Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates a phone line where you can check your driver's license status. Call 573-526-2407 during business hours — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
The phone line handles routine status checks: whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. You will reach a representative who can tell you the current state of your license and, in many cases, why it was suspended or revoked. If your license has a hold or restriction, they can often explain what you need to do to clear it.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (8 to 9 a.m.) and calls made on Tuesday or Wednesday tend to have shorter waits than Friday afternoons.
Key Takeaways
- Call 573-526-2407 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time to speak with a Missouri Department of Revenue representative about your license status.
- Have your driver's license number or Social Security number available before you call so the representative can look up your record quickly.
- The phone line can tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and often why the status changed.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the representative can explain what steps you need to take to restore it.
What Information You Need Before Calling
Gather one of two pieces of identification before you dial. Either your Missouri driver's license number (the eight-digit number on the front of your card) or your Social Security number will allow the representative to pull up your record. If you have lost your license and do not remember the number, your Social Security number is sufficient.
If you are calling about someone else's license — for example, a family member or an employee — you will need that person's license number or Social Security number. The Department of Revenue will not release license status information to a third party without the license holder's permission, so be prepared to explain your relationship or have the license holder call on their own behalf.
What the Phone Line Can and Cannot Tell You
The representative can confirm whether your license is currently valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. They can also tell you the reason for a suspension or revocation — for instance, unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or a DUI conviction. If there is a hold on your license from another agency (such as the Missouri Department of Social Services or a court), they can usually identify that as well.
The phone line cannot process transactions like renewing your license, paying fines, or requesting a duplicate card. For those tasks, you will need to visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person, use the online portal at dmv.mo.gov, or mail in an process. The representative can tell you which option works for your situation and direct you to the right form or office location.
When Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
If the representative tells you your license is suspended, ask what caused it and what you must do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic citations, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical suspension. Each reason has a different path to reinstatement.
For a suspension caused by unpaid fines or court costs, you typically must pay the full amount owed. For child support arrears, you must contact the Missouri Department of Social Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. For a medical suspension, you may need to provide a doctor's letter or pass a medical examination. The representative can tell you which applies to you and often provide a phone number or website for the agency handling your case.
If your license is revoked rather than suspended, the situation is more serious — revocation usually follows a DUI conviction or multiple serious violations. Reinstatement typically requires waiting out a mandatory period, paying a reinstatement fee, and sometimes completing a substance abuse program or defensive driving course. Ask the representative for the specific requirements in your case.
Online and In-Person Alternatives
If you prefer not to call, you can check your license status online at dmv.mo.gov. The website has a license status tool that works 24 hours a day. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to log in. This option is faster than calling if you only need to know whether your license is valid or suspended.
You can also visit a Missouri Driver License Office in person. Bring your current ID and be prepared to wait. Office staff can check your status when ready and answer questions about reinstatement or renewal. Find your nearest office location on the DMV website or call the main line to confirm hours.
What to Do After You Get Your Status
If your license is valid and current, you are done. If it is expired, you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your age and how long it has been expired. The DMV website walks you through each option.
If your license is suspended or revoked, write down everything the representative told you: the reason, the agency responsible (if it is not the DMV), the amount owed (if applicable), and the steps to reinstatement. Ask for a reference number or case number if one is available. This information will help you when you contact the responsible agency or visit a Driver License Office to complete reinstatement.
Do not drive on a suspended or revoked license. Doing so is a separate criminal offense in Missouri and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. If you need to drive before your license is restored, explore whether a work permit or hardship license is available in your situation — the representative can tell you if one applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my license status online instead of calling?
Yes. Visit dmv.mo.gov and use the license status tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The online tool is available 24 hours a day and gives you an when ready answer without waiting on hold.
What if I do not remember my driver's license number?
Use your Social Security number instead when you call. The representative can look up your record with that information alone. If you are checking online, you will need your license number, so call the DMV line or visit an office in person.
Will the representative tell me how to fix a suspension?
Yes, they will explain the reason and what you need to do next. If the suspension is caused by unpaid fines, child support, or a medical issue, they will tell you which agency to contact and often provide a phone number or website.
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason. If you pay outstanding fines when ready, your license may be restored within one business day. Child support cases and medical suspensions can take longer. Ask the representative for a timeline specific to your situation.
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a separate crime in Missouri. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the representative whether a work permit or hardship license is available to you.