What you need to do to get a replacement license in Missouri
To replace a lost driver's license in Missouri, you visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Missouri requires you to appear in person.
The key difference between a lost license and a damaged one is that damage sometimes allows you to keep your current license number, while a lost license always gets a new number. Either way, the steps and documents are the same.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of your current Missouri address.
- The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Your new license will have a different number than your lost one, so update your number with your employer, bank, and insurance company once you receive it.
Documents you need to bring to the Department of Revenue office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Missouri. For identity, the Department of Revenue accepts a passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough — it must be paired with another form of ID.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a voter registration card or school ID as proof of residency — they are not accepted for this purpose.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your old name.
Finding your nearest Department of Revenue office
Missouri has 16 regional Department of Revenue offices across the state. You can visit any office, not just the one in your county. The office locations and hours are listed on the Missouri Department of Revenue website under "License Offices." Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so check before you go.
Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week. If you want to reduce your wait, call the office ahead of time to ask when they are least busy. You do not need an appointment.
What happens when you arrive at the office
Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against their records, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file. You will then have your photo taken for your new license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for the next six years.
After your photo is taken, you pay the $11.50 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card and can be used for driving, identification, or any other purpose until your permanent card arrives.
When your permanent license arrives and what to do with it
Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the Department of Revenue office within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the post office so mail is forwarded, or you can contact the Department of Revenue to request that your card be sent to a different address.
Once your permanent card arrives, keep your temporary paper license in a safe place. You do not need to return it, but some people keep it as a backup. Your new license number will be different from your lost one. Update this number with your employer, bank, insurance company, and any other organization that has your driver's license number on file. This step is important because your old number is no longer active.
If your license was stolen, not just lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, the process is the same, but you may want to take an extra step. Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to protect yourself against identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You do not need a police report to replace your license, but if you believe your license will be used for fraud, filing a report with your local police department creates a record. Keep the report number for your records. The Department of Revenue does not require it, but it can help you if you later discover fraudulent activity.
Replacing your license if you are out of state
If you are temporarily living or working outside Missouri and your license is lost or stolen, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Missouri and visit a Department of Revenue office in person, or you can ask a trusted family member or friend in Missouri to visit on your behalf. The person visiting must bring your documents plus a notarized power of attorney form that gives them permission to act for you. The Department of Revenue website has a template for this form.
If you choose to have someone else explore for you, they will need to bring the same identity and residency documents as you would, plus your Social Security number and date of birth. The temporary paper license will be mailed to the address you specify, and your permanent card will follow within 7 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Missouri requires you to appear in person at a Department of Revenue office to have your photo taken. You cannot complete this process remotely.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The replacement fee is $11.50. This is the same price whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay at the time of your visit.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
A military ID works as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact your local Department of Revenue office to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices may allow you to bring additional documents to verify your identity.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification when ready after you receive it. You do not have to wait for your permanent card to arrive.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after 10 days?
Contact the Department of Revenue office where you applied. Provide them with the date you visited and your name. They can check the status of your card and remail it if needed. In rare cases, cards are lost in the mail, and the office can issue a replacement.