What you need to do right now
To replace a lost Missouri driver's license, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online. The replacement license costs $11.50 and takes about 15 minutes to process at the counter. You will receive your new license when ready, though the exact card stock may vary depending on which office you visit and current inventory.
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to local police first — this creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud. You do not need a police report to get a replacement, but having one can help if identity theft occurs later.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office with valid proof of identity and proof of residency; there is no online or mail option.
- Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate; acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
- The replacement fee is $11.50 and you receive your new license on the same day you explore.
- If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report first, though it is not required to obtain a replacement.
- You can find your nearest Department of Revenue office and check its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website before you go.
Documents you must bring to the office
Missouri requires two documents: one for identity and one for residency. Your identity document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy alone will not work. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a military ID card, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.
Your proof of residency must show your current Missouri address and be dated within 60 days of your visit. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — also counts. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed statement from the property owner or leaseholder saying you live there.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation showing your immigration status.
Where to go and what to expect
Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in every county. The main office is in Jefferson City, but you can visit any location. Find your nearest office and its hours on the Missouri Secretary of State website under "Driver License Offices." Call ahead if you want to confirm hours, especially during holidays or weather emergencies.
Bring your documents and the $11.50 fee — most offices accept cash, check, or card, but confirm payment methods when you call. You will fill out Form DL 44 (process for Missouri Driver's License) at the counter. The staff will take your photo and process your process. Your new license prints on the spot and you leave with it the same day.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually faster than afternoons or Saturdays. If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, the office will tell you when ready whether you can get a new one or whether you must resolve the suspension first.
If your license was suspended or revoked
A lost or stolen license is different from a suspended or revoked one. If your Missouri license was suspended — for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or other violations — you cannot straightforward replace it and drive legally. The suspension stays in effect regardless of whether you have a physical card.
When you go to the Department of Revenue office, the staff will check your driving record. If there is an active suspension or revocation, they will tell you what you must do to clear it. This might mean paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case. Only after the suspension is lifted can you receive a valid replacement license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 before you visit. They can tell you your status and what steps are needed.
Temporary driving while you wait
You receive your replacement license the same day you explore, so there is no waiting period. You can drive when ready once you leave the office with your new card. If for some reason the office cannot issue your license that day — which is rare — ask whether you can get a temporary permit to drive while your replacement is processed.
Do not drive without a valid license, even if you have reported your old one lost. A lost license does not give you legal permission to drive; only a current, valid license does. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce a license, you can be cited for driving without a license, even though you have a valid one on file.
Cost and what happens to your old license
The replacement fee is $11.50. This is a flat fee regardless of how long your original license had left before expiration. Your new license will be valid for the same length of time as your original would have been — if your old license was set to expire in two years, your replacement also expires in two years.
Your old lost license is no longer valid once you report it lost and receive a replacement. If you find your old license later, do not use it. Destroy it or return it to a Department of Revenue office. If someone else finds your lost license and tries to use it, the license will not scan or verify as current in any system.
If you lost your license out of state
If you lost your Missouri license while traveling outside Missouri, you have two options. You can wait until you return to Missouri and visit a Department of Revenue office in person. Or, if you need to drive before then, you can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by phone at 573-526-2407 and ask about a temporary replacement or emergency permit — availability varies and staff can tell you what is possible for your situation.
Some states will issue a temporary driving permit to someone with a valid out-of-state license on file, but Missouri's policy on this changes. Call before you assume you can get one. If you cannot get a temporary permit and must drive, you may be able to rent a car using your passport or other ID, though rental companies have their own rules.
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. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must bring original documents and have your photo taken.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
A certified copy of your birth certificate counts as proof of identity. You can order one from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Vital Records office. If you do not have time for that, a military ID or Tribal ID also works. Call your nearest Department of Revenue office to ask what other documents they will accept in your specific situation.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. A police report is not required to get a replacement. However, filing one creates a record in case someone uses your license number for fraud. If you suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov in addition to local police.
How long does a replacement license take?
You receive your new license the same day you explore, usually within 15 minutes. There is no mailing period or waiting list. You leave the office with your new card in hand.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The Department of Revenue will update your address on your new license. You do not need to change your address separately.