Missouri Driver's License
Requirements
In Missouri, driver's licenses are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) — Driver License Bureau, in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol which administers the road skills tests. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class F Operator License. Missouri operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: an Instruction Permit at 15 (with parental consent), an Intermediate Driver License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class F License at 18. Missouri does NOT require formal Driver Education — but the Department of Insurance offers significant insurance discounts for completion of approved driver-ed programs. Missouri issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Standard (non-REAL ID) licenses are also available. Driver license offices are located in over 175 contractor sites statewide; written and vision tests are administered at the office, while road skills tests are conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at separate testing locations.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Missouri resident. The DOR requires two documents proving Missouri residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Missouri does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required for both REAL ID and Standard licenses.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Missouri DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Missouri residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current MO vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent form signed in person at the office — required for applicants under 18
- For Highway Patrol road skills test: Driving Log (Form 4925) signed by parent confirming 40 supervised hours
- Vehicle for road test with valid MO registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Missouri DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Missouri driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Missouri Driver Guide
Download the current Missouri Driver Guide from dor.mo.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering MO traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 15
Visit any Missouri driver license office (contractor site) with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $3.50 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Smaller contractor offices (especially outside Kansas City and St. Louis) typically have shorter waits than central city locations.
Log 40 Hours of Supervised Driving (10 at Night)
During the permit period, log at least 40 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — using Missouri Form 4925 (Driving Log). The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Pro tip: The completed Form 4925 is presented to the Highway Patrol examiner at the road skills test, not to the DOR.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
Missouri requires a 6-month Instruction Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Road Skills Test (Highway Patrol)
Schedule the road skills test directly with the Missouri State Highway Patrol — NOT the DOR. The test is administered at MSHP testing locations (separate from contractor offices). Bring your Instruction Permit, signed Form 4925, parent affidavit, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–20 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, intersections, and lane changes.
Pro tip: MSHP testing locations are typically MORE available than DOR offices — same-week appointments are common in suburban Missouri.
Return to DOR Office to Receive the Intermediate License
After passing the road skills test, return to a DOR contractor office with your test result certificate from the Highway Patrol. Pay the $5 license fee. The Intermediate Driver License (16- and 17-year-olds) has restrictions: no driving 1am–5am for the first year (limited exceptions for work, school, religious activity, or emergency), and no more than THREE passengers under 19 (immediate family excluded) at any time.
Upgrade to Full Class F at 18
On the 18th birthday, the Intermediate Driver License automatically converts to a full Class F Operator License. Drivers under 21 receive a 3-year cycle ($7.50); drivers 21+ receive a 6-year cycle ($15). No additional test or office visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike most states where the DMV/DOR administers both written and road tests at the same office, Missouri splits responsibilities: the Department of Revenue handles written tests, vision tests, and license issuance through 175+ contractor offices, while the Missouri State Highway Patrol administers the road skills test at separate Patrol testing locations. The split allows MSHP troopers — who have driving expertise from their daily work — to evaluate skills, while keeping DOR offices focused on document verification.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Missouri DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.