Get a replacement license by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your ID and payment

When you lose your Missouri driver's license, you cannot order a replacement online or by mail. You must go to a Department of Revenue driver license office in your county, bring proof of identity, and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. A lost license replacement is a straightforward document reissue — the state already has your information on file. Your driving record and license status remain unchanged.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Revenue driver license office in person; there is no online or mail option for a lost license.
  • Bring a current photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and be ready to pay the replacement fee, which varies by license type.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement.

What to bring to the Department of Revenue office

Bring one current photo ID issued by a government agency. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two non-photo documents instead — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your current address.

You will also need to know your Social Security number. The office will verify your identity against state records before issuing the replacement. Bring your debit or credit card to pay the fee — most offices accept both, though it is worth calling ahead to confirm your local office takes cards.

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your license will be mailed to the address on file, so updating it now prevents the card from going to an old address.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The fee depends on your license type and how much time remains on your current license. A standard driver's license replacement typically costs between $10 and $20. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — usually around $30 to $35. The state charges this fee because you are receiving a new card before your original license would have expired.

The replacement fee covers the new plastic card and the administrative processing. It does not include any other services. If you want to renew your license early, change your address, or update your name, those requests are handled separately and may have different fees.

Finding your nearest Department of Revenue office

Missouri has driver license offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. You can search by county or city and see the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Call ahead before you go. Some offices have walk-in hours, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Wait times vary — some offices serve you within 15 minutes, while busier locations may have a 30-minute to one-hour wait even with an appointment. Calling first also lets you confirm that office accepts the form of payment you plan to use.

What happens after you submit your request

Before you leave the office, you will receive a temporary paper license. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent plastic card arrives. Write down the temporary license number — you may need it if you are pulled over before the permanent card arrives.

Your plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address with the Department of Revenue, though the card will be reissued to your new address and take another week or two.

Once your permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to the state, but keeping it after you have the permanent card can cause confusion if you are ever asked to show your license.

If your license was stolen

A stolen license is handled the same way as a lost one at the Department of Revenue — you still visit an office, bring ID, and pay the replacement fee. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to file a police report. A report creates an official record that your license was stolen rather than lost, which can help if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently.

Filing a police report is optional and does not speed up your replacement. You can file online through your local police department's website or by visiting a police station in person. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is still in your possession but damaged, worn, or unreadable, you can replace it using the same process as a lost license. Bring the damaged card with you to the office along with your photo ID. The staff will take the old card and issue you a replacement. You do not need a police report for a damaged license.

Damage that makes a license unreadable includes faded photos, cracked or peeling plastic, or water damage that obscures your information. If your license is only slightly worn but still readable, you can continue using it until it expires and renew it at that time instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. If you have outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or child support arrears, the Department of Revenue will not issue a replacement license. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court or agency listed on your ticket to find out what you owe and set up payment.

What if I do not have a photo ID to bring to the office?

You can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement. The office will use these to verify your identity. Call your local office first to confirm which documents they accept, since requirements can vary slightly by location.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for driving until your permanent plastic license arrives, which is normally 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. In rare cases, you may need to request a replacement temporary license if the first one is lost or damaged.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

No. The Department of Revenue uses the photo from your original license for the replacement card. You will not sit for a new photo unless you are renewing your license early or changing your name or address at the same time.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must explore for the replacement in person at the office. However, once your permanent license arrives in the mail, anyone can receive it on your behalf if it is delivered to your home address.