Department of Revenue News Release

JEFFERSON CITY - College students, members of the armed forces and others traveling over the river and through the woods this holiday season may want to renew their driver licenses and license plates while in Missouri, and be aware of what to do if they lose their driver licenses while away.

According to Missouri Department of Revenue Director Alana M. Barragán-Scott, the holiday season is an opportune time for returning college students and members of the armed forces 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," she said.  "While they are away, some driver licenses and vehicle license plates expire. It can help avoid some problems down the road if they take care of these tasks while they're home."

Barragán-Scott noted that many college-age students have driver licenses that expire when they turn 18 and 21 years old.  There are about 363,000 licensed drivers aged 21 years old and younger in Missouri.

In most cases, driver licenses must be renewed in person at one of the 182 local license offices in Missouri.  An online office locater that provides driving directions, office hours and contact information for each office in Missouri 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 active duty members of the armed forces and their dependents who are temporarily out of state.  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 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, 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.  Details about online renewal of license plates are available at 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.  

The Department of Revenue also receives inquires every year from travelers who lose their driver licenses while outside of Missouri.  This can be particularly troublesome for people who need to prove their identities before boarding airplanes. 

The best option for many people in this situation is to contact the Department and receive an "image portfolio" that includes a person's Missouri driver license photo, signature and other license information.  The quickest way for people to receive an image portfolio is to complete and submit the Department's "Request from Record Holder" form to the Department by fax or email.  The form is available online at http://dor.mo.gov/forms/4681.pdf.  

Travelers should double check with their airline to make sure that an image portfolio is an acceptable form of identification.  People should also note that a notary's stamp must be affixed to the application.  Additional questions about obtaining an image portfolio should be addressed to dlrecords@dor.mo.gov or (573) 526-3669.

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