How to Get Your Missouri DOR Driver's License: Requirements for 2024

Learn how to get your MO learner's permit or driver's license, renew your license and schedule your driving test in Missouri with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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MO driver's license types How do I apply? How do I schedule my driving test? Knowledge (written) test Driving (road) test How do I replace or renew my license? New residents

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How Does It Work?

Driving in the Show Me State always requires a driver license. We will help you get your first license, as well as renew your old one or transfer your existing one if you have decided to move to Missouri. Follow our step-by-step guides and you will get your license fast and easy.

Get an instruction permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get an intermediate license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: As you gear up to drive through Missouri's rolling hills and vibrant cities, ensure you possess solid driving techniques. Our guides on manual vehicle operation and parallel parking will be invaluable. Learn effective methods for reverse parking and three-point turns. It's vital to adjust your mirrors for proper visibility. Our Online Driving Simulator can simulate various driving situations, and for international drivers, be aware of Missouri's international driver's license requirements.

Types of Driver Licenses in Missouri

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit
Missouri Class F Driver's License
Class F
It is a basic operator license that allows you to drive common cars and trucks that do not require class A, B, C, E licenses. Read the MO DOR Driver Guide or take a free MO practice test.
Missouri Class E Driver's License
Class E (For-Hire)
It allows you to transport people (14 or fewer) and property for pay or operate a motor vehicle (26,000 pounds or less GVWR) for your employment which belongs to another person and is designed to carry freight and merchandise. You don’t need this license if you drive a taxi cab or deliver food.
Missouri Class A/B/C Driver's License
Class A/B/C (Commercial)
Class A allows you to drive any vehicle towing a unit with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds (combined truck and trailer with GCWR over 26,000 pounds). Class B allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Class C is for operating a single-unit vehicle, 26,000 pounds GVWR or less, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. It's used for carrying hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus. Read the MO CDL Manual or take a free MO CDL practice test.
Missouri Motorcycle Driver's License
Class M
It allows you to ride a motorcycle or motor tricycle on public roads and highways. To get this license, you will have to pass the Class F and Class M written, vision, road sign, and motorcycle skills tests. Read the MO Motorcycle Operator Manual or take a free MO motorcycle practice test.

How to Apply for Missouri Class F Driver License

To apply for Missouri driver license for the first time, you are required to collect documentation and pass written, vision, road sign, and driving tests. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.

How to Apply for Instruction Permit in Missouri

Instruction permit is the first step of Missouri graduated driver licensing system. It gradually grants driving privileges to young inexperienced drivers. It allows you to drive supervised at all times by a qualifying person in the front seat. If you are younger than 16, the qualifying person is a licensed driver of at least 25 years of age who has been licensed for at least 3 years and has a written permission from your parent/guardian. If you are 16+, you may be supervised by any 21+ licensed driver.

1Visit an examination station

You can choose a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station near you. Check all locations and their schedules here. You don't need an appointment.

2Bring verification of your name and age

Choose a suitable document from the idrequirements.pdf list.

3Pass the vision test

4Pass the road sign recognition test

You must be able to tell what road signs mean.

5Pass the written test

You will answer 25 questions about the rules of the road. Take free practice tests online before you go. If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day. You can learn more about the written test by checking frequently asked questions about the test. When you pass the test, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) will issue you Form 100 (driver examination record) which shows that you've passed vision and written tests.

6Apply at a driver license office

Use this map to find a location near you. Check its schedule before going.

7Bring a qualified person ( for under 18)

Your parent/ guardian or certified trainer with a federal residential job training program must sign your application stating that they will provide you with at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

8Bring documentation required

You must provide proof of the following:

  • Your name, date and place of birth (e.g. U.S. birth certificate)
  • Your Social Security Number (If you don't have one, sign a notarized affidavit (provided by the license office) stating that you have not been given a SSN, and present a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the status of your social security number. Nonimmigrant foreign students, who are not authorized to work in the USA, don't have to bring this letter.
  • Your Missouri residential address (e.g. utility bill). You may bring your parent/guardian residence documents if you are under 21 years of age.
  • Form 100 from Missouri State Highway Patrol

Check more ideas how to choose documents for US citizens and Non-US citizens.

9Pay the permit fee

$3.50 by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card.
Your instruction permit will be valid for a year but can be renewed if needed.

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How to Apply for Intermediate License in Missouri

Intermediate license is the second step of Missouri graduated driver licensing system for 16-18 year olds. It allows you to drive on your own but with several restrictions:

  • No more than one passenger for the first 6 months, and no more than 3 passengers after the first 6 months who are under 19 years of age and who are not part of your immediate family.
  • No driving alone between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you drive to or from a school activity, job or emergency, or accompanied by a licensed adult 21+.
  1. Hold your instruction permit for at least 182 days

    During this time, you mustn't have any traffic convictions. Moreover, no alcohol-related offenses in the last 12 months are acceptable.

  2. Receive driving instruction

    You must receive at least 40 hours of driving instruction including at least 10 night time hours from your parent/guardian, grandparent or qualified driving instructor.

  3. Retake vision, road sign and written tests if necessary

    You are required to retake these tests if the results are more than one year old. Retake the tests at a Missouri State Highway Patrol station.

  4. Pass a driving test

    Tests are given at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station Check all locations and their schedules here. No appointment is required. The tests are given based on personnel availability. That is why, arrival at an exam station before closing time does not mean that you will be given a test on the same day. Read about the driving test procedure here. If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day. However, if you fail the test 3 times, you will have to take additional behind-the wheel training before your next attempt.

  5. Apply at a driver license office

    Use this map to find a location near you. Check its schedule before going.

  6. Bring a qualified person

    Your parent/ guardian, grandparent, step parent or certified driving instructor must come with you and certify that you've completed your 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

  7. Bring documentation required

    You must provide proof of the following:

    • Your name, date and place of birth (e.g. U.S. birth certificate)
    • Your Social Security Number (If you don't have one, sign a notarized affidavit (provided by the license office) stating that you have not been given a SSN, and present a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the status of your social security number. Nonimmigrant foreign students, who are not authorized to work in the USA, don't have to bring this letter.
    • Your Missouri residential address (e.g. utility bill). Bring your parents residential documents if necessary.
    • Form 100 from Missouri State Highway Patrol which shows that you've passed the driving test.

    Check more ideas how to choose documents for US citizens and Non-US citizens.

  8. Pay the fee

    $7.50 by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card.

Your intermediate license will be valid up to 2 years. To upgrade to an Under-21 full driver license at the age of 18, you may not have any alcohol related offenses or traffic convictions in the last 12 months.

How to Apply for Your Full (Adult) Driver License in Missouri

You can apply for your full driver's license at the age of 18.

If you've never been licensed, start with step 1.

If you hold a valid instruction permit, start with step 9.

If you have an intermediate license, visit a driver license office, pass vision and road signs tests, pay the $10.00 fee and get your Under 21 full driver license.

1Visit an examination station

You can choose a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station near you. Check all locations and their schedules here. You don’t need an appointment.

2Bring verification of your name and age

Choose a suitable document from the idrequirements.pdf list.

3Pass the vision test

4Pass the road sign recognition test

You must be able to tell what road signs mean.

5Pass the written test

You will answer 25 questions about the rules of the road. Take free practice tests online before you go. If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day. You can learn more about the written test by checking frequently asked questions about the test. When you pass the test, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) will issue you Form 100 (driver examination record) which shows that you've passed vision and written tests.

6Apply for instruction permit (optional)

You may apply at a driver license office if you want to be able to practice driving before the driving exam.

7Bring documentation required for instruction permit (optional)

Check how to choose documents for US citizens and Non-US citizens.

8Pay the fee and get the permit (optional)

$3.50 by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card. Your permit will be valid for one year. Use your permit to practice driving with a licensed driver by your side at all times.

9Pass a driving test

Tests are given at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station. Check all locations and their schedules here. No appointment is required. The tests are given based on personnel availability. That is why, arrival at an exam station before closing time does not mean that you will be given a test on the same day. Read about the driving test procedure here. If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day. However, if you fail the test 3 times, you will have to take additional behind-the wheel training before your next attempt.

10Apply at a driver license office

Use this map to find a location near you. Check its schedule before going.

11Bring documentation required

You must provide proof of the following:

  • Your name, date and place of birth (e.g. U.S. birth certificate)
  • Your Social Security Number (If you don't have one, sign a notarized affidavit (provided by the license office) stating that you have not been given a SSN, and present a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the status of your social security number. Nonimmigrant foreign students, who are not authorized to work in the USA, don't have to bring this letter.
  • Your Missouri residential address (e.g. utility bill). You may bring your parent/guardian residence proof if you are under 21.
  • Form 100 from Missouri State Highway Patrol which shows that you've passed all the tests.

Check more ideas how to choose documents for US citizens and Non-US citizens.

12Pay the fee

$10.00 (3 year license) or $20.00 (6 year license). Pay by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card.

13Get a temporary license

Your permanent license will be mailed to you in an unmarked envelope within 7 to 10 business days.

Missouri Written Test aka Knowledge Exam

Take a free practice test
What does the test consist of?
There are 25 multiple choice questions that cover traffic laws of Missouri. Most exam stations are equipped with computers. To choose the correct answer, you need to touch the screen. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly as the passing score is 80%.
How can I prepare for the test?
Study Missouri DOR Driver Guide as all questions are based on the information provided there. Then prepare with the help of our free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready! You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.
When and where can I take the test?
You can choose a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station near you. Check all locations and schedules here. Note that schedules are different at different locations. You don't need an appointment. At most stations, you must complete the test not later than 10 minutes to closing.
What should I bring for the test?
You must verify your name and age with the help of a suitable document. U.S. citizens may bring a certified birth certificate or passport (valid or expired). Non-US citizens must bring immigration documents that show their status.
Can I take the test in another language?
Yes, you can take the test in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Bosnian.
What common errors must I avoid when taking the MO written test?
The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the driver guide first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the driver guide when taking the actual test?
No, it’s not an open book test, and it is considered cheating. Moreover, you mustn’t use your phone or other wireless devices.
What happens if I fail the test?
If you fail the test, you can retake it as early as the next business day.

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Road Test

Step-by-Step Guide
What to expect during MO road test
Road Test FAQ
The exam will check your ability to drive safely under normal traffic conditions as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road. The test takes place at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station. You must bring a safe properly equipped vehicle you are familiar with. Appointments are not necessary for the road test, but arrive early as your arrival before the closing time doesn't guarantee that you will be tested.
At the Beginning of the Test

The examiner will check the following:

  • Your current license plate(s) and a valid inspection sticker.
  • Proof of financial responsibility.
  • Seat belts in proper working order.
  • Doors in proper working order.
  • A clean, safe seat for the examiner.
  • Parking and foot brake in good working order.
  • A horn in good working order.

Before you start driving, the examiner will ask you to show and use main vehicle's controls such as

  • Accelerator
  • Turn signals
  • Brakes
  • Windshield wipers, etc.

Then the examiner will ask you to start driving. You are required to

  • Start the car
  • Release the parking brake
  • Check if the way is clear
  • Give a proper signal
  • Start driving smoothly
During the test

You will drive with your examiner beside you. No other passengers are allowed in the vehicle. Follow the examiner's instructions and avoid unnecessary conversation.

The following maneuvers will be tested:

  • Starting and stopping the car. Both actions must be smooth.
  • Parallel parking in space 25 feet long and 7 feet wide within 2 minutes.
  • Look over your right shoulder, stay in your lane.
  • At least 2 right and left turns. Use proper signal, stay in the correct lane, check traffic, use appropriate speed.
  • Parking on a hill no more than 18'' from the curb. Turn the front wheels correctly, leave your car in park or correct gear, set the parking brake.
  • Entering and passing intersections. Make full stops where necessary, watch your speed, stay in the correct lane, check traffic.
  • Obeying all traffic signs and signals.

During the whole test the examiner will watch

  • Your speed (not too slow, not too fast)
  • The distance you leave between your car and other cars
  • Obeying lane markings
  • Your awareness and reaction to traffic around you
  • Yielding the right-of-way when needed

Critical Driving Errors

You will fail automatically if you

  • Get into an accident with another vehicle and it is your fault.
  • Hit a pedestrian.
  • Drive dangerously .
  • Break a traffic law.
  • Refuse to follow examiner's instructions.
At the End of the Test

The examiner will subtract points for all the driving errors you make. If you lose more than 30 points, you fail the exam. You may try again as early as the next business day. However, if you fail the test 3 times, you won't be able to take it again without written authorization from the Department of Revenue. You will get the form to send to the department and receive a letter that will ask you to get extra behind-the-wheel training. When you get additional training, send proof to the Department before they allow you to try the test again.

If you pass the test, you will get the form with your test results. Bring it the driver license office together with other required documents and receive your driver license.

How to Replace or Renew Your Driver License in Missouri

  • You may renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. The Department of Revenue will send you a reminder (Driver License Renewal Postcard). If your license expires, you mustn't drive until you renew it. You must visit a driver license office to renew your license. Use this map to find a location near you. No appointments are available.

    Plan of Action:

    1. Verify your social security number

      Provide it verbally. If you don't have one, present a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the status of your social security number. Nonimmigrant foreign students, who are not authorized to work in the USA, don't have to bring this letter.

    2. Verify your residential address

      You can bring one document. Choose from the following:

      1. Driver License Renewal Postcard
      2. Pay check
      3. Utility bill
      4. Property tax receipt
      5. Mortgage or house rental contract, etc.

    3. Verify name change (if applicable)

      If you've changed your name, bring a document to verify it. E.g., certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.

    4. Pass the vision test
    5. Pass the road sign recognition test

      You must be able to tell what road signs mean.

    6. Pay the fee

      Your renewal notice will state the fee amount. It is $10.00 (under 21 or older than 70) or $20.00 (age 21-69). Pay by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card.

    7. Get a temporary license

      Your permanent license will be mailed to you in an unmarked envelope within 7 to 10 business days.

    If you do not renew your license within 6 months (184 days) after its expiration date, you will be required to take the written and driving tests.

    Tip! To avoid long lines, renew closer to the beginning of a month as license offices are usually busiest at the end of each month.

  • You may renew by mail if you are an active duty member of the armed forces temporarily out of state or a dependent of an active duty member.

    Plan of Action:

    1. Fill in a Mail-In Driver License Application Form.
    2. Enclose copies of the following:
      1. proof of Military Active Duty or Dependent Status (e.g., military photo ID)
      2. last four digits of your SSN
      3. proof of Missouri residential address (e.g., voter registration card, utility bill, bank statement, government check stub, etc.)
    3. Pay the fee of $20.00 by a U.S. cashier's check, money order, traveler's check, personal check or credit card. Make checks payable to Missouri Department of Revenue. If you pay by card, complete the credit card information section within the application form.
    4. Send your application and supporting papers to
      Driver License Bureau
      Attention MIL
      P.O. Box 200
      Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

      Or scan all the documents and send your application via e-mail: [email protected] .

  • Online renewals are not offered in Missouri at this time.

New Residents: How to Get the Missouri Driver License

As soon as you become a resident of Missouri and want to be able to drive here, you are required to convert your driver license to a Missouri license.
Out-of-state license Foreign license
Not sure if you are a resident of Missouri?
Are you a Missouri resident?
You’re considered resident if you move to Missouri and plan to live here.
Residing temporarily?
Are you a visiting California

You don't have to transfer your valid out-of-state driver's license if

  • You are a member of the armed forces.
  • You are a full-time student from another state.
  • You operate or temporarily operate any farm tractor on a highway for agricultural purposes.

I’ve Got a Valid Out-of-State License

Moving from another US state? Welcome to Missouri!
Moving from another state?

If you have a valid driver license from another state or your out-of-state license expired less than 184 days ago, you won’t have to pass a written and road test.

Plan of Action
  1. Apply at a driver license office

    Use this map to find a location near you. Check its schedule before going.

  2. Bring documentation required

    You must provide proof of the following:

    • Your name, date and place of birth (e.g. U.S. birth certificate)
    • Your Social Security Number (If you don't have one, sign a notarized affidavit (provided by the license office) stating that you have not been given a SSN, and present a letter from the Social Security Administration regarding the status of your social security number. Nonimmigrant foreign students, who are not authorized to work in the USA, don't have to bring this letter.
    • Your Missouri residential address (e.g. utility bill) If you are under 21, you may use you parent/guardian residence documents.

    Check more ideas how to choose documents for US citizens and Non-US citizens.

  3. Pass vision and road signs recognition tests
  4. Surrender your out-of-state license
  5. Pay the fee

    $10.00 (3 year license for under 21 or 70+ years of age) or $20.00 (6 year license for 21-69 year old applicants ). Pay by cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order or card. Note that there is the convenience fee of $1.25 if you pay by card.

  6. Get a temporary license

    Your permanent license will be mailed to you in an unmarked envelope within 7 to 10 business days.

driver's license in Missouri
Your new Missouri driver license will be valid for 3 or 6 years depending on your age and immigrational status.

I've Got a Valid Foreign License

Moving from another country? Welcome to Missouri!

If you hold a foreign driver license, you will have to collect documentation and pass vision, road sign recognition, written and road tests. The procedure is similar to getting a new driver license.

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