Missouri driver's license
Get your first license in Missouri after moving to the US.
The short answer
Missouri gives new drivers a four-part exam: a written test, a vision test, a road sign test and a driving skills test.1 The fee depends on how long the license lasts, and a license of three years or less costs nine dollars.2, 3 You may take any written test up to two times per day until you pass.4 The written test has 25 questions and you must answer 20 of them correctly.5 You must provide the vehicle for the driving skills test.6
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to Missouri and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- 5Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
If you just arrived in the US
If your license from another state has expired
A new Missouri resident whose out-of-state driver license or nondriver ID is valid, or expired no more than 184 days, uses the transfer route and must provide acceptable documents.7
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validIdentity documents must be originals or certified copies showing your full legal name and date of birth; for a non-REAL ID duplicate credential or permit, a student ID, US military ID, work ID, or an expired Missouri credential can also prove identity.8
- All documents you present must be valid and unexpired, except that for non-REAL ID applications an expired Missouri or out-of-state license, ID card, or permit can be accepted for identity if it is within 184 days (six months) of expiration.9
Tests you take
Drive test
If you have a driver license from another state that is valid or expired less than 184 days and you apply for the same type of license, you only take the vision and road sign tests.10
You must pass the four-part driver examination: a written test, a vision test, a road sign test, and a driving skills test.1
Tries you get on the written test
You may take any written test up to two times per day, if necessary, until you pass.4
Practice questions for the written test
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you must answer 20 correctly to pass. All of the test questions come from the Missouri Driver Guide, so studying the guide prepares you for the test.5
The Missouri Driver Guide is published by the Missouri Department of Revenue.11
What to bring to the drive test
The car and its insurance
You must provide the vehicle for the driving test; the Highway Patrol does not supply one.6
The test vehicle must be a street-legal passenger vehicle with current registration, valid inspection sticker, and proof of financial responsibility, equipped with working seat belts, doors, two sets of brakes, a horn, and a clean, safe seat for the examiner.12
Where to go
Other states
U
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“You will be required to take the four-part driver examination. The four-part exam consists of a written test, vision test, road sign test, and a driving skills test.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 23, 2026
- 2
“For each instruction permit, nondriver license, chauffeur's, operator's or driver's license issued for a period of three years or less, nine dollars”
revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspxChecked July 23, 2026
- 3
“The fee for a license issued for a period which exceeds three years under subsection 3 of this section shall be fifteen dollars.”
revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspxChecked July 23, 2026
- 4
“You may take any written test up to two times per day if necessary until you pass.”
mshp.dps.missouri.gov/…/faqs.htmlChecked August 15, 2026
- 5
“To test your knowledge of traffic laws, you will need to take a written test of 25 multiple-choice questions. Studying this guide will prepare you for that test. You must correctly answer 20 questions to pass the test. All of the test questions come directly from information found in this guide.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 23, 2026
- 6
“Does the highway patrol provide a vehicle for me to take the driving test? No, you must provide the vehicle.”
dor.mo.gov/faq/driver-license/general.htmlChecked July 31, 2026
- 7
“A new Missouri resident with an out-of-state driver license or nondriver ID, either valid or expired no more than 184 days, must provide acceptable documents of the following:”
dor.mo.gov/…/required-documents-checklist.htmlChecked July 28, 2026
- 8
“Documents used for purposes of proving identity must contain the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, and match the person's current name unless a change of name is established by a marriage certificate, marriage license, amended birth certificate, divorce decree, or other court order. Only original documents or a photocopy, bearing an original certification by the issuing authority is acceptable.”
sos.mo.gov/…/12c10-24.pdfChecked August 1, 2026
- 9
“All documents presented must be valid and unexpired.”
dor.mo.gov/…/id-requirements.htmlChecked July 28, 2026
- 10
“If you have a driver license from another state that is valid or has been expired for less than 184 days, and you are applying for the same type of license in Missouri, you only have to take the vision and road sign tests.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 28, 2026
- 11
“The Missouri Driver Guide is published by the Missouri Department of Revenue.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 23, 2026
- 12
“The vehicle must have: • Current license plate(s) and a valid inspection sticker. • Seat belts in proper working order. • Doors in proper working order for the driver and examiner. • A clean, safe seat for the examiner. • Two sets of brakes (parking and a foot brake) in good working order. • A horn in good working order. • Proof of financial responsibility.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 31, 2026
- 13
“The director authorizes the Missouri State Highway Patrol to administer a driving skills examination, approved by the director, to assist the director of revenue in determining an applicant’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.”
sos.mo.gov/…/12c10-24.pdfChecked November 22, 2025
- 14
“Motor Vehicle and Driver License Office Location Map”
dor.mo.gov/license-office-locatorChecked July 23, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in Missouri?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.