What You Need to Do to Replace Your Missouri Driver's License

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Missouri driver's license, you must visit a 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 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license by mail, phone, or online in Missouri. Every replacement requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Office, even if you are renewing an existing license at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to replace your license.
  • The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard driver's license or $16.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready after your visit, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to local police and bring the police report number or case number to your appointment.
  • Missouri does not require an appointment for license replacement, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait time at the office.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. For identity, Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a previous Missouri driver's license or ID card. If your license was stolen and you no longer have it, a passport or military ID works as your primary identity document.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your insurance company, employer, or a government agency also counts. The address on this document must match the address you provide at the office.

If you do not have a document with your current address, you can bring two documents that show your name and an older address, plus a signed statement explaining why you cannot provide a current address document. This is slower and may require additional verification, so bring a current address document if you can.

Replacement Fees and License Types

A standard Missouri driver's license replacement costs $11.50. A REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner) costs $16.50. REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025, so many people choose this option even though it costs more.

You pay the fee in cash, by debit card, or by credit card at the Driver License Office. No personal checks are accepted. If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defaced, you do not need to bring the damaged card with you, though it helps to have it if you can locate it.

How to Find a Driver License Office Near You

Missouri has 43 Driver License Offices statewide. Find the office closest to you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov. The site lists office locations, hours, phone numbers, and whether each office is currently accepting walk-ins or operating by appointment only.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week. A few offices in larger cities open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours and appointment availability change seasonally.

Scheduling an Appointment or Walking In

You can schedule an appointment online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by calling the office directly. Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 minutes or less. If you walk in without an appointment, wait times vary from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and the office location.

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but some offices may temporarily close to walk-ins during peak hours or when staff are processing a high volume of appointments. If you arrive and the office is not accepting walk-ins, you can schedule an appointment for the same day or the next business day.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, contact your local police department and file a theft report. You do not need the police report in hand before you visit the Driver License Office, but bring the report number or case number when you go. The office will note in your file that the license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license.

You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is a separate step from replacing your license and is done through the credit bureaus, not the Driver License Office.

Your Temporary License and Permanent Card Timeline

When you finish your visit, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for all purposes that require a driver's license — driving, identification, boarding flights, and entering federal buildings. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Driver License Office where you applied. Do not discard your temporary license until the permanent card arrives and you have verified that all information is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are two different transactions in Missouri. If your license is expired and lost or damaged, you replace it first (which costs $11.50 or $16.50) and renew it at the same visit if needed (which costs an additional $11.50 or $16.50 depending on the license type). Bring your documents and be prepared to pay both fees.

What if I moved to Missouri from another state and lost my out-of-state license?

You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Missouri. You must obtain a new Missouri driver's license instead. Visit a Driver License Office with proof of identity, proof of Missouri residency, and your Social Security number. The fee for a new license is the same as a replacement ($11.50 or $16.50).

How long does the permanent card take if I request expedited mail?

Missouri does not offer expedited mailing for driver's licenses. All permanent cards are mailed standard mail and arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, which covers the time the permanent card is in transit.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present at the Driver License Office to have your photo taken and to sign your license process. A family member or representative cannot complete this step for you, even with a power of attorney.

What if my address changes after I explore but before my card arrives?

Contact the Driver License Office where you applied and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your permanent license is sent to the correct location. Do this as soon as your address changes to avoid your card being mailed to an old address.