What you need to do to get your Missouri license back
To reinstate your Missouri driving privilege, you must first determine why your license was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. Missouri does not have a single reinstatement process — the path depends on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DWI conviction, points accumulation, or another violation. You will need to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau, pay any required fees, and in some cases complete additional requirements like a substance abuse program or defensive driving course.
The reinstatement fee itself is $100 in Missouri, but you may also owe the original fine, court costs, or program fees depending on your suspension reason. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the conditions; others require you to formally request reinstatement. Starting with a phone call to the Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 will tell you exactly what your suspension reason is and what you must do.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri suspensions have different causes — unpaid fines, DWI, points, or child support — and each has its own reinstatement path.
- The reinstatement fee is $100, but you may also owe the original fine, court costs, or program fees before the Driver License Bureau will process your request.
- Call the Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 with your driver's license number to learn your suspension reason and exact requirements.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion (a substance abuse program, defensive driving course, or court order) before you can pay the fee and reinstate.
- You can reinstate by mail, in person at a Missouri license office, or online through the Missouri Secretary of State website if your suspension allows it.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Missouri suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reinstatement path depends on which one applies to you. The most common are: suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs; suspension for accumulating 12 or more points in a three-year period; suspension for DWI or drug-related convictions; suspension for failure to pay child support; and suspension for failure to appear in court. Each carries different conditions before you can reinstate.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. The court will notify the Driver License Bureau once payment clears, and your privilege will be restored. If your suspension is for points accumulation, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first offense) and then pay the $100 reinstatement fee. For DWI-related suspensions, you will need to complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment, obtain an ignition interlock device if required by the court, and pay the reinstatement fee. Child support suspensions require proof from the Department of Social Services that arrears are current or a payment plan is in place.
How to find out your suspension reason and requirements
Call the Missouri Driver License Bureau at 573-526-2407 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, how long it lasts, and what you must do to reinstate. Write down the exact requirements and any case or reference numbers they give you.
If you prefer not to call, you can check your driving record online through the Missouri Secretary of State website. Go to the "Driver License Services" section, select "Check Your Driving Record," and pay a small fee (usually $3 to $5) to view your record. This will show the suspension reason and the date it was imposed, though it may not spell out the exact reinstatement steps. A phone call to the Driver License Bureau is faster and more reliable for learning what you must do next.
Steps to reinstate after unpaid fines or court costs
If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the original ticket. The court clerk will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court receives and processes your payment, they send a notice to the Missouri Driver License Bureau. This process usually takes 3 to 7 business days.
You do not need to pay a separate reinstatement fee if your suspension was only for unpaid fines — the court payment clears the suspension. However, if the court also imposed costs or restitution, those must be paid in full. After the Driver License Bureau receives notice from the court, your privilege is automatically restored. You can verify restoration by calling the Driver License Bureau again or checking your online driving record.
Steps to reinstate after DWI or substance abuse-related suspension
DWI suspensions in Missouri require more than payment. You must complete a substance abuse assessment through a program approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This assessment determines whether you need treatment, counseling, or education. You will pay for the assessment out of pocket (costs vary by provider, typically $100 to $300). Once complete, you receive a certificate of completion.
If the assessment recommends treatment or education, you must complete that program before reinstatement. The court may also require an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle for a set period (usually 6 months to 1 year). Once you have the assessment certificate and proof of any required treatment, submit these documents to the Driver License Bureau along with the $100 reinstatement fee. You can submit by mail to the Driver License Bureau, 301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or in person at any Missouri license office.
Reinstatement methods: mail, in person, or online
Missouri offers three ways to reinstate your privilege, depending on your suspension type. By mail: Send the $100 reinstatement fee (check or money order), a completed reinstatement form (available on the Missouri Secretary of State website), and any required documents (proof of treatment, court order, etc.) to the Driver License Bureau at 301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Include a copy of your driver's license or a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In person: Visit any Missouri license office with the $100 fee, your driver's license, and any required documents. The staff will process your reinstatement on the spot, and you will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed. Online: Some suspensions can be reinstated through the Missouri Secretary of State website if you have a valid credit or debit card. Not all suspension types are may be able to access for online reinstatement — call the Driver License Bureau first to confirm yours is. Online processing is fastest, usually taking 1 to 2 business days.
Fees and what they cover
The Missouri reinstatement fee is $100. This fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and issuing a new license. It does not cover the original fine, court costs, substance abuse assessment, treatment programs, or ignition interlock installation — those are separate expenses you pay to the court, the assessment provider, or the interlock vendor.
If you are reinstating after unpaid fines, you pay the fine to the court (not the Driver License Bureau) and no separate reinstatement fee. If you are reinstating after points accumulation or DWI, you pay the $100 fee to the Driver License Bureau. Some suspensions also require a retest fee if you must retake the written or driving test before reinstatement — this is rare but possible if your suspension was for a serious violation. Ask the Driver License Bureau whether a retest is required for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until the Driver License Bureau restores your privilege. If you reinstate in person at a license office, you receive a temporary permit valid for 45 days while your new license is mailed. If you reinstate by mail or online, you must wait for the Driver License Bureau to process your request before you can drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed to the court right now?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will set up a schedule allowing you to pay in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, the court may notify the Driver License Bureau, and your suspension may be lifted while you pay. Call the court clerk to ask whether this option is available for your case.
Do I need a new written or driving test to reinstate?
Usually no. Reinstatement is an administrative process that does not require retesting. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation (such as a second DWI within 10 years) or if your license has been expired for more than a year, the Driver License Bureau may require you to retake the written test or driving test. Call ahead to confirm whether a test is required.
How long does reinstatement take if I do it online?
Online reinstatement typically takes 1 to 2 business days. Your privilege is restored in the Driver License Bureau's system, and you can drive when ready once you receive confirmation. Your new physical license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. In-person reinstatement is faster — you get a temporary permit the same day.
What if my suspension was for child support arrears?
Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division, to bring your child support account current or to set up a payment plan. Once the department confirms you are compliant, they notify the Driver License Bureau and your suspension is lifted. You do not pay a separate reinstatement fee for child support suspensions — the fee is waived once the department clears you.