What you need to do to replace a lost Missouri driver's license
To replace a lost Missouri driver's license, you must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. Missouri does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready; your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot use a lost license as proof of identity to get a replacement — you need a different form of ID. This is the most common reason people's visits take longer than expected.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; there is no online or mail option for lost license replacements.
- Bring a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) plus one document showing your current Missouri address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready.
- Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; do not expect it on the same day.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Revenue office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document from each of these two categories. Do not bring a photocopy unless the document itself is a certified copy.
Proof of identity (one of these): Valid U.S. passport, military ID card, state ID card from another state, tribal ID, or certified birth certificate. A Social Security card alone is not enough. If you are a non-citizen, bring your valid visa or I-94 arrival/departure record.
Proof of Missouri residency (one of these): Current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Missouri address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
If you do not have a document dated within 60 days, bring two documents that together show your residency, even if one is older. The office staff will decide whether the combination is acceptable.
Where to go and what to bring with you
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on the state website at dor.mo.gov. The site has a location finder that shows hours, phone numbers, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. Call ahead if you are unsure.
Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get damaged or lost on the way. Bring the $11.50 fee in cash or card — all offices accept both. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency.
Arrive early in the day if possible. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to have shorter waits than late afternoon. If the office is very busy, staff may ask you to come back at a less crowded time.
The temporary license and permanent replacement card
When you finish at the office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID at a bar or airport, and show it to police. Keep it with you at all times while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent replacement card will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it after 12 business days, call the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to check the status.
Do not throw away the temporary license until your permanent card arrives. If the card is lost in the mail, you will need the temporary as proof that you already replaced your license.
If your license was stolen
Reporting a stolen license to police is optional but recommended. A police report creates an official record and may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. You do not need a police report to get a replacement from the Department of Revenue.
If you believe your license was stolen and used to commit a crime or open accounts in your name, file a report with your local police department and consider placing a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). The Department of Revenue cannot help with identity theft — that is handled by police and credit agencies.
Common mistakes that slow down the process
The most frequent problem is bringing the wrong proof of identity. A Social Security card, school ID, library card, or expired passport will not work. If you do not have a valid photo ID, you cannot get a replacement that day. You will have to go home, get the right document, and return.
The second most common issue is proof of residency that is too old or does not match your name exactly. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or rental agreement for your new place instead. If your name on the document does not match your license name (for example, you got married), bring a marriage certificate or court order along with the residency document.
Do not assume you can use a bank statement or credit card statement if it is dated more than 60 days ago. The office will reject it. Bring something current, or bring two documents that together show your address.
What happens if you cannot go to an office in person
Missouri does not offer mail-in or online replacements for lost licenses under any circumstance. If you are homebound, ill, or unable to travel, you have limited options. Some offices may allow a family member or caregiver to pick up your temporary license on your behalf if you sign a power of attorney form, but you must still appear in person eventually to get your permanent card.
Contact your nearest Department of Revenue office directly to ask whether they can accommodate your situation. Explain your circumstances and ask what documents they will need. There is no may provide they will make an exception, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport as proof of identity?
No. Your passport must be valid (not expired). An expired driver's license from another state also will not work. You need a currently valid photo ID such as a military ID, tribal ID, or valid passport. If you do not have one, you will need to get one first before you can replace your Missouri license.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard driver's license. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — ask the office for the exact amount when you call. The fee is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
What if my address on my residency document does not match my license exactly?
Bring the document anyway and explain the difference to the office staff. If you recently moved, bring a lease or utility bill for your new address. If the name on the document does not match (for example, you got married), bring a marriage certificate or court order along with the residency proof. The office will decide whether it is acceptable.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
You must appear in person at the Department of Revenue office to explore for a replacement. Some offices may allow a family member to pick up your temporary paper license if you sign a power of attorney form, but policies vary by location. Call your nearest office and ask whether they offer this option before you plan to send someone else.
What if I lose my temporary license before the permanent one arrives?
Go back to the Department of Revenue office and report it. You can get another temporary license for the same $11.50 fee. Keep the new temporary until your permanent card arrives. If your permanent card arrives while you still have the temporary, destroy the temporary by cutting it up or shredding it.