The reinstatement fee in Saint Louis is $20, plus any other fines or fees tied to why your license was suspended

When you reinstate your Missouri driver's license in Saint Louis, you will pay a $20 reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue. This is the base cost. However, your total bill may be higher if your suspension was tied to unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or other court-ordered debts — those have separate fees that stack on top of the reinstatement fee itself.

The $20 fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and reissuing your license. You pay it whether you reinstate in person at a Saint Louis license office or through the mail. If you owe money for other reasons — a suspended license due to unpaid child support, for example — you must settle those debts first, usually through the agency that imposed the suspension, before the Department of Revenue will process your reinstatement.

Key Takeaways

  • The reinstatement fee itself is $20, paid to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
  • Additional fees or fines may explore if your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or court judgments.
  • You must clear all debts that caused the suspension before the Department of Revenue will reinstate your license.
  • You can pay the $20 reinstatement fee in person at a Saint Louis license office or by mail, depending on your suspension type.

When your suspension came from unpaid fines or court debts

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered debts, the $20 reinstatement fee is only part of what you owe. You must first pay the original fine or debt that triggered the suspension. The court or the agency that imposed the suspension will tell you the exact amount and where to send payment.

Once you have paid the underlying debt, that agency will notify the Missouri Department of Revenue that the suspension can be lifted. Then you pay the $20 reinstatement fee to complete the process. The order matters: you cannot reinstate until the debt is cleared, and clearing the debt does not automatically reinstate your license — you still have to request reinstatement and pay the fee.

When your suspension came from child support arrears

A license suspension tied to unpaid child support works differently. The Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, holds the suspension. You must contact them directly to find out how much you owe and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.

Once you have made an arrangement with Family Support Division or paid the arrears, they will release the suspension to the Department of Revenue. At that point, you can reinstate your license by paying the $20 fee. Contact the Family Support Division at 573-751-4301 to confirm your balance and the status of your case before you attempt to reinstate.

Reinstatement by mail versus in person

If your suspension was for a minor reason — such as failure to pay a parking ticket or a non-moving violation — you may be able to reinstate by mail. You will mail a check or money order for the $20 reinstatement fee, along with your driver's license and a completed reinstatement form, to the Missouri Department of Revenue's Saint Louis office.

If your suspension was more serious — such as a DWI or a suspension tied to a major court judgment — you will likely need to reinstate in person at a Saint Louis license office. The office staff can tell you which route applies to your case. Call the Saint Louis office at 314-644-9700 to confirm whether you can mail in your reinstatement or must appear in person.

How to find the Saint Louis license office and hours

The main Saint Louis license office is located at 100 South Fourth Street, Saint Louis, MO 63102. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Bring your current identification, your suspended license, and payment for the $20 reinstatement fee.

If you cannot reach the main office or need to know whether your specific suspension type requires an in-person visit, call 314-644-9700. The staff can also tell you whether you need to bring any additional documents related to the reason for your suspension. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee

Once you have paid the $20 reinstatement fee and cleared any underlying debts, the Department of Revenue will process your reinstatement. If you reinstate in person, you will receive a temporary driving permit on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. If you reinstate by mail, your permanent license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Your reinstatement is not complete until you have the permit or the new license in hand. Do not drive before that point, even if you have paid the fee. If you are stopped before your permit or license arrives, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the $20 reinstatement fee online?

Missouri does not currently offer online reinstatement for most suspension types. You must pay in person at a license office or by mail. Call 314-644-9700 to confirm whether your specific suspension type has an online option, as policies can change.

What if I cannot afford the $20 fee right now?

The Department of Revenue does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself. However, if your suspension is tied to child support arrears or court fines, the agency holding the suspension may allow you to set up a payment plan for that debt. Contact the relevant agency first to resolve the underlying issue.

Do I need to bring my old license to reinstate?

Yes. Bring your suspended license to the office or include it with your mail-in reinstatement. The Department of Revenue will keep it on file. If you have lost your license, call 314-644-9700 to ask whether you can reinstate without it.

How long does reinstatement take if I do it by mail?

Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department of Revenue receives your payment and paperwork. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. If you need to drive sooner, reinstate in person to receive a temporary permit when ready.

Will my insurance rates go up after I reinstate?

That depends on your insurance company and the reason for your suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines may not affect your rates, but a suspension for a DWI or serious violation likely will. Contact your insurance company directly to ask how your reinstatement will affect your policy.