What to do if your Missouri driver's license goes missing

If you've lost your Missouri driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, by mail, or through the online renewal system if your license hasn't expired. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest license office, where you can walk out with a replacement the same day. By mail takes about two weeks. You'll need to bring proof of identity and residency, and there is a fee.

Missouri does not issue duplicate licenses by phone or online process — you must either go to an office or mail in your request. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person to replace your license the same day for a $11 fee.
  • Mail your request with proof of identity and residency to the address on the Department of Revenue website; replacements take about two weeks.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, plus one form of residency proof such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number, though this is optional for getting a replacement.

In-person replacement at a Missouri Department of Revenue office

Walk into any Missouri Department of Revenue office with the required documents and you can leave with a replacement license on the same visit. The fee is $11. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations accept appointments online through the Department of Revenue website — checking ahead can save you a wait.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or expired Missouri license), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and one document showing your current Missouri address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days). If you've moved recently and your ID shows an old address, bring both the ID and the residency proof.

The office will take your photo and issue your replacement on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days after you leave the office.

Mailing in a replacement request

You can mail a replacement request to the Missouri Department of Revenue along with copies of your identity and residency documents. The mailing address and current form are on the Department of Revenue website under "License Replacement by Mail." Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope.

Make copies (not originals) of your proof documents — a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and one residency document dated within the last 60 days. Include a check or money order for $11 payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Do not send cash.

Mail everything to the address listed on the Department of Revenue form. Keep a copy of what you send and note the date you mail it. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the Department of Revenue, so if you've moved, update your address before you mail your request or include a note with your new address.

Online renewal if your license hasn't expired

If your Missouri driver's license has not yet expired, you can renew it online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. This is the fastest remote option — you'll receive your replacement in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $11.

You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The online system will ask you to confirm your address and take a new photo using your computer's camera. You do not receive a temporary paper license with online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your card arrives.

If your license was stolen

Reporting a stolen license to local police is optional but worth doing if you're concerned about identity theft. File a report with the police department in the city where it was stolen, and ask for a report number. Keep this number for your records.

You do not need a police report to get a replacement from the Missouri Department of Revenue — the replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if someone uses your stolen license to commit a crime or open accounts in your name, having a police report on file helps you prove you were not responsible.

What happens while you wait for your replacement

If you visited an office in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal standing as your permanent card — you can drive with it, and police will recognize it. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you mailed your request or renewed online, you won't have a temporary license. Plan to stay off the road or arrange a ride until your replacement arrives, which takes about two weeks by mail or 7 to 10 days after online renewal. If you need to drive before your card arrives and you went the mail-in route, you can visit an office in person instead to get a temporary license when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

If you got a temporary paper license at an office, yes — it's valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as your permanent card. If you mailed your request or renewed online, you do not have a temporary license and should not drive until your replacement arrives. You can visit an office to get a temporary license if you need to drive sooner.

What if I don't have a Social Security card or other proof of my number?

A W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement showing your Social Security number counts as proof. If you don't have any of these, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue office before you visit — they can tell you what other documents they'll accept.

Do I need a police report to get a replacement?

No. You can get a replacement whether your license was lost or stolen. A police report is only useful if you're worried about identity theft or if someone uses your stolen license to commit a crime.

How long does a replacement license take?

In person: same day (you get a temporary license on the spot and your permanent card in 7 to 10 days). By mail: about two weeks. Online renewal: 7 to 10 days for your permanent card (no temporary license).

What if my address has changed since I got my license?

Bring your new residency proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your old ID showing your previous address. The office or mail-in form will update your address on your replacement license.