How to Replace Your Drivers License in Missouri
If you have discovered a missing or lost drivers license or your card has been damaged beyond readability, then you must replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, the Missouri drivers license replacement process is a simple one that must be directed in person at any driver license office managed by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). You will need to submit certain information about your driving record as well as pay a fee for a duplicate card.
If you need to replace lost drivers license documentation, then you should report the missing document, especially if you suspect theft. Doing so helps to protect you in the event that your original drivers license get used for identity theft or other fraudulent purposes. Continue reading the sections outlined below to learn how to replace drivers license credentials in Missouri.
When is a replacement drivers license required in Missouri?
Missouri state law requires every driver to be in possession of a valid copy of drivers license documentation whenever operating a motor vehicle, so replacing it is imperative any time a license is lost, stolen or mutilated. You also need a replacement drivers license if your name, address or gender has changed or if you wish to add a disability, veteran or boater identification symbol to your credential.
Many newlyweds and divorces request a name change on driver license cards to reflect their new legal name. Similarly, motorists who have experience drastic physical changes should consider updating their license photo.
Quick drivers license replacement is necessary to avoid being ticketed for driving without proper documentation. In addition to driving illegally, not having a valid copy of drivers license credentials can cause problems in other areas of life because your main form of photo identification is gone. Simply put, every licensed Missouri driver must replace documentation as soon as possible after it becomes mutilated, goes missing or it is no longer up to date.
How to Replace Your Missouri Drivers License
To replace drivers license documentation in person, visit one of the MO DOR license offices during normal business hours. You should call ahead before replacing drivers license documentation in person because hours and days of operation can vary by location.
Most driver license offices are open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays and some offer extended weekend hours. Missouri does not currently offer drivers the option of ordering a drivers license copy online but you may use the MO DOR’s online app if you need to update your driver license address on file before applying for a license replacement.
Every Missouri duplicate drivers license applicant must meet certain requirements and provide adequate proof of identity to receive a new driving license card. First, you may only apply for a DMV duplicate license in MO if your current license is not due to expire within six months (184 days) of the date of your request. All requests for credentials due to expire within the next six months will be processed as a drivers license renewal instead of a replacement.
Second, you must provide one acceptable proof of identity. The DOR provides an extensive list of acceptable identification documents and prefers to receive documents that include a photo. Photo documents acceptable for replacement drivers license purposes include a U.S. passport, a military ID card, a student ID card or a work ID card.
If a photo ID document is unavailable, then you may get copy of drivers license credentials using your Social Security card, a birth certificate or another type of document that shows your name and date of birth or your name plus signature.
Duplicate drivers license applicants must also provide a document that verifies their residential address in Missouri. If your mailing address is different from your residential address, then you must provide proof of it as well. Acceptable proofs of address for replacement drivers license purposes include a license or vehicle registration renewal postcard, a utility bill, a housing rental contract and a bank statement, to name a few.
Some applicants replacing drivers license documentation may need to provide additional documents to verify such changes as gender reassignment or a new name. Non-citizens must present immigration paperwork that verifies legal presence.
Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Missouri
“Where can I get a copy of my drivers license if I am out-of-state?” is a commonly asked question for U.S. service members and others while living in another location. The MO DOS allows mail-in drivers license replacement applications for members of the armed forces serving out-of-state. Non-military members should call or email the DOS for more information.
Military members and their dependents who need a replacement drivers license can download and complete the mail-in application form. You should make sure to sign the form by hand and include the requested documents and your fee payment. Mail the complete duplicate drivers license packet to the address printed on the form, and the DOS will send back a copy by mail.
Missouri Drivers License Replacement Fees
Presently, there is a fee for MO drivers license replacement, which will vary depending on how long your credentials are valid. For instance, you may request a three-year license for $22.50, or six-year license for $25. If you want to replace a lost drivers license that has less than six months until its expiration date, then it will be processed as a renewal and you will need to pay the renewal fees, which also depend on the length of time that the credential is valid for.
Sources
- The Missouri Driver License and Nondriver License from dor.mo.gov