What you need to do to replace a lost Missouri driver's license
To replace a lost Missouri driver's license, you'll 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 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that's valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, unless your original was already expired.
You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Missouri. You must appear in person at a Driver License Office or an approved license bureau in your county. The state does not accept applications through third-party services or kiosks.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Driver License Office or approved county license bureau in person with valid proof of identity and residency.
- The replacement fee is $11 for a standard license or $16 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days and will keep your original number and expiration date.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
- Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, plus proof of your current Missouri address.
Documents you must bring to the Driver License Office
Missouri requires one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your passport, U.S. birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. A photocopy of these documents is not accepted.
For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Missouri address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or state ID card cannot be used as proof of residency, even if it shows your address.
If you don't have a Social Security card or birth certificate, you can bring two other identity documents instead, such as a passport and military ID, or a passport and a school or work ID. Ask your local Driver License Office which combinations they accept if you're unsure.
Replacement fees and what you'll receive
A standard replacement license costs $11. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), the fee is $16. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; credit cards are not always accepted, so call ahead if you plan to use one.
When you pay and have your photo taken, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card for driving, employment, and age verification. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't receive it within two weeks, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Finding your nearest Driver License Office
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates Driver License Offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the state's website by entering your county or city. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days.
Many counties also have approved license bureaus run by local government or private businesses that can process replacements. These bureaus charge the same state fee plus a small service fee (usually $5 to $10). Call your county clerk's office if you want to know whether a bureau near you offers replacement services.
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Department of Revenue website. Scheduling an appointment can cut your wait time significantly.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Missouri driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The temporary paper license you receive at the office will not be valid if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked.
To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, check the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local Driver License Office. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or conviction of certain traffic violations. To lift a suspension, you typically must pay outstanding fines, resolve the underlying issue, and sometimes complete a reinstatement process.
If you need to reinstate your license, the Driver License Office can tell you what steps are required and what fees explore. Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension.
REAL ID versus standard license: which should you choose
A standard Missouri driver's license costs $11 and will remain valid for driving within the state and for most everyday uses. However, starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted as identification for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings such as military bases or courthouses.
A REAL ID-compliant license costs $16 and meets federal identification standards. It has a gold star in the upper right corner and will be accepted for flights and federal buildings after the important date. If you fly domestically or visit federal facilities, upgrading to REAL ID during your replacement is simpler than replacing your license again later.
To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same identity and residency documents as for a standard replacement, plus proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). The process takes the same amount of time and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your REAL ID card is mailed.
What to do if your replacement license doesn't arrive
Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks have passed and you haven't received it, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue with your temporary paper license number or your driver's license number. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
Your temporary paper license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification. If you need a replacement card urgently, you can visit a Driver License Office again and request an expedited replacement, though this may involve an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I'm not a Missouri resident but have a Missouri address?
No. You must be a Missouri resident to hold a Missouri driver's license. If you've moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you're temporarily in Missouri but live elsewhere, you cannot replace a Missouri license.
What if I lost my license and also need to renew it?
If your license was expiring soon anyway, you can renew it at the same time you replace it. Bring your documents for replacement, and the office will issue a new license with a fresh expiration date (typically eight years from the issue date). The fee is the same as a standard replacement.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
You don't have to, but you can if you're concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record that your license was lost and can help if someone uses your information fraudulently. Contact your local police non-emergency line to file a report.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the Driver License Office. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address on file, so no one needs to pick it up.
What if my address has changed since I lost my license?
Bring proof of your new Missouri address to the Driver License Office. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you haven't updated your address yet, update it during the replacement process so your new license goes to the right place.