Missouri's DMV is called the Department of Revenue, and you reach it through your county license office
Missouri does not have a single "DMV" building or website the way some states do. Instead, the state's Department of Revenue handles driver licenses and vehicle registration, but you conduct most transactions at your county license office. There are 114 county offices across Missouri, and each one processes renewals, address changes, title transfers, and new license applications. The state office in Jefferson City handles policy and appeals, but it does not serve walk-in customers.
To find your county office, visit the Department of Revenue website and search by county name. The office nearest you may not be in your county seat — some larger counties have multiple locations. Hours vary by location, and many offices close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days. Calling ahead before you go saves a trip, especially if you need a specific form or have an unusual request.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's DMV services are handled by county license offices, not a state office you can visit in person.
- You can renew your driver license online through the Department of Revenue website if you have not had a suspension or medical restriction.
- Address changes for your driver license and vehicle registration are processed at your county office and take about 10 minutes if you bring the right documents.
- Missouri driver licenses are valid for six years, and vehicle registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type.
- If your county office is closed or has a long wait, you can often complete renewals by mail or online instead of visiting in person.
Renewing your driver license online or by mail
Missouri allows online renewal for driver licenses if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended, you must not have a medical restriction, and you must have a valid email address on file. To renew online, go to the Department of Revenue website, select "Driver License Services," and follow the renewal portal. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you do not meet the online requirements or prefer not to use the website, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from your county office by phone or in person, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license expires soon. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at your county office.
Changing your address on your driver license and vehicle registration
When you move to a new address in Missouri, you must update both your driver license and your vehicle registration. These are two separate transactions, though you can do both at the same county office visit. Bring your current driver license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your vehicle registration card. If you have a vehicle title, bring that too.
The address change itself is free and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your vehicle registration is updated when ready, and you receive a new registration card by mail. If you move out of state, you do not need to update your Missouri license or registration — they remain valid until their expiration date, though you should register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.
Getting a new driver license or ID card
If you are getting a Missouri driver license for the first time, you must explore in person at your county office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address, and a completed process form DL-43 (available on the Department of Revenue website or at the office). You will take a written test, a vision test, and a photo. The license costs $25 and is valid for six years.
If you need a non-driver ID card instead — for identification only, not driving — the process is the same except you skip the driving test. Non-driver ID cards cost $11 and are valid for six years. Both types of ID are accepted for voting, banking, and other purposes where a government-issued ID is required.
Vehicle registration and title transfers
When you buy a used vehicle in Missouri, you must register it and obtain a title in your name. Bring the bill of sale, the previous owner's title, proof of your address, and proof of insurance to your county office. The registration fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age — newer vehicles cost more. You will receive a registration card and a new title by mail. Registration is valid for one or two years depending on your vehicle type; the office will tell you which applies to yours.
If you sell a vehicle, you do not need to do anything at the DMV. Notify your insurance company that you no longer own the vehicle, and keep a copy of the bill of sale for your records. The new owner is responsible for registering it in their name.
What documents you need for common transactions
| Transaction | Documents to bring | Cost | How long it takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renew driver license (in person) | Current license, proof of address | $25 | 10 minutes; new license arrives in 7–10 days |
| Change address | Current license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) | Free | 10 minutes; new license arrives in 7–10 days |
| Get new driver license | Social Security card or number, birth certificate or passport, proof of address, completed form DL-43 | $25 | 30–45 minutes |
| Register a used vehicle | Bill of sale, previous owner's title, proof of address, proof of insurance | Varies by vehicle weight and age | 15–20 minutes; registration card and title arrive in 7–10 days |
| Get non-driver ID card | Social Security card or number, birth certificate or passport, proof of address, completed form DL-43 | $11 | 30–45 minutes |
Finding your county license office and checking wait times
The Department of Revenue website has a county office locator tool. Enter your county name, and the site shows all offices in that county with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some larger counties like St. Louis and Jackson have multiple offices; the locator tells you which one is closest to you. Many offices publish current wait times on their pages, though this information updates only a few times per day.
If you want to avoid a long wait, call your office before you go. Staff can tell you whether it is busy and whether you can handle your transaction by mail or online instead. Some offices accept appointments for certain services; ask when you call. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually less crowded than afternoons and Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online without visiting the office?
No. Missouri requires you to appear in person to change your driver license address. However, you can change your vehicle registration address by mail if you prefer — contact your county office for the form. The in-person visit takes about 10 minutes.
What if I lost my driver license?
Go to your county office with proof of identity and proof of address. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $10–$15) and receive a new license by mail in 7–10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives, or request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
How do I renew my vehicle registration if I do not want to go to the office?
You can renew by mail. Contact your county office to request a renewal form, complete it, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks. Some offices also allow online renewal for certain vehicle types — ask your office whether yours qualifies.
What happens if my driver license expires while I am out of state?
You can renew online through the Department of Revenue website if your license meets the online renewal requirements (no suspension, no medical restriction). Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved out of state, update your address first so the license goes to the right place.
Do I need an appointment at my county office?
Most Missouri county offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some larger offices now offer appointment slots for certain services. Call your office to ask whether appointments are available for your transaction.