How to get a Missouri driver's license

The steps for a first Missouri driver's license

1. At 15 or older, pass the vision, road sign and written tests at a Highway Patrol driver examination station. The tests are free.
2. Take your driver examination record (Form 100) and documents to a license office and buy an instruction permit for $10. A parent or guardian signs for you if you're under 18.
3. Hold the permit at least 182 days and log 40 hours of driving, 10 at night.
4. At 16 or older, pass the driving test and buy an intermediate license for $14.
5. At 18, with no alcohol offenses or traffic convictions in the past year, pass the vision and road sign tests again and get your full license.

Fees are as of October 2026, from the Driver Guide's fee chart. Paying by card at a license office adds a convenience fee of 2% plus $0.25.

What are the Missouri driver's license requirements by age?

Documents needed for a driver's license in Missouri

At the license office, every new or renewing applicant shows proof of:

• Lawful status, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate from a vital records office or a valid U.S. passport. Hospital certificates aren't accepted.
• Identity, with your full legal name and date of birth.
• Your Social Security number, such as a signed card that isn't laminated, a W-2, a 1099 or a pay stub.
• Your Missouri address: two documents for a REAL ID-compliant card, one for a non-REAL ID card. A P.O. box doesn't count.
• Any name change, such as a certified marriage license or court order.

First-time applicants also bring the driver examination record showing they passed. If you're under 21 and have nothing in your own name for your address, a parent or guardian can provide a document, but for REAL ID it counts as only one of the two.

License classes and restriction codes

Most drivers need a Class F license. Class E is for paid driving, Class M for motorcycles, and Classes A, B and C are commercial licenses. Restrictions show as letter codes on the card: A means you must wear corrective lenses, and I marks an intermediate license. Driving outside a restriction can be charged as driving without a license, and the conviction adds points.

Moving to Missouri with a license

Apply for a Missouri driver's license as soon as you become a resident. If your out-of-state license is valid or expired no more than 184 days, you surrender it and take only the vision and road sign tests, with no written or driving test. Your old state's license, permit or ID is cancelled when you transfer.