Get a replacement license by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your ID and payment

When you lose your Missouri driver's license, you cannot order a replacement by mail or online — you must go to a Driver License Office run by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Bring a valid form of ID (passport, state ID, military ID, or birth certificate), pay the replacement fee, and you will leave with a temporary paper license the same day. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

The process is straightforward because Missouri treats a lost license the same way it treats a damaged one: as a replacement, not a new issuance. You keep your same license number and expiration date. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Office in person; there is no online or mail option for lost licenses in Missouri.
  • Bring one valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID card) and payment for the replacement fee.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your license number and expiration date stay the same — only the physical card is replaced.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement.

What to bring to the Driver License Office

Bring one form of valid ID. Missouri accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — ask the office staff what they will accept before you go, because rules can vary slightly by location.

Bring payment for the replacement fee. As of 2024, a replacement license costs $11.50 if your current license is not expired, or $13.50 if it is expired. Fees can change, so confirm the amount when you call ahead. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most locations.

Bring your Social Security number if you know it, though the office can look it up if you do not have it memorized. You do not need to bring the old license — it is gone, and the office does not need to see it.

Finding and visiting a Driver License Office near you

Missouri has Driver License Offices in most counties. Find the one closest to you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website under "Office Locations." The site shows hours, address, and phone number for each office. Call ahead if you can — some offices take walk-ins only, while others use appointment systems or have peak hours when wait times are long.

Bring your ID and payment, complete a form at the window (staff will hand it to you), and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for any legal purpose. Keep it safe until your permanent card arrives.

What happens after you leave the office

Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address on file with the Missouri Department of Revenue. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you visit the office, or tell the staff at the window so they can correct it. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days under normal conditions, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.

Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed — throw it away or keep it as a record. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your old one, so nothing changes from a legal standpoint.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but worth doing if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates a record and may help if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. However, you do not need a police report to get a replacement from the Missouri Department of Revenue — the replacement process is the same whether the license was lost or stolen.

If you are worried about identity theft beyond the license itself, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is a separate step from replacing your license and is handled directly with the credit bureaus, not with Missouri.

Replacing your license if you cannot visit an office in person

Missouri does not offer remote replacement for lost licenses. If you are unable to visit a Driver License Office due to disability, illness, or other hardship, contact the office nearest you and ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to help you in ways not listed on their standard procedures.

If you are out of state or out of the country, you will need to wait until you can return to Missouri to replace your license in person. In the meantime, a passport or other valid ID can serve as proof of identity for most purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Yes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready when you visit the office and complete the form. This temporary license is valid right away and works for driving and identification. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have any form of ID?

Contact your nearest Driver License Office and explain your situation. They can tell you what alternative documents they will accept — this might include school records, medical records, or other official papers. Rules vary by office, so calling ahead is important.

Do I need to report my license as stolen to the police?

No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, a police report creates a record. You can file a report with your local police department separately from the replacement process.

Will my new license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license has the same number and expiration date as your lost license. The only thing that changes is the physical card itself.

What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver License Bureau. They can track your replacement card and tell you where it is in the mail. If it is truly lost in transit, they can issue another one.