How to Change Your Address at the DMV in Missouri

Moving within Missouri means updating your address with the state so your driver license, vehicle registration, and official notices stay accurate. A Missouri DMV change of address is usually straightforward, but the steps can be different depending on what you’re updating (license vs. vehicle) and how you choose to do it.

This guide walks through how it works in Missouri, what you’ll need, and how to avoid common problems.

Missouri State Verification: Who Handles What?

In Missouri, DMV services are handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). When people say “Missouri DMV,” they are usually referring to the driver and vehicle services provided through the DOR.

In Missouri, this is typically handled by two connected areas within the DOR:

  • Driver License Bureau – driver licenses, permits, ID cards
  • Motor Vehicle Bureau – vehicle titles, registrations, license plates

Most local “DMV offices” you visit are Missouri license offices contracted by the DOR. They usually handle both driver and vehicle transactions in one location, so you generally do not have to find two different places.

However, in Missouri, updating your address for your driver license/ID and updating it for your vehicle registration are technically separate actions:

  • Updating your driver license or ID address does not always automatically update the address on all of your vehicle records.
  • Updating your vehicle registration or title address does not always change the address tied to your driver license.

Because of this, many drivers in Missouri find that they need to confirm and, if necessary, update both records when they move.

If you’re unsure where to go, you can:

  • Look up “Missouri Department of Revenue license office locator” in a search engine and use the official DOR office finder.
  • Check that the website you’re using clearly shows it is part of the Missouri Department of Revenue (usually with a .gov address and state branding).

Why Updating Your Address in Missouri Matters

Depending on your county in Missouri, failing to update your address can cause different headaches, especially around personal property tax, license plate renewals, and court notices.

Updating your address helps with:

  • Driver license and ID accuracy
    Law enforcement and state agencies rely on the address on your Missouri driver license or ID. If it’s outdated, it can complicate traffic stops or identity verification.

  • Vehicle registration and title records
    Your registration renewal notices, license plate information, and title records are mailed to the address on file. If you move, your notice could be sent to the wrong address.

  • Official notices and correspondence
    In Missouri, this is typically handled by mail—things like suspension notices, compliance letters, and other important documents. If they go to an old address, you might miss deadlines or requirements.

  • Insurance and local requirements
    Some insurance companies rely on the address listed on your registration and license. In some Missouri counties, tax and inspection requirements can also vary based on where you live.

  • Voting and jury duty coordination
    While voter registration is managed separately, keeping your license and address current can help prevent confusion when interacting with courts or election officials.

Keeping your records updated does not just prevent missed mail—it helps ensure state systems recognize where you actually live and garage your vehicles in Missouri.

What You’ll Need for a Missouri DMV Change of Address

Requirements can vary slightly by office and by the specific service (online, mail, in person). In Missouri, this is typically handled with a simple address change request rather than a full reapplication, but you should still be prepared.

Common information you’ll need

Have this information ready before you start:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Driver license or ID number
  • Current (new) residential address in Missouri
  • Previous address on file
  • Vehicle information, if updating registration:
    • License plate number
    • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if requested
    • Year, make, model (sometimes helpful)
  • Contact information (phone number and/or email)

Possible documents you may be asked for

For many routine address updates, Missouri may accept a signed request without extra documents, especially if you’re only changing the address on file and not requesting a new physical card immediately. However, when documents are needed, common examples include:

  • Proof of Missouri residence showing your new address, such as:
    • Utility bill
    • Lease agreement
    • Mortgage or property tax statement
    • Bank or credit union statement
  • Existing Missouri driver license or ID
  • Existing registration card or title information, if updating vehicle records

Depending on your county in Missouri and your individual situation (like a large address discrepancy or an out-of-state move into Missouri), an office may ask for more or different proof.

Why Missouri address change requests get rejected

Missouri DMV change of address requests most often get delayed or rejected for reasons like:

  • Missing or mismatched information (name, license number, or date of birth doesn’t match what’s on file)
  • Illegible applications (especially for mailed forms)
  • Using a mailing address that isn’t allowed for a specific purpose
    For example, some records may require a physical residential address, not just a P.O. Box.
  • Not signing the form or request where required
  • Outdated form or wrong form (if a specific Missouri DMV change of address form is required for your type of update)

To reduce issues, fill everything out carefully, in ink, and double-check your new address (including apartment number, city, and ZIP).

Step-by-Step Options for Missouri DMV Address Changes

In Missouri, address changes can usually be handled:

  • Online (for many standard updates)
  • In person at a Missouri license office
  • By mail in certain situations

Not every method will be available for every person. In Missouri, this is typically handled by deciding whether you only need to update the address on file, or you also want a new card or registration document printed with the new address.

1. Online Missouri DMV Change of Address (If Eligible)

Online services in Missouri are managed through the Missouri Department of Revenue’s official website. If you qualify, this is often the fastest way.

To find the correct page safely, search for:

  • “Missouri Department of Revenue online services”
  • “Missouri DMV change of address online”

Then look for a .gov site clearly labeled as the Missouri DOR.

Online options often include:

  • Updating the address on your Missouri driver license or ID record
  • Updating your mailing address for registration renewals

Many drivers in Missouri find that the online service works best if:

  • Your name hasn’t changed
  • You have a valid, non-expired Missouri license or ID
  • Your information (date of birth, license number) matches state records

General online steps

  1. Go to the official Missouri DOR website
    Confirm the website’s address ends in .gov and references the Missouri Department of Revenue.

  2. Access the driver or vehicle address change section
    Follow prompts for “driver license services,” “address change,” or similar wording.

  3. Log in or verify your identity
    You may be asked for:

    • Driver license or ID number
    • Date of birth
    • Last four digits of your Social Security number, or similar details

  4. Enter your new address
    Provide:

    • New Missouri residential address
    • Mailing address (if different and allowed)

  5. Review and submit
    Carefully verify spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP code before submitting.

  6. Note any confirmation
    Save or print any confirmation page or email for your records.

If the online tool allows you to request a replacement card with your new address, you may be given that option and told how to pay any applicable replacement fee. Since fee amounts can change, check the current details on the official site.

In some cases, Missouri’s online system may update the record only and not automatically issue a new physical license unless you specifically request a replacement.

2. In-Person Address Change at a Missouri License Office

If you’re not eligible for online updates, or if you prefer face-to-face help, you can use a Missouri license office. In Missouri, this is typically handled at the same local office where you would renew your license or register a vehicle.

To find an office near you, you can use the official Missouri DOR office locator at:
https://dor.mo.gov

(From there, navigate to the license office or location section.)

Before you go

Bring:

  • Your current Missouri driver license, permit, or ID
  • Vehicle registration card or license plate number, if you plan to update vehicle records
  • Proof of your new Missouri address, if requested by the office
  • Payment method, if you plan to request a new physical card or updated registration document

Depending on your county in Missouri and the office’s policies, you may want to call ahead or check online for:

  • Accepted payment methods
  • Whether an appointment is needed
  • Any updated health or safety policies

At the office

  1. Check in and request an address change
    Tell the clerk you need to update your address on your driver license/ID and/or on your vehicle registration.

  2. Complete any required forms
    The office may provide a specific address change form or use a general driver license/vehicle form for the update. This is where a Missouri DMV change of address form may be used.

  3. Show identification and address proof (if needed)
    Present your current license/ID and any address documents requested.

  4. Confirm whether you want a new card

    • You may be able to update the address on file only, leaving your physical card unchanged until renewal.
    • Or you can request a replacement license or ID card showing your new address, which may involve a replacement fee.

  5. Update vehicle records
    If you also need to update your vehicle registration or title address:

    • Provide your license plate number and, if requested, VIN
    • Ask the clerk to confirm that your vehicle mailing address has been updated as well.

  6. Keep your receipt or temporary documents
    You may receive a temporary document or receipt while you wait for any new card or registration to be mailed.

3. Address Change by Mail (If Available)

For some residents, a mail-in Missouri DMV change of address is an option, especially if:

  • You are out of state temporarily but maintaining Missouri residency
  • You cannot appear in person due to distance or other circumstances
  • You are only changing the address on record and not requesting certain types of new ID

To safely find the correct instructions and any current mailing address or form:

  • Search for “Missouri Department of Revenue change of address form” on a search engine.
  • Confirm you are on the official Missouri DOR site (look for .gov and official Missouri branding).

General mail-in process

  1. Obtain the correct form or instructions
    Download or print the Missouri DMV change of address form (if required) from the official site, or follow the instructions for written requests.

  2. Fill out the form completely
    Include:

    • Name, date of birth
    • Driver license or ID number
    • Old address and new Missouri address
    • Vehicle details, if also updating registration

  3. Sign and date the form
    Unsigned forms are a common reason for rejection.

  4. Include any required copies
    If the instructions call for copies of documents (not originals), include them clearly and legibly.

  5. Mail to the correct address
    Use the mailing address listed on the official Missouri DOR instructions for address changes. Do not guess or rely on outdated information.

  6. Keep a copy
    Make copies or scans of everything you send and consider using a mailing method that provides delivery confirmation.

Mail-in changes generally update the record first. If a new card or registration is issued, it will be sent to your new mailing address on file.

Do License and Registration Update Together in Missouri?

In Missouri, driver and vehicle records are both under the Department of Revenue, but updating one does not always guarantee the other is changed automatically.

Many drivers in Missouri find that:

  • Updating the driver license/ID address updates driver records, but they still need to verify their vehicle registration address.
  • Updating the vehicle registration address does not always change what appears on their driver license, especially the physical card.

For that reason, when you contact the Missouri DOR—online, in person, or by mail—explicitly mention everything you want updated:

  • “I need to update the address for my driver license/ID”
  • “I need to update the address for my vehicle registration/title as well”

This is especially important if you have multiple vehicles titled or registered in Missouri.

After You Submit Your Missouri Address Change

Once you’ve submitted your Missouri DMV change of address request, a few things usually happen.

Confirmation

Depending on how you submitted:

  • Online – You may see a confirmation page or receive an email indicating your address change was accepted or is being processed.
  • In person – You may receive a printed receipt or a temporary document.
  • By mail – You might not receive an immediate confirmation, so it’s useful to track when you mailed your request.

In Missouri, this is typically handled by updating your electronic record first. The physical card or registration document may be updated later, at renewal or when you request a replacement.

New license, ID, or registration

What you receive next depends on what you requested:

  • If you requested a replacement driver license or ID card with your new address:
    • The new card is usually mailed to your updated address on file.
  • If you only changed the record:
    • Your current card may still show the old address, but the state’s internal record will be updated.
  • If you updated your registration:
    • Future renewals and related notices should go to your new address; updated registration documents may be issued depending on the type of request.

To confirm that everything is correct, you can:

  • Check your next piece of mail from the DOR (like a renewal notice)
  • Log in again to the online system, if available, to see your address
  • Call or visit a Missouri license office and ask them to verify the address on file

Special Situations in Missouri

Address changes are not always one-size-fits-all. In Missouri, some groups have additional considerations.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders

If you hold a Missouri CDL, federal and state rules can be stricter:

  • You usually must maintain an address that reflects your true place of residence.
  • Certain CDL endorsements or medical requirements may be tied to your mailing address.

CDL holders in Missouri should strongly consider handling address changes in person at a license office and:

  • Bring your CDL and any required medical certification
  • Ask specifically about any effects on your CDL status or endorsements

Active-duty military and family members

If you’re an active-duty service member:

  • You might be temporarily living outside Missouri while keeping Missouri as your home state.
  • You may use a mail or online option to keep your records current without returning in person.

Depending on your situation, you may be allowed to:

  • Maintain a Missouri address for licensing and registration purposes even if stationed elsewhere.
  • Use a designated mailing address, such as a base address, where allowed.

Military members in Missouri should review guidance on the official DOR site or contact the DOR directly to make sure they’re following current rules.

College students

If you are a student attending college within or outside Missouri:

  • You may still be considered a Missouri resident for licensing, even if you live on campus elsewhere for part of the year.
  • Decide whether your campus address or your permanent home address should be used for DMV mail.

In Missouri, this is typically handled by using the address where you are most reliably able to receive mail from the DOR, while still following residency rules.

New residents moving into Missouri (from another state)

If you just moved to Missouri from another state:

  • You will usually apply for a new Missouri driver license rather than just an “address change.”
  • You will also need to title and register your vehicles in Missouri, subject to state requirements.

This process is more involved than a simple address change. Search the official Missouri Department of Revenue site for instructions on “new residents” or “out-of-state transfers” to understand what documents and timeframes apply.

P.O. boxes and rural routes

In some rural parts of Missouri, mail is delivered to P.O. boxes or rural routes:

  • Many Missouri records require a physical residential address for where you actually live.
  • A mailing address (P.O. box) can sometimes be listed in addition, for receiving mail.

Depending on your county in Missouri, local offices may be familiar with rural addressing issues and can help you list your address properly, such as:

  • Physical address for residence
  • P.O. box or route for mailing

Always follow whatever format the DOR or your local 911 emergency addressing system uses.

Changing name and address at the same time

If you had a legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order) and moved at the same time:

  • Missouri may require additional documentation for the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).
  • You may need to visit in person with original documents.

In these cases, it’s often more efficient to:

  1. Gather the required name-change documents listed on the official Missouri DOR site.
  2. Visit a license office in person to request both name and address updates together.
  3. Confirm that both your driver license/ID and vehicle records are updated.

Troubleshooting Missouri Address Change Problems

Even when you follow the steps carefully, issues can arise. Here’s what to consider if something goes wrong with your DMV change of address Missouri process.

Online address change rejected or won’t go through

If the online system will not accept your request:

  • Check your information
    Make sure your:

    • Name matches exactly (including middle name or initial)
    • Date of birth is correct
    • License or ID number is accurate

  • Try again later
    Occasionally, online systems experience maintenance or outages.

  • Switch methods
    If it continues to fail, consider:

    • Visiting a Missouri license office in person
    • Contacting the DOR using the contact information on their official site

If your address format is unusual (such as a new subdivision or rural route), an in-person visit may be especially helpful.

You submitted an address change, but it’s not updated

If you’ve submitted your request (online or by mail) and later find your address is unchanged:

  1. Allow processing time
    Some updates are not instantaneous, especially mailed requests.

  2. Check for confirmation
    Look for:

    • Email confirmations
    • Online account details
    • Receipts or paperwork from the office

  3. Contact the DOR
    Use phone or contact details from the official Missouri DOR website to:

    • Verify whether your request was received
    • Confirm whether any additional information is needed

When you contact them, have:

  • Your driver license/ID number
  • Old and new addresses
  • Dates you submitted the change

Your request was rejected

If you receive a notice that your address change was rejected:

  • Read the notice carefully for the reason (missing signature, incomplete information, unacceptable proof, etc.).
  • Correct the specific issue:
    • Provide clearer or additional documents, if requested
    • Complete any missing fields
    • Use the specific Missouri DMV change of address form indicated in the notice, if applicable

Re-submit using the method indicated (online, by mail, or in person).

License address updated, but registration did not (or vice versa)

This is common because license and vehicle records, while related, are separate.

If your license shows the right address but your registration doesn’t:

  • Contact or visit a Missouri license office.
  • Tell them specifically: “My driver license address is up to date, but my vehicle registration address is not.”
  • Provide:
    • License plate number(s)
    • VIN(s), if requested
    • The address you want on file

If your registration is correct but your license is not:

  • Use the same approach in reverse—request a driver license address update and ask if a replacement card is needed.

In Missouri, this is typically handled with a quick update once you clearly explain which records are wrong.

You moved out of Missouri

If you moved out of Missouri and now live in another state:

  • Usually, you will apply for a new driver license in your new state.
  • Your new state will often notify Missouri that you have obtained a new license.
  • For your vehicles, you may need to:
    • Title and register them in your new state
    • Follow any Missouri requirements for surrendering plates or notifying the state you no longer garaged your vehicle there

You generally do not file a Missouri address change for someone who is no longer a Missouri resident. Instead, you work through your new state’s DMV and follow any closing steps identified on Missouri’s official DOR site (for example, regarding personal property tax or plate surrender).

Keeping your address current with the Missouri Department of Revenue helps ensure that your driver license, ID, registrations, and important notices reach you where you live. The core steps are:

  1. Decide which records you need to update (driver license/ID, vehicle registration, or both).
  2. Choose how to update—online, in person, or by mail, using the official Missouri DOR resources.
  3. Gather your information and complete any forms carefully, making sure your new address is accurate and complete.
  4. Follow up if needed to confirm everything in the system now matches your current Missouri address.

If you’re unsure which process fits your situation, search the official Missouri Department of Revenue (dor.mo.gov) site for “change of address” or visit a local license office, and ask them to walk you through the options for your specific move.