How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Missouri

What You Need to Do Right Now

If you've lost your Missouri driver's license, you have two paths: visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, or order a replacement online through the Missouri DMV website. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. The online route takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery and costs less, but you won't have a physical ID until it arrives. Both require your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address on file with the state.

You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test. Missouri treats a lost license as a straight replacement, not a renewal. The fee is $11.50 for a standard replacement, whether you go in person or order online.

Key Takeaways

Missouri lets you replace a lost license online for $11.50, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days, or in person at any DMV office for the same fee plus a temporary paper license valid 30 days.
You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the address currently on file with Missouri; you do not need to bring physical documents or take a new photo.
If you choose the in-person route, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN, and one form of ID (passport, military ID, or another state's license).
The temporary paper license issued at the DMV office is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal ID; your replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line to prevent fraud.

Ordering a Replacement Online

Go to dmv.mo.gov and select "Order a Replacement License" from the main menu. You'll enter your driver's license number (if you remember it), date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity against Missouri's records. If the verification passes, you'll pay $11.50 by debit or credit card.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address currently on file with Missouri. If that address is wrong, you must update it before ordering online — you can do this on the same website under "Change Your Address" or in person at a DMV office. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you order. You will not receive a temporary license this way, so if you need an ID before the card arrives, you must go to a DMV office instead.

Getting a Replacement in Person at a DMV Office

Find your nearest Missouri DMV office at dmv.mo.gov/locations. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line. Bring one form of ID (a valid passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) and proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2, a tax return, or a birth certificate with your SSN printed on it.

Tell the clerk you need a replacement for a lost license. You will not take a new photo. The clerk will verify your information against the state database, collect the $11.50 fee, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and is a legal form of ID — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or enter a federal building. Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the address on file is wrong, the clerk can update it while you're there, and your replacement card will be mailed to the new address. If you've moved and haven't updated your address yet, do it now — otherwise your new license will go to an old address.

What Happens If You Don't Have Your License Number

If you can't remember your Missouri driver's license number, the online ordering system will still work — you can leave that field blank and verify your identity using your date of birth and the last four digits of your SSN instead. The system will pull up your record and confirm the address on file.

If you're ordering in person and don't know your license number, that's fine too. The DMV clerk will look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You don't need to have the number memorized or written down.

Updating Your Address at the Same Time

If you've moved since your license was issued, update your address before ordering a replacement. Online, go to dmv.mo.gov, select "Change Your Address," and enter your new address. The change takes effect when ready. Your replacement license will then be mailed to the new address.

If you're replacing your license in person at a DMV office, tell the clerk about the address change. They can update it on the spot, and your replacement card will go to the new address. There is no extra fee for an address change.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was lost in a theft rather than straightforward misplaced, consider reporting it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's non-emergency line at 573-526-6153. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud. You don't have to do this to get a replacement — the replacement process is the same — but it's a precaution worth taking.

You may also want to monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.

Timeline and What to Expect

If you order online, expect 7 to 10 business days for delivery. If you go in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 30 days, which gives you time to receive the permanent one. If your permanent card hasn't arrived after 10 business days, contact the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 to check the status.

Once your replacement arrives, destroy the temporary paper license — it's no longer valid once the permanent card is in your hands. The new card will have the same license number as your original, so your driving record and any points or restrictions carry over unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid Missouri driver's license and is recognized across the United States. You can drive in any state and use it as ID for travel, though some states may ask to see it alongside another form of ID.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen at the same time?

You can still order a replacement online if you remember your date of birth and the last four digits of your SSN. If you don't remember those details, go to a DMV office with any form of ID (passport, military ID, or another state's license) and proof of your SSN. The clerk can look up your information and issue a temporary license on the spot.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

No. Missouri uses your existing photo from your original license. Your replacement will look identical to your lost license except for the issue date.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Missouri DMV at 573-526-2407 and explain the problem. They will issue a corrected replacement at no extra charge. Bring the damaged or incorrect card with you if you go in person, or have it ready to reference if you call.

Can I order a replacement if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can order online from anywhere and have it mailed to any address in Missouri. If you need an ID before it arrives and you're out of state, you'll need to wait for the card to be delivered or travel back to Missouri to visit a DMV office for a temporary license.

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.