Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take a motorcycle training course?
Missouri motorcycle license applicants are not required to complete a motorcycle training course. However, applicants for a temporary motorcycle training permit must take an approved motorcycle rider training course (MRTC) to obtain motorcycle learners permits. This is applicable to teen drivers 15 years and six months old. These applicants must also pass a Class F and Class M vision, written, and road signs tests. It will be required that a parent or legal guardian provides written consent for the applicant.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

Am I required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle?
Missouri state law requires all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear a helmet when riding on the highways. Along with the requirement for protective headgear, the Missouri Department of Revenue also suggests that motorcycle riders wear face or eye protection and protective clothing. These precautions, particularly the use of a helmet, significantly reduce cases of head and neck injuries in motorcycle crashes. Riders wearing a helmet are three times more likely to survive head injuries.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

Can I renew my commercial drivers license online?
You cannot renew your Missouri commercial drivers license online at this time. You must visit a Missouri DOR licensing office to renew your CDL. You will have to bring the following information with you:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Provide your Social Security Number verbally or by presenting your Social Security card
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card

The fee is $2.50 to renew your commercial driver s license. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri

Can I take the DMV written test online?
No, at this time the Missouri DMV locations do not offer the written driver tests online. You must appear at a Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station to sit for the exams. The passing score for the written test is 80%, answering 20 out of the 25 question correctly. You may refer to the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Guide to help prepare you for the written test. Once you pass the written exams, apply in person at a Missouri licensing office for your drivers permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

Can I use my state CDL anywhere in the United States?
A Missouri CDL may be used anywhere in the United States if it does not have a K endorsement. A K endorsement restricts the driver to operating a commercial vehicle within the state of Missouri. Driversages 18 to 20 are automatically assigned this restriction. At age 21, a CDL license holder may travel anywhere in the United States if they meet the federal requirements of interstate driving.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter or moped?
In the state of Missouri, any licensed driver may operate a moped. You do not require a motorcycle endorsement to ride a moped. A moped is different from a motorcycle in that it is defined as a motorized bicycle with two or three wheels and an automatic transmission. Moped do not reach more than 30 miles per hour on the flat ground. In Missouri, you may not ride a moped on the interstate.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

Do I need to take a drivers ed course?
No, it is not mandatory to take a driver s education course to obtain a permit for driving in the state of Missouri. Teens wishing to get an instruction permit must be a least 15 years old and have their parent or legal guardian appear with them at the time of application. The application process involves passing vision, written, and road signs tests at a Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station. After that, you will take your Driver Examination Record to a Missouri licensing office to complete the application process. You must submit proof of name, date of birth, place of birth, your Social Security Number and proof of your Missouri residential address.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

How can I get a veteran designation on my ID card?
Veteran members of the U.S. military are welcome to apply for a veteran designation on their nondriver ID card. To apply, you must present your military discharge form, also known as a DD214, at a Missouri Department of Revenue licensing office. You may apply for a veteran designation at no additional charge on regular ID card renewal and renewal fees. You do not need to present your DD214 form every time you get a new ID card. However, you will need to show it if you are switching from a nondriver license to a driver s license, or vice versa.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

How do I apply for a commercial drivers license?
To apply for a CDL in the state of Missouri, you must be at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must also pass the knowledge and on-road skills tests. Tests are administered at Missouri State Highway Patrol examination stations.Types of testing vary depending on which class of CDL license you are applying for, and also which endorsements you require. You must be at least 21 years old to qualify for an interstate CDL. Applicants between 18 and 20 years old may apply for a CDL that restricts travel within Missouri borders. Visit a Missouri DOR licensing office to apply for your CDL, and bring the following with you:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Provide your Social Security Number verbally or by presenting your Social Security Card
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card

It costs $22.50 for a three-year CDL license and $45.00 for a six-year license. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I apply for a learner’s permit?
To apply for a Missouri instruction permit, also known as a learners permit, you must be at least 15 years old. Minors must have a parent or legal guardian present. The steps to applying for an instruction permit are as follows:
  • Visit a Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station to take the vision, written and road signal recognition tests
  • Take your Driver Examination Record to a Missouri license office to apply for your instruction permit along with proof of the following:
    • Name, date of birth and place of birth
    • Social Security Number
    • Missouri residential address

The fee for an instruction permit is $3.50 and it is valid for one year.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

How do I apply for a motorcycle license?
There are two different types of motorcycle licenses in Missouri. One can either apply for a Class M motorcycle license or for a motorcycle endorsement to be added onto a Class F or Class E drivers license. Applicants must be 18 or older to apply for a Class E or Class F driver s license, however can be 16 years old to apply for a Class M driver s license. All motorcycle license applicants must pass a vision, written, road signs and motorcycle skills tests. Tests are administered at the Missouri Highway Patrol Examination stations. Once you have passed all the tests, you may visit a Department of Revenue license office with the required documentation.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

How do I get a duplicate ID card?
You can get a MO duplicate ID card if your original has been lost, stolen or destroyed. Also if your name, date of birth, gender, or residence has changed, you may get a replacement ID card. To apply, you need to visit a Missouri DOR licensing office with one acceptable proof of identity such as a military or student ID. If you apply for a duplicate ID card within six months of your ID card expiration date, then you will be required to get a renewed ID card. You will have to provide the required documentation for an ID card renewal including proof of name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number and Missouri residential address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Missouri Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I renew my driving permit?
Your Missouri leaners permit is valid for one year from the date that it is issued. To renew, you must visit a Missouri licensing office with the following documents:
  • One proof of name, date of birth and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Social Security Number given verbally or by presenting your Social Security card.
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card.

You may renew your leaners permit as many times as needed without having to retake the written tests.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

How do I renew my ID card?
Your Missouri ID card expires on your birthday, six years after it was issued. To renew ID cards, residents must visit a local DOR office and present the required documentation that verifies your name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number and Missouri residential address. To renew your ID Card bring with you:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Your Social Security Number, presented verbally or with your Social Security card
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card

Applicants ages 65 and older are exempt from having to verify their place of birth to renew identification card.

For more information:How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

How do I renew my medical report for a commercial license?
At the time of their CDL license renewal, if you have not done so already, CDL license holders must certify the type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) they drive now or plan to drive. A medical report must already be on file with the Missouri Department of Revenue when renewing CDL licenses. This certificate gives you a ‘certified status on your driving record. This new notice applies to you if you are a non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate driver.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

How do I renew my motorcycle license?
To renew motorcycle license in Missouri, you must retake the road signs test and also pass a vision exam. A reminder notice will be sent to your mailing address on record with the DOR. You must renew in person at a licensing office with the following information:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport.
  • Social Security Number given verbally or by presenting your Social Security Card.
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card.

You may renew your drivers license up to six months before it expires. However, if you do not renew by six months after the expiration date, you will have to retake the written and motorcycle skills tests.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Missouri

How does a military member obtain a motorcycle license?
The Missouri Highway Patrol skills test portion of the application is waived for active-duty members of the military getting a motorcycle license. The military member must present his or her valid military ID card and military motorcycle rider training course card at a DOR licensing office. It does not waive the written portion of the application for a motorcycle endorsement.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

How long do I need my learners permit before I can get my drivers license?
All beginning drivers in Missouri are required to hold a learners permit for at least six months before applying for an intermediate driver s license. Learner s permit holders also must have had at least 40 hours of driving time behind the wheel accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in the front seat. Ten of those hours must be during nighttime driving. Applicants between 16 and 18 are welcome to apply for an intermediate driver s license. If it has been more than a year since you have taken the written, vision, and road signs test, then you must retake them to apply for your intermediate driver s license. You must take the driving test to apply for your intermediate driver s license.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

How long will it take to get my new ID card?
Your Missouri ID card should arrive in the mail in seven to 10 business days. If for some reason your ID card is undeliverable by the U.S. post office, it will be returned to the Missouri DOR office. You should contact the office if you have not received your ID card after 10 business days. The DOR will hold your ID card for 30 days, after that it will be destroyed. For assistance on getting your ID card in the mail, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-526-2407 or dlbmail@dor.mo.gov.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

How often do I need to renew my CDL license?
Missouri commercial drivers license expiration dates depend on the age of the driver and the type of endorsements they carry. CDL license holders can use the following as a guide to determine when they need to renew their CDL.
  • CDL drivers ages 18 to 20: CDL license is good for three years or less
  • CDL drivers ages 21 to 69: CDL license is good between three and six years
  • CDL Permit: Valid for six months or less
  • CDL with school bus endorsement and CDLs for drivers age 70 and over: Commercial drivers license is valid for one year

For more information: How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Missouri

If I’m out of state and lost my ID, how can I get a new one?
Active duty military personnel and their dependents may apply for a duplicate id card if they are stationed out of state. To get a new ID, family members need to fill out a Mail-in Driver License Application. Along with the complete application and fees, the applicant must provide the following:
  • Proof of active duty military or dependent status
  • Proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth
  • Proof of Social Security Number
  • Proof of Missouri resident and mailing address

Non-military members must apply in person at a Missouri licensing office in order to obtain an ID card replacement.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

Is there a minimum age I have to be to get a commercial drivers license?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a commercial drivers license in the state of Missouri. Drivers 18 years old to 20 years old qualify to be non-excepted intrastate drivers. Commercial drivers 21 and older have the option to receive non excepted intrastate or non excepted interstate drivers. At 18 years old, you can get a CDL permit, which is a temporary commercial driver s license. With a CDL permit, you can operate a commercial vehicle if a licensed CDL holder sits in the seat beside you. A CDL permit holder cannot apply for a school bus or hazardous materials endorsement.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the age restrictions to ride a motorcycle?
Under the Missouri Graduated License Program, minors as young as 15 and a half may ride a motorcycle on Missouri public roads. At 15 years and six months old, one is qualified to obtain a motorcycle instruction permit to learn how to ride a motorcycle. This permit allows for daylight driving within a 50-mile radius of the driver s home. A motorcycle rider training course is mandatory for getting a motorcycle license if you are under 16 years old. Motorcycle license applicants must pass the vision, written and road signs, as well as on-cycle skills tests.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

What are the available commercial license endorsements?
There are various endorsements available for your commercial drivers license in Missouri. The corresponding letter code follows each endorsement type:
  • School bus (S endorsement)
  • Passenger (P endorsement)
  • Tank Vehicles (N endorsement)
  • Double/Triple Trailer (T endorsement)
  • Hazardous Materials (H endorsement)

CDL license holders ages 18 to 20 will receive a K endorsement on CDL licenses. The K endorsement signifies that the CDL driver is restricted to travel within the state with a license to drive commercial vehicles.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the fees associated with an ID card?
The fees associated with an ID card include the cost of a new card, replacement or renewal. The fee chart is as follows:
  • Three-year ID card: $11
  • Six-year ID card: $11
  • Replacement/Duplicate ID card:$11
  • Non-expiring ID card (applicants 70 and older, only): $11

Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

What are the learners permit restrictions during my first year?
While you hold a Missouri drivers permit, you are subject to certain restrictions. You are required to have your instruction permit for at least six months before you can apply for an intermediate driver s license. As a restricted driver, you mustcomply with one of the following restrictions at all times:
  • Have a parent, legal guardian or grandparent in the vehicle.
  • Be accompanied by a license driver who is at least 25 years old, has been licensed for three years or more, and has written permission from a parent to accompany you in the vehicle.

Drivers 16 years old and more must be accompanied by a driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger s seat.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

What are the medical certifications required to obtain a CDL?
Depending on the commercial motor vehicle (CMW) that you are planning to operate, you must submit a medical examiner s certificate to get a Missouri CDL license. This certificate gives you a ‘certified status on your driving record. Non-excepted interstate and non-excepted intrastate drivers must have a medical examiner’s certificate on file. Also, your medical exam must be performed by a physician listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What are the penalties for getting a traffic ticket with a driver’s permit?
If you are a minor, under 21, and are pulled over by law enforcement for certain violations, you risk getting your driving privileges suspended for 90 days. These guidelines are under Missouri s Abuse or Lose program. Your driver s license or permit may be revoked for one year for any additional violations. Also, minors risk losing their driving privileges if caught underage drinking. Two points will be added to a driving record, and the driver s license will be suspended if the minor is convicted of alcohol possession or intoxication.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Missouri

What are the requirements to operate a three-wheel motorcycle?
To receive a motorcycle license with full privileges, you must perform your on-cycle skills test with a two-wheeled motorcycle. However, if you just plan on operating a three-wheeled motorcycle, then a (W) 3-wheeled motorcycle restriction can be added to your drivers license. Applicants that are 15 years and six months old are eligible to apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. Missouri state law requires all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear a helmet when riding on the highways.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

What documents do I need to get a learner’s permit?
Applicants getting drivers permits must apply in person at a Missouri licensing office. To obtain a Missouri instruction permit, you must be at least 15 years old. You must have already passed a vision, written and road signs test at a Missouri Highway Patrol examination station. Once completed, you will receive a Driver Examination record. You will take that record with you to the licensing office along with the following:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Your Social Security Number given verbally or by presenting your Social Security Card.
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card.

A photocopy of a certified birth certificate is acceptable for U.S. citizens, if it is accompanied by military identification. For proof of name, date of birth and place of birth, non U.S. citizens may present documents such as an I-55, I-94, or Employment Authorization Document.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

What documents do I need to get a motorcycle license?
To operate a motorcycle on Missouri public roads, you need to have a motorcycle driver s license or motorcycle endorsement. The items needed when getting a motorcycle license are:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport.
  • Social Security Number given verbally or by presenting your Social Security Card.
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card.

The Missouri DOR issues three-year and six-year driving licenses. Fees vary depending on the license class and length of validation.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Missouri

What exams do I need to pass to get a motorcycle license?
To get a motorcycle license, applicants must pass the following tests:
  • Vision screening
  • Written test
  • Road signs test
  • On-cycle skill test

Motorcycle skills tests can either be given in a real traffic environment or on an off-street area. The Missouri Department of Revenue Motorcycle Operator Manual contains information that motorcycle license applicants need to know to pass the required exams.

For more information: Motorcycle Driver Handbook/Manual

What happens to my commercial driver license if I am convicted of a DUI?
If you are convicted of a DUI, your Missouri commercial driving license will be suspended. If your CDL license is suspended, you may apply for limited driving privileges to operate a noncommercial vehicle. The Missouri DOR uses a point system to keep track of violations to your driving record. If you are convicted of a DUI as a holder of a MO commercial driver s license, your driver s license will be suspended for one year if your blood alcohol content is 0.04 percent or higher. Two points will also be added to your driving record.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

What is an ID card?
A Missouri ID card is an identification card that does not carry any driving privileges with it. You can only obtain a nondriver license from the Missouri Department of Revenue. All Missouri residents are eligible to apply for ID cards. To apply, you must provide proof of name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number and Missouri residential address. ID cards expire on your birthday after six years. If you are 70 or older, your ID card never expires.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

What is the passing score for a written test?
To get a learners permit in the state of Missouri, you must pass both a written test and a road sign recognition test. The passing score for the written test is 80 percent which means answering 20 out of the 25 question correctly. You may refer to the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Guide for the information that you will be tested on. Also, you may take a practice test to help you prepare. Once you pass the written exams, you may apply in person at a Missouri licensing office for your drivers permit. There is no fee to take the exam but it costs $3.50 to apply for your learner s permit.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

What test do I need to take for my learners permit?
To get your Missouri learners permit, you will need to take two different tests. First pass a knowledge test and a road signs test. In addition, you must also pass a vision screening to apply for a learners permit. Tests are offered at Missouri State Highway Patrol examination stations. You must present your test record at a Missouri licensing office to apply for a learner s permit. Along with the test record, you must present proof of name, date of birth, place of birth, your Social Security Number, and proof of your Missouri residential address.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri

What tests do I have to take to obtain a CDL?
You must take a knowledge and road skills test in order to obtain a Missouri CDL license. The exact components of your knowledge test depend on the class of license and endorsements you are applying for. The different tests are as follows:
  • General knowledge
  • Passenger transport
  • Air brakes
  • Combination vehicles
  • Hazardous materials
  • Tanker
  • Doubles/Triples
  • School bus

All of the information needed to pass the knowledge test is contained in the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual, available from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

For more information: Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Application

When does my ID card expire?
Your Missouri ID card expires on your birthday on the sixth year after it is issued. If you are 70 or older, your ID card never expires. The cost is $11 to renew ID cards. You may apply for an ID card renewal at a Missouri Department of Revenue licensing office. Active-duty military personnel and their dependents are eligible to apply for a renewed ID card via a mail-in application. Other residents must apply in person.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

Where can I obtain an ID card?
A Missouri ID card can be obtained at any Missouri Department of Revenue licensing office location. To apply, you must provide:
  • One proof of name, date of birth, and place of birth such as a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
  • Your Social Security Number, presented verbally or with your Social Security card
  • One proof of your Missouri address such as a utility bill or voter registration card

The fee for an ID card is $11. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for a Missouri Identification Card

Who can sign for my permit or license if I am under 18?
In the state of Missouri, if you are a minor under the age of 18, then you must have a parent, step parent or legal guardian with you when getting drivers permits. Your parent must be a licensed driver. Certified instructors through the Federal Residential Job Training Program are also qualified to sign for a minor to get a driver s permit or license. The adult must certify on the application that he or she ensures that the minor driver got at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training under his or her supervision. Once you obtain your instruction permit, a grandparent is also an eligible relative who may accompany you during your supervised driving hours.

For more information: Learner’s Permits for Beginner Drivers in Missouri