50 for a four-year license or $23 for an eight-year license. If you are getting an ID card instead of a license, the cost is $5.50 for four years or $11 for eight years. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

When your card arrives and how to use it

Your REAL ID card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will come from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not use the card until it arrives — even though you paid and completed the process at the office, the card is not valid until you receive it in the mail.

Once it arrives, check the information on the front and back. If there is an error, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue when ready. You can call their customer service line or visit an office in person to request a correction. Corrections are usually free if the error was made by the department.

Your REAL ID card will have a star in the upper right corner of the card, which indicates it meets federal standards. This star is what federal agencies and airlines look for.

Renewing your REAL ID in Missouri

When your REAL ID card expires, you can renew it in person at any Missouri Department of Revenue office. The renewal process is the same as getting a new one: bring original documents proving identity, Social Security number, and Missouri residency, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee.

Missouri does not offer mail-in renewal for REAL ID cards. You must appear in person each time you renew. However, if you have a standard (non-REAL ID) driver's license, you can renew that by mail or online — you only need to visit an office in person if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID card.

Your renewal fee is the same as the initial fee: $11.50 for four years or $23 for eight years for a driver's license. You will receive your renewed card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if you cannot find one of your documents

If you do not have your original birth certificate, you can order one from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Vital Records section. The process takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. If you need it faster, you can visit their office in Jefferson City in person.

If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives within 2 weeks.

If you do not have a document showing your Missouri residency from the last 60 days, ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a statement or letter with your name and address. Most will provide one at no cost. If you just moved to Missouri, a signed lease or rental agreement counts as proof of residency even if it is older than 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Missouri only issues REAL ID cards to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. If you are a lawful permanent resident, bring your green card as proof of identity. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident, you can get a standard (non-REAL ID) Missouri driver's license or ID card instead.

Do I have to get a REAL ID, or can I keep my regular license?

You do not have to get a REAL ID. A standard Missouri driver's license remains valid for driving and most purposes. You only need a REAL ID if you want to enter a federal building, board a domestic flight, or access certain military bases. The federal important date for REAL ID is May 7, 2025, but you can still use a standard license for driving after that date.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring your original birth certificate and an original document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Revenue staff will review both documents together to confirm your identity.

Can someone else pick up my REAL ID card from the mail if I am not home?

Yes. Your card will arrive in regular mail, not certified mail, so anyone at your address can receive it. If you are concerned about security, you can request that the card be held at your local Department of Revenue office for pickup instead. Ask about this option when you visit to explore.

How long is a REAL ID card valid?

A REAL ID driver's license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose when you explore. An ID card is also valid for four or eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew it at any time after it expires by visiting a Department of Revenue office in person.