How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Missouri

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost driver's license in Missouri, you'll visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee (currently $11.50 for a standard license), and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is straightforward a reissue of your existing license with a new number and expiration date.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a report with local police and bring that report number to the Department of Revenue office. This protects you if someone tries to use your old license number for fraud.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person; you cannot replace a lost license by mail or online.
Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and one document proving your current Missouri address, such as a utility bill or lease.
The replacement fee is $11.50, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives.
Your new permanent license will have a different number and the same expiration date as your original license would have had.
If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Department of Revenue office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring two types of documents: one for identity and one for your current address in Missouri.

For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID. A U.S. passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. A passport card counts. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a certified copy of your birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though this combination takes longer to process.

For proof of address, bring a recent document showing your name and current Missouri street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

If you've recently moved and your ID still shows an old address, bring both your ID and the address proof document. The Department of Revenue will update your address on your new license.

Where to go and what to expect

Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on the state website. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use a reservation system. Check your local office's page before you go.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will ask you to fill out an process form (Form DL 44), verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your $11.50 fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving in Missouri and nationwide until your permanent license arrives. Keep it with you while you drive.

Your new license number and expiration date

Your replacement license will have a new license number. This is different from your original number. Write down your new number and keep it somewhere safe — you may need it for insurance, vehicle registration, or other purposes before your permanent card arrives.

The expiration date on your new license will be the same as your original license would have been. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You are not getting a fresh renewal period; you're straightforward getting a new card with the same validity window.

If your license was stolen

If someone stole your license rather than you losing it, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office before you go to the Department of Revenue. You can file in person or, in many Missouri cities, online through the police department's website.

Bring the police report number or a copy of the report to the Department of Revenue office. This creates an official record that your old license number is no longer valid and protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. The Department of Revenue will flag your old license in their system.

If you discover fraudulent activity on your credit or identity after your license was stolen, contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to file an identity theft report. This is separate from the police report and helps you dispute fraudulent charges.

When your permanent license arrives

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will come from the Missouri Department of Revenue. Once it arrives, you can throw away your temporary paper license — it is no longer needed.

If more than 10 business days pass and you haven't received your license, contact the Department of Revenue to check the status. Have your new license number (from your temporary license) ready when you call.

If your permanent license arrives damaged or with errors on it, you can return to a Department of Revenue office and request a correction. Corrections for errors made by the department are usually free.

Cost and payment

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license in Missouri is $11.50. Most Department of Revenue offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm if you plan to pay by check.

If you need a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), the fee is higher — currently $24.50. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. If your original license was a standard license, your replacement will also be standard unless you request to upgrade to REAL ID at the time of replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Missouri requires you to replace a lost license in person at a Department of Revenue office. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no online or mail-in option for replacements.

Do I have to retake the written or road test?

No. A replacement license is not a renewal or a new license — it's a reissue of your existing license. You keep all the same driving privileges and endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial driving). No testing is required.

What if I don't have a passport or state ID for proof of identity?

You can bring a certified copy of your birth certificate plus your Social Security card instead. This combination takes longer to verify, so the process may take 30 to 45 minutes. Some offices may ask for additional documents if your birth certificate is very old.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the Department of Revenue office because they need to take a new photo and verify your identity. Your permanent license comes by mail, so no one needs to pick that up.

What happens if I find my original license after I've already replaced it?

Destroy your original license by cutting it up or shredding it. Do not try to use it — your new license number is now the valid one. If you find it and don't destroy it, someone else could potentially use it, which is why filing a police report for stolen licenses is important.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.