Determine the Status of Your License

The length of time your driver’s license remains valid depends on your age. If you’re:

• 18-20 years old, or 70 years old or older, your license is valid for three years.

• 21-69 years old, your license is valid for six years.

Regardless of how long your license is valid, you must renew it at the end of that period, usually on your birth date. You may renew up to six months in advance, and there is no "grace period." Once your license is expired, you can’t legally drive in the state.

You must also maintain proof of financial responsibility. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) accepts insurance policies, self-insured identification cards, and financial responsibility cards. For more details about the State's financial responsibility requirements and to shop around for lower car insurance rates, visit our Insurance Center.

Valid License

The DOR offers two methods for renewing your valid driver’s license, and each of these methods is described at length below:

• By mail (if eligible)

• In person

If you’re unsure about the status of your license, you can check your driving record.

NOTE: Commercial drivers follow different steps to renew their CDLs. Please visit our Renewing Your CDL section at this point.

Expired License

If your driver’s license has been expired for fewer than six months, you may renew:

• By mail (if eligible)

• In person

If your driver’s license is expired for more than six months, you must renew in person. In addition to taking the vision and road sign test you must also take the written and driving tests.

Check your driving record to determine how long your license has been expired.

Suspended License

You may take the vision and road sign tests to renew your license if it’s suspended; however, you won’t regain your driving privileges until you’ve completed the reinstatement process.

Checking your driving record is an easy way to determine the status of your license. If you find it's suspended, refer to our Suspended License section for details about reinstating it, as well as obtaining restricted driving permits and limited driving privileges.

And, remember to ask your car insurance provider about any rate increase due to your suspended license. You can visit our Insurance Center to begin shopping for more affordable car insurance.

Lost License

Losing your driver’s license is a pain, but our Replacing a Lost License provides all the information you need to quickly replace it.

Check Your Renewal Notice

The DOR will send you a driver’s license renewal postcard before it’s time to renew your license. While this postcard isn’t a requirement for renewal, it does include helpful details about your renewal. If you don’t receive one and have questions about your renewal process, be sure to contact the DOR.

You may also want to make sure the DOR has your most up-to-date mailing address on file, and make necessary corrections.

Renew Online

The DOR doesn’t offer the option to renew your driver’s license online. You must renew in person, or by mail if you’re eligible.

Renew By Mail

You can only renew your driver’s license by mail if you’re military personnel stationed out of state, or the dependent of military personnel stationed out of state.

To renew by mail you must:

1. Complete the Mail-In Driver License Application (Form 4317).
2. Make copies of your military ID or military dependent ID.
3. Make copies of proofs of identity, residency, and lawful presence.
4. If applicable, make copies of proof of name change, such as your marriage license or divorce decree.
5. Mail everything, along with the appropriate fee (listed on the application), to:


• Missouri Department of Revenue
• Driver License Bureau MIL
• P.O. Box 200
• Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

The DOR usually processes renewed licenses within 10 days of receiving the applications.

For more information, visit our Drivers in the Military section or call the DOR Driver License Bureau at (573) 751-2730.

NOTE: If you’re temporarily out of state, but aren’t military personnel or a dependent of military personnel, please contact the DOR for possible license renewal arrangements.

Renew In Person

Most drivers will renew their licenses in person at a DOR driver license office. When that time comes, be prepared to:

1. Pass the vision and road sign tests (as well as the written and driving tests, if your license has been expired for more than six months).
2. Show proofs of identity, residency, and lawful presence.
3. Pay the appropriate fee. (Class F licenses are $10 for three years and $20 for six years; Class E licenses are $17.50 for three years and $35 for six years.)
4. Call your nearest driver license location to make an appointment or ask about hours of operation.

You will receive your renewed driver's license the same day.

Update Your Driving Skills

Check out supplemental training courses in your area to hone your driving skills, as well as possibly reduce points on your driving record and even get a discount on your current car insurance policy.

Talk with your provider about how completing a training course may make you eligible for insurance discounts. If your provider doesn't offer such benefits, visit our Insurance Center to find insurance providers that do.

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