Missouri driver's license
Get your first license in Missouri after moving to the US.
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.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
$7.50
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
If your license from another state has expired
If it has been expired for more than 184 days, you must pass all the written and skills tests again.
If you have no license to transfer
You take the full four-part Missouri driver examination: the written, vision, road sign, and driving skills tests. A license from another state that has been expired for more than 184 days puts you on this route too.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
If Missouri already has your verified Social Security number on file, you can give the number verbally for the electronic check with the Social Security Administration. If that check fails, you must show a physical document, or you will be referred to the Social Security Administration to resolve it.
Tests you take
Eye test
Everyone applying for a new license or permit, or renewing one, takes a vision examination. Vision between 20/41 and 20/59 means your license requires corrective lenses and daylight driving only; between 20/60 and 20/74 you are also limited to 45 mph.
Drive test
Yes
Tries you get on the written test
You can take the written test up to two times per day until you pass, with no waiting period between attempts and no cap on total attempts. The skills test is stricter: one try per day, and a maximum of three in the last 12 months without special permission from the Department of Revenue.
Practice questions for the written test
Every question comes straight from the Missouri Driver Guide, so studying that guide is enough. The test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you must answer 20 correctly to pass.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
From age 16 you can drive when a person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver license sits in the front seat with you.
What to bring to the drive test
The car and its insurance
You bring your own street-legal vehicle with current license plates, a valid inspection sticker, working seat belts, doors, brakes and horn, a clean safe seat for the examiner, and proof of financial responsibility. The examiner can refuse the test if the vehicle is improperly equipped or unsafe.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
A driver license examiner from the Missouri State Highway Patrol gives the driving test.
Office locations
You can find driver license offices on the map at dor.mo.gov/license-office-locator.
Other states
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Every source, quoted12 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“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
“If a person does not renew a driver license, issued by this state or any other state, school bus permit, or temporary instruction permit, within one hundred eighty-four (184) days from the expiration date of the license or permit, the holder of such license or permit shall be required to complete all written and skills tests required to qualify for such license or permit as required pursuant to Chapter 302, RSMo.”
sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/12csr/12c10-24.pdfChecked November 22, 2025
“You must take the four-part driver examination (detailed in Chapter 2) if any of the following apply to you:”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked August 1, 2026
“If you have a current Missouri driver license, nondriver ID or permit record with a previously verified Social Security number on file, you may be eligible to provide your number verbally to complete the required electronic verification inquiry to the Social Security Administration. If the electronic verification fails, you will be required to present a physical document to verify the number; or you may be referred to the Social Security Administration for resolution.”
dor.mo.gov/driver-license/issuance/required-documents-checklist.htmlChecked August 1, 2026
“The director shall require any person applying for a new driver license or permit or a person renewing a license or permit to submit to an examination of his/her vision.”
sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/12csr/12c10-24.pdfChecked August 1, 2026
“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
“Q: How many times may I take the written test in one day? A: You may take any written test up to two times per day if necessary until you pass. Q: How many times may I take the skills test in one day? A: Skills tests are limited to one test per day with of maximum of 3 tests in the last 12 months without special permission from the DOR.”
mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/DE/faqs.htmlChecked August 15, 2026
“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
“At age 16 or older, you may drive when accompanied in the front seat by a person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver license.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 31, 2026
“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
“You will take the driving test with a driver license examiner of the MSHP.”
dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdfChecked July 23, 2026
“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.