What you need to do right now

To get a replacement driver's license in Missouri, you will visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You cannot do this by mail or online — Missouri requires you to appear in person and pass a vision screening.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and get a case number; the Department of Revenue may ask for it. If your license was damaged but still readable, bring it with you — you may not need to pay the full replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current Missouri address.
  • The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard license, though damaged licenses may cost less.
  • You will have your photo taken and pass a vision test at the office.
  • A replacement license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on a temporary paper permit while you wait.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to speed up the process.

Documents to bring to the Department of Revenue office

Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You also need proof that you live in Missouri right now. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report or the case number. If your license was damaged, bring it with you even if it is torn or faded.

Where to go and what it costs

Find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Most cities have at least one office; larger cities have several. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations now offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.

The replacement fee is $11.50 for a standard driver's license. If your license is damaged but you are turning it in, the fee may be lower — ask at the counter. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card.

Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offer limited Saturday hours. Check the specific office location online before you go.

What happens at the office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait your turn. A staff member will review your documents, confirm your identity and address, and ask you to sign a form. You will then sit for a new photo — wear what you would normally wear; the photo will look like your old license photo.

You will also take a vision screening. This is a straightforward test where you read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them for the test. If you fail, you may be asked to get a vision correction from an eye doctor before your license is issued.

Once everything is complete, you will receive a temporary paper permit that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and get a case number or report number. Bring this number with you to the Department of Revenue office. Having a police report does not change the fee or the process, but it creates an official record that your old license should not be used.

If you are concerned that someone might use your stolen license fraudulently, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is separate from replacing your license but adds a layer of protection.

Replacing a license that expired while lost or stolen

If your license expired before you could replace it, you will still pay only the replacement fee ($11.50) — you do not pay a separate renewal fee. However, you will need to pass the vision test and have a new photo taken, just as you would for any replacement.

If your license expired more than a year ago, Missouri may require you to retake the written knowledge test as well. Ask the staff member at the office whether this applies to you before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. You receive a temporary paper permit to drive when ready, but your permanent license is mailed to you and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Missouri address. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask if a letter from your landlord or a bank statement will work. Call your local Department of Revenue office ahead of time to confirm what they will accept.

Do I need to retake the written driving test to get a replacement?

No, not for a standard replacement. You will pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, but you will not retake the written knowledge test unless your license expired more than a year ago.

What if my temporary paper permit gets lost before my permanent license arrives?

Contact the Department of Revenue office where you got your replacement. They can issue you another temporary permit. Bring your ID and proof of address again.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provided at the office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you move before it arrives, contact the Department of Revenue to update your mailing address.