What You Need to Replace a Missouri Driver's License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Missouri driver's license, you'll need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person. You cannot replace it by mail or online. Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment for the replacement fee, which is $11.50 for a standard license.
If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police and bring that report number with you. The police report isn't required, but it documents the theft and can help if someone uses your information fraudulently. If your license was damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you—the office will take it and issue a replacement.
You do not need to retake the written or driving test to replace a lost or damaged license. The Department of Revenue will issue a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person; replacements cannot be done online or by mail.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of current address dated within 90 days, and $11.50 in cash or card.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to speed up the process and protect yourself from fraud.
- Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you won't need to retake any tests.
- Processing takes about 10 business days if you order a standard replacement; you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Where to Go and What to Bring
Find your nearest Missouri Department of Revenue office on the state's website or by calling 573-526-2407. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day—calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.
Bring these documents in original form (not copies): your Social Security number written down or your Social Security card, proof of your current address, and your payment method. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.
If you don't have proof of address in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a landlord or property manager stating your address, or a utility bill in someone else's name plus a signed statement from that person confirming you live there. This takes longer, so plan extra time if you're in this situation.
Fees and Payment Methods
A replacement driver's license costs $11.50 in Missouri. This fee covers the new card and standard processing, which takes about 10 business days. You can pay with cash or debit card at the office—most locations do not accept checks or credit cards, so confirm payment methods when you call ahead.
If you need your license faster, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while your replacement card is being printed. There is no extra charge for the temporary license—it's included with your replacement order.
If Your License Was Stolen
File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office as soon as you realize your license is stolen. You don't need to wait to file the report before going to the Department of Revenue office, but having the report number when you arrive will help. Give the report number to the staff member processing your replacement.
A police report protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name. It creates an official record that you reported the theft, which can help you dispute fraudulent charges or accounts later. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
After you report the theft to police, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps make it harder for someone to open new accounts using your stolen identity. You can place a fraud alert by calling any one of the three bureaus, and they will notify the others.
Processing Time and Your Temporary License
Standard processing for a replacement Missouri driver's license takes about 10 business days from the date you submit your process at the office. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided. During this time, you can drive using the temporary paper license the office gives you.
The temporary license is valid for 30 days. If your replacement card hasn't arrived within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 to check the status. Delays can happen if your address proof was unclear or if mail is slow in your area.
Once your new card arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. Your new card will have the same license number and expiration date as your original, so you don't need to update your information with your insurance company or employer unless your address changed.
Replacing a License with an Expiration Date Coming Soon
If your license is expiring within the next few months, you have two options: replace it now for $11.50, or wait and renew it when it expires. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions with different fees and timelines.
If you replace a lost or damaged license now, you'll get a new card with the same expiration date as your original. When that date arrives, you'll need to renew separately. If you wait until your license expires and then go to the office, you can renew and replace in one transaction, which may save you a trip but will cost more (renewal fees are higher than replacement fees).
Most people replace when ready if their license is lost or stolen, because you need a valid ID to drive. If your license is only damaged but still readable, you can wait until the expiration date and renew instead, which might be more cost-effective if expiration is soon.
What Happens If You Drive Without a Valid License
Driving without a valid license in Missouri is a traffic violation. If you're stopped by police and cannot show a valid license, you can face a fine, points on your driving record, or both. However, if you have your temporary paper license from the Department of Revenue, that counts as valid identification and you can show it to police.
Keep your temporary license with you at all times while you're waiting for your replacement card. If you lose the temporary license before your new card arrives, return to the Department of Revenue office and request another one. There is no charge for a replacement temporary license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different Missouri Department of Revenue office than the one in my county?
Yes. You can visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office, regardless of which county you live in. The office will process your replacement and mail your new card to your current address. There's no advantage to going to a specific office—choose whichever is most convenient for you.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You must provide your Social Security number to replace a Missouri driver's license. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a replacement license. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license will be mailed to you at the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up at the office. If you're moving before your card arrives, you can update your address with the Department of Revenue, but you must do this in person at an office before you leave the state.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 right away. If the card is damaged, bring it to any Department of Revenue office and request a replacement at no charge. If there's an error on the card (wrong name, wrong address, wrong license number), the office will correct it and issue a new card for free.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license, or can I get a standard replacement?
When you replace your license, you'll receive a standard Missouri driver's license by default. If you want a Real ID compliant license instead (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), you can request it at the office. A Real ID license costs $24 instead of $11.50 and requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.