Department of Revenue News Release

JEFFERSON CITY - The holidays are a time for many college students and members of the armed forces to return home and reunite with their families.  The Missouri Department of Revenue notes that it is also an opportune time for these people to renew their driver licenses and license plates.

"The holiday season is the only time during the year that some college students and military personnel return to Missouri," said Alana M. Barragán-Scott, director of the Department of Revenue.  "While they are away, their driver licenses and vehicle license plates sometimes expire. So while remembering to renew driver licenses or vehicle license plates isn't usually their biggest priority while they are home, it can help avoid problems if they do take care of these tasks."

Barragán-Scott noted that many college-age students have driver licenses that expire when they turn 18 and 21 years old.  There are about 367,000 licensed drivers aged 21 years old and younger in Missouri.

In most cases, driver licenses must be renewed in person at one of the 183 local license offices.  There is at least one license office located in each of Missouri's 114 counties, and several offices from which to choose in urban areas.  An online office locater that provides driving directions, office hours and contact information for each office is available at http://dor.mo.gov/offloc/.  Driver license renewal notices are mailed to the last known addresses of licensed drivers about three months before the licenses expire.

Missouri does allow renewal of driver licenses by mail only for members of the armed forces and their dependents.  Qualified applicants must complete and send a renewal form (available at the following link http://dor.mo.gov/forms/4317.pdf ) along with other required documents and fees.  

A comprehensive online guide with information about Missouri driver licenses is available at http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/license.php#other.  A list of the required documents needed to renew a driver license is located at http://dor.mo.gov/drivers/idrequirements.php.  Questions about driver license renewals can also be directed to dlbmail@dor.mo.gov or (573) 751-4600.

A motor vehicle's license plates (which validate a vehicle's registration) can also be renewed at any local license office.  Renewal notices are mailed to the vehicle's owner about two months before the plates expire.  A comprehensive online guide with information about renewal of license plates is located at http://dor.mo.gov/motorv/renewing.php. 

There are additional options for license plate renewal.  An online renewal system, www.plates.mo.gov, can be used by vehicle owners who have a Personal Identification Number on their registration renewal form.  Those who are not eligible include citizens of counties that are not participating in the program, and owners of specialty license plates where additional fees are required for sponsoring organizations.  More details about online renewal of license plates are available at www.plates.mo.gov. 

All license plate renewals can also be handled through the mail.  Necessary documents and fees would need to be mailed to Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105.  Questions about how to handle mail transactions, or any general questions about license plate renewal, can be directed to mvbmail@dor.mo.gov or (573) 526-3669. 

The Department's Military Reference Guide gives advice to military personnel on a variety of motor vehicle, driver license and tax issues.  It is available at http://dor.mo.gov/pdf/milrefguide.pdf.

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