Missouri DMV Locations and Hours

Missouri's Department of Revenue operates driver examination and licensing offices across the state, but not every location handles every service. The state does not run a single "DMV" — instead, you visit a driver examination office for license and permit work, or a license office for renewals and replacements. Most counties have at least one location; larger counties have several.

You can search for the office nearest you on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city. Hours vary by location, but most open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some locations close for lunch. A few offices in larger cities offer limited Saturday hours, though this is not standard. Call ahead or check the location's page before you go — hours change seasonally and without notice.

Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of week. Early morning and mid-week visits typically move faster. If you need to renew a license or get a replacement, many of these services can be handled by mail or online, which avoids the office entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri operates driver examination offices and separate license offices; the service you need determines which location you visit.
  • Most counties have at least one office, and you can find the nearest one by county or city on the Department of Revenue website.
  • Standard hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, though some locations close for lunch and a few offer Saturday hours.
  • License renewals and replacements can often be completed by mail or online, which is faster than visiting an office in person.
  • Wait times are shortest early in the morning and mid-week; call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Driver Examination Offices vs. License Offices

A driver examination office is where you take your written test, road test, and get your first license or permit. These offices also handle license suspensions, reinstatements, and certain violations. If you are under 18, you must visit a driver examination office to get a learner's permit or provisional license.

A license office handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and corrections to your record. If your license is not suspended and you are straightforward renewing or replacing it, a license office is usually faster and may have more locations near you. Some license offices are run by the state; others are run by county clerks' offices and may be located in the courthouse or county building rather than a dedicated DMV space.

Before you go, confirm which type of office you need. The Department of Revenue website lists each location and what services it provides. Showing up at the wrong office wastes a trip.

What to Bring to a Missouri DMV Office

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a first license or permit, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your name if it differs from your birth certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will also need to pass a vision test and written test.

For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are renewing by mail or online, you typically need only your license number and the renewal notice you received.

For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address. This can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current license if you have it, or proof of identity and residency. Bring a check or money order for the replacement fee, or be prepared to pay by card if the office accepts it — payment methods vary by location.

Getting Your Learner's Permit in Missouri

If you are 15 or older and have never held a license, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. You can only get a permit at a driver examination office, not at a license office.

Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Missouri residency, and proof of your name if it differs from your birth certificate. You will take a vision test and a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The written test has 25 questions; you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

Once you pass, you receive a permit valid for one year. You can then practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. After you have held the permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a road test at the same office.

Road Testing and License Issuance

The road test is conducted at a driver examination office and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working seat belts, mirrors, lights, and wipers.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, backing up, and parking. You will also drive on city streets and possibly a highway. Common reasons for failing include not using turn signals, improper lane changes, speeding, and hitting curbs or cones during parking.

If you pass, you receive your license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. There is a fee for each attempt. Your learner's permit remains valid while you retake the test.

Handling Address Changes and License Corrections

You must report an address change to Missouri within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at any license office. Online is the fastest option if your address change is straightforward and your license is not suspended.

To change your address online, visit the Department of Revenue website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need to pay a small fee by card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to correct your name, date of birth, or other personal information on your license, you must visit an office in person and bring documentation of the correct information — a birth certificate for a name change, for example. Corrections are usually processed when ready or within a few days.

Fees and Payment Methods

License fees in Missouri vary by type and age. A standard driver's license costs one amount; a commercial license costs more. Learner's permits, road tests, and replacements each have separate fees. The Department of Revenue website lists current fees for each service.

Payment methods depend on the office. Most accept cash, check, and card. Some smaller county offices accept only cash or check. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm what they accept. If you are renewing or changing your address online, you must pay by card.

Fees are non-refundable if you fail a test or do not complete your transaction. If you fail the road test and retake it, you pay the road test fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Missouri license online or by mail instead of going to an office?

Yes. If your license is not suspended and you are straightforward renewing it, you can renew online or by mail. Online renewal is faster — your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer. You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than five years or if you need to change your address or name.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Missouri license?

You should get a license in your new state. Driving on an out-of-state license after you move is not illegal, but your new state may require you to get a license within a certain time frame. If you move back to Missouri later, you can use your old Missouri license if it is still valid, or renew it.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?

You receive your license when ready after passing the road test at the driver examination office. You can drive home that day. If you ordered a special design or vanity plate, your license will arrive by mail instead, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment to visit a Missouri DMV office?

Most Missouri offices do not require appointments, but some larger locations now offer them. Check the office's page on the Department of Revenue website to see if appointments are available or required. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours.

What happens if I fail the written test for my learner's permit?

You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is a fee for each attempt. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass. There is no limit on retakes.