What you need to do to get your Missouri license back
To reinstate your Missouri driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Missouri Department of Revenue handles reinstatement, and you cannot straightforward renew; you must go through a separate process that includes paying a reinstatement fee and, in most cases, proving you have met specific conditions.
The most common reasons for suspension in Missouri are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving without insurance, DWI convictions, and accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each reason has its own set of requirements before the state will restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked before you can move forward with reinstatement.
- A reinstatement fee of $100 to $200 is required in most cases, though the exact amount depends on the reason for suspension.
- If your suspension was due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before the state will reinstate your license.
- For DWI-related suspensions, you may need to install an ignition interlock device and provide proof of completion of a substance abuse program.
- Once you meet all requirements and pay the reinstatement fee, you can complete the process online, by mail, or in person at a Missouri license office.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or visit their website to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The department will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it.
If you do not know the reason, you cannot move forward — different suspension types have completely different requirements. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires payment; a suspension for a medical condition may require a doctor's clearance; a DWI suspension may require an ignition interlock device. Getting this information first saves you time and money.
Paying fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees
If your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must pay those amounts to the court that issued the ticket or citation. Contact the court directly — the Missouri Department of Revenue cannot accept payment for court fines. Once the court reports payment to the state, your suspension may be lifted automatically, but you still need to pay the reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue.
The reinstatement fee itself ranges from $100 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension. You can pay this fee online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a license office. Keep your receipt or confirmation number as proof of payment.
DWI suspension and ignition interlock requirements
If your license was suspended because of a DWI conviction, you face a longer process. Missouri requires a period of hard suspension (no driving at all) followed by a period of restricted driving with an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition; your vehicle will not start unless you provide a breath sample showing no alcohol.
You must also show proof that you have completed a substance abuse program or evaluation. The Department of Revenue will tell you which programs are approved in Missouri. Once you have completed the program, installed the interlock device, and paid the reinstatement fee, you can move forward with reinstatement. The length of time you must use the interlock device depends on whether it was a first or repeat offense.
Point suspension and driver improvement requirements
If you accumulated too many points on your driving record, your license was suspended automatically. Missouri assigns points for traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents all add points. Once you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended.
To reinstate after a point suspension, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first suspension) and then pay the reinstatement fee. Some drivers are also required to take a driver improvement course before reinstatement. The Missouri Department of Revenue will tell you whether this applies to you when you call about your suspension.
Steps to complete reinstatement
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension type, you have three ways to complete reinstatement. You can do it online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you have a valid credit or debit card. You can mail a completed reinstatement form and payment to the address provided by the department. Or you can visit a Missouri license office in person with proof of payment and your identification.
Processing time varies. Online and in-person reinstatement is usually when ready or within one business day. Mail-in reinstatement can take two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your physical license arrives, ask about a temporary driving permit at the license office.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Missouri is a crime. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Your vehicle can also be impounded, and your insurance company may drop you or charge much higher rates.
If you were stopped while your license was suspended, you may have additional court fines or costs on top of the original suspension reason. These must be paid before reinstatement is possible. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my Missouri license?
If you complete reinstatement online or in person at a license office, it is usually when ready or within one business day. Mail-in reinstatement takes two to three weeks. The time depends on how quickly you meet all the requirements for your specific suspension type, not just on how fast you submit payment.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my reinstatement is being processed?
Yes, if you visit a Missouri license office in person. You can request a temporary permit that allows you to drive while your official license is being processed. This is not available for online or mail-in reinstatement, so you must go to the office in person.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Missouri does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid fines, the court that issued the ticket may offer a payment plan. Contact the court directly to ask. You cannot reinstate your license until all fines and the reinstatement fee are paid in full.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
In most cases, no. Reinstatement does not require a new test unless your license has been expired for more than a certain period or unless the Department of Revenue specifically requires it as part of your suspension conditions. The department will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about your suspension.
What if I was suspended in another state — can I reinstate in Missouri?
No. If your license was suspended in another state, you must contact that state's department of motor vehicles to reinstate it there first. Missouri will not reinstate a license suspended in another state. Once your license is reinstated in the original state, you can then transfer or renew it in Missouri if you have moved here.