Missouri Driver’s License Renewal (A Complete 2024 Guide)

Since each state has its own driver’s license renewal process, it’s easy to get confused or overlook something. This is why, today, we’re going to focus on Missouri.

We’ll walk you through a complete guide on the Missouri driver’s license renewal. With this, you’ll know EXACTLY what you need to do, what to bring, and more.

So let’s dive right in!

How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Missouri

In Missouri, you can renew your driver’s license in 2 ways:

That said, the Missouri Department of Revenue has exciting news coming soon! This is the addition of online renewal for great ease and convenience.

But since that’s still coming soon, let’s look at the steps for both in-person and mail renewal.

How to Renew a Missouri Driver’s License In-Person

Almost all Missouri drivers have to renew their licenses in person.

But before you fret, know that the process is very easy.

Here are the steps:

1. Prepare the documents you need to present. These include the following:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. Proof of Social Security Number

   NOTE: You can provide this verbally, but if your verification fails, you must present a document

   1. Proof of Missouri residence
   2. Date of lawful status
   3. Supporting documents for a name change (if necessary)

   NOTE: Remember that acceptable documents may vary depending on the type of license you’re holding.

   • Click here if your ID is REAL ID-compliant
   • Click here if your ID is not REAL ID-compliant
   1. Go to a Driver’s Licensing Office. Click here for locations.

   NOTE: You don’t need to make an appointment before your visit — all locations entertain walk-ins. However, it’s best to check an office’s operating hours and whether or not they have any announcements.

   1. On your visit, do the following:
      1. Validate the necessary information and submit the required documents
      2. Pass the vision screening (if 70+ years old)
      3. Pass the road signs recognition test (if 70+ years old)
      1. Pay the renewal fee:
         1. 3-year license: $13.50 (for drivers under 21 and over 70)
         2. 6-year license: $27 (for drivers 21 to 69)
         1. Get a temporary license. Your new credentials will arrive in the mail within seven to ten business days.

         How to Renew a Missouri Driver’s License by Mail

         As of now, the only other renewal option for Missouri drivers is to complete the process through the mail. However, only a select few can qualify for this method.

         You must meet the following:

         • You are an active military member (or a dependent of one)
         • The military assigned you out of state during your license renewal period

         If you are eligible for a by-mail renewal, here are the steps:

         1. Download a Mail-In Driver License Application Form (4317) and fill it out.
         1. Provide copies of the following information:
            1. The last four digits of your Social Security Number
            2. Proof of Military Active Duty (or your status as a dependent)
            3. Proof of Missouri residence
            1. Prepare the renewal fee of $13.50 (for below 21 and above 70) OR $27 (for 21 to 69)

            NOTE: You can pay with the following:

            • Personal, cashier’s, or traveler’s check (payable to Missouri Department of Revenue)
            • Money order
            • Credit card (you must complete the credit card information section on the application form’s second page)
            1. Put everything in an envelope and sent it to the address below:

            Driver License Bureau

            Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

            NOTE: Alternatively, you can scan everything and send it to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

            FAQs

            Got questions? Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked ones then.

            Can I renew my Missouri driver’s license online?

            As of now, Missouri does not YET allow online renewals. However, they are already working on it, so expect to be able to renew your driver’s license online soon.

            But presently, there are only two ways to complete the process. Either visit a license office or send all the necessary documents through mail. Remember, you can only use the latter if you are temporarily out of state due to being on active military duty.

            Do I need an appointment to renew my Missouri driver’s license?

            No, you don’t need to make an appointment in Missouri. All licensing offices entertain drivers who walk in for a renewal.

            However, you might want to check your preferred location’s office hours before going. Most offices close for lunch, others end the day at 5:00 pm, while others stop operating at 4:30 pm.

            There may also be some days when they’re closed — it’s best to know these details so you can plan your visit accordingly.

            When does my driver’s license expire in Missouri?

            Your license’s validity changes over time. Here’s a quick guide to the various timelines:

            • 16 to 17 (intermediate license) – 2 years
            • 18 to 20 – 3 years
            • 21 to 69 – 6 years
            • 70 and older – 3 years

            Here are two other things to keep in mind:

            • Intermediate licenses expire on their issued date
            • Full licenses expire on your birthday

            How long do you have to renew your license after it expires in Missouri?

            Sometimes life gets so busy that you forget to renew your license on time. Fortunately, Missouri has a longer-than-usual grace period.

            While other states only give 30 days, you have 6 months in Missouri. For those in the military, it’s 60 days after your discharge.

            However, it doesn’t mean you can keep driving even after your license expires. You still can’t operate a vehicle until you’ve renewed it, but doing so within your grace period means you don’t have to take additional tests.

            When can I renew my driver’s license in Missouri?

            You can begin the renewal process 6 months (or 184 days) before your license expires. Don’t leave things to the last minute — that causes more stress, and you’re more likely to forget things that way.

            Also, it’s usually better to renew your license at the beginning of the month. Licensing offices tend to get increasingly busy as the month progresses.

            At what age do you have to retake your driving test in Missouri?

            Drivers 70 and older must retake a driving test when they renew their Missouri license. However, age isn’t the only cause for skills retesting.

            If you fail to complete the renewal process within the grace period (6 months), you will also have to retake the skills test.

            The Wrap Up

            There you go — your complete guide to Missouri driver’s license renewal.

            When it’s time to renew your license, you now have all the information you need.

            Remember, the renewal process in Missouri isn’t complicated, but there are several things to remember — from when your license expires, to what documents to bring, to how much you must pay.

            And with this guide, you already know everything.