Missouri Driver's License

Class A

Class A is a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Missouri. It permits the holder to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of over 26,001 pounds, given that the vehicles being towed exceed a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds.

Holders of a Class A license may, with the appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles categorized under Class B and Class C. Examples of motor vehicles that fall under the Class A license category include, but are not limited to, large tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, heavy-duty tow trucks, and heavy machinery transporters.

Class B

This license is another CDL in Missouri that allows the operation of any vehicle with a GVWR equal to or over 26,001 pounds. It also permits such a vehicle to tow another, provided the towed vehicle has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.

Those with a Class B license are also authorized to drive all vehicles categorized under Class C, given they have the appropriate endorsements. Examples of vehicles that can be operated with a Class B license include large trucks, buses, and certain construction vehicles.

Class C

A Class C license permits the operation of any vehicle with a GVWR less than 26,001 pounds or a vehicle towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVWR. This classification applies specifically to those that are either placarded for transporting hazardous materials or designed to carry 16 or more persons, including the driver.

A Class C license also authorizes driving all vehicles that Class E or Class F license holders can operate. The types of vehicles included under this license category encompass various commercial and passenger vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and other similar vehicles used for commercial or hazardous material transport.

Class F

This license is also known as an operator license. It is required to operate any motor vehicle that does not necessitate a Class A, B, C, or E license.

A Class F license is suitable for operating vehicles for personal and family transportation, such as SUVs, cars, and light trucks.

Class E

Also known as For-Hire License, a Class E license is required for individuals paid to drive a vehicle transporting 14 or fewer passengers, transport property for pay, or operate another person's vehicle designed for freight under 26,000 pounds GVWR.

However, specific individuals are exempt from obtaining this license under Missouri Revised Statute Section 387.438. It includes drivers of vehicles under 12,000 pounds GVWR providing transportation network or food delivery services.

Class M

To operate a motorcycle or motor tricycle on public roads, a Class M driver's license or the M endorsement is required. Passing numerous tests, including the motorcycle skills test, is necessary to acquire this license.

Individuals operating motorized bicycles are exempt from obtaining a motorcycle endorsement, provided they possess a valid operator's license or a higher classification.

Gather the Necessary Documents

Having all the necessary documents ready before visiting a Missouri License Office is essential to save time when obtaining a driver's license in Missouri. Typically, applicants must present documents proving lawful status, identity, social security number, Missouri residency, and name change if applicable.

The acceptable documents for each of these requirements are listed below:

Lawful Status Documents

• U.S. Birth Certificate (certified with an embossed, stamped, or raised seal)
• Valid U.S. Passport
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate
• Naturalization Certificate
• Birth Abroad Certificate
• Copy of a U.S. Birth Certificate with a U.S. Military ID Card or Discharge Papers
• Relevant immigration documents for non-U.S. citizens

Identity Documents

• Employment Authorization Document
• REAL ID-Compliant or non-REAL ID License
• Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa accompanied by an I-94

Missouri Residency Documents

• Two current utility bills
• Property tax receipt
• Voter ID card
• Official letter issued within the last 90 days by another state, local governmental, or federal agency on its letterhead

Social Security Number Documents

• Social Security Card (original, signed, and not laminated)
• W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
• Form 1099
• Paystub with Name and Social Security Number
• Letter from the Social Security Administration (if SSN is not available)

Name Changes Documents

• Certified Marriage License
• Certified Divorce Decree
• Certified Court Order
• Certified Court-ordered Adoption Papers
• Amended Birth Certificate

For additional information about the required documents for obtaining a driver's license in Missouri, check out the ID Requirements page on the official MO DOR website.

Missouri Graduated Driver's License Law

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law provides aspiring drivers aged 15 to 18 with a structured pathway to obtaining their driver's license. This legislation mandates progressive steps that individuals must navigate before gaining full driving privileges.

Step one, the Instruction Permit, is available to individuals at least 15 years old. To obtain this permit, applicants must pass vision, road sign recognition, and written tests. A qualified person must accompany the applicant to the license office to sign a permission statement.

Moreover, permit holders under 16 can only drive when accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who meets specific criteria.

To progress to step two, the Intermediate License, applicants must be aged 16 to 18 and hold the permit for at least 182 days. They must also have no alcohol-related convictions in the past 12 months or traffic convictions in the past six months.

In addition, applicants must have completed 40 hours of driving instruction, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving instruction.

Upon completing the Intermediate License requirements, applicants at least 18 years old can proceed to step three, which is the Under-21 Full Driver License.

In this step, applicants must ensure their driving privilege is not suspended, revoked, or denied at the time of application. They must also pass vision and road sign recognition tests. The applicant will receive a full driver's license if these requirements are met.

Driver Examination

When applying for a driver's license in Missouri, applicants must pass the driver's examination. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) administers the examination, which consists of four parts: the written test, vision test, road sign test, and driving test.

Written Test

Prospective drivers in Missouri must take a 25-question multiple-choice written test to apply for a Class F (operator) license. This examination assesses their knowledge of traffic laws and driving techniques. To pass this test, at least 20 correct answers are required.

Vision Test

Applicants must undergo both acuity and peripheral vision tests when applying for a Missouri driver's license or permit.

The acuity test requires a minimum of 20/40 vision in either eye, with glasses or contacts permitted if necessary. Similarly, the peripheral test mandates a minimum of 55 degrees per eye or 85 degrees in one eye.

Those who fail will receive a vision exam form for completion by an eye specialist or physician. If corrective measures like glasses or contacts are prescribed, testing may be delayed until they are acquired. However, additional measures are taken if both natural and corrected vision fall below 20/160 or peripheral vision is less than 70 degrees combined.

Road Sign Test

Another requirement for obtaining a driver's license is a road sign test. This test evaluates the applicant's ability to recognize and comprehend various traffic signs. It assesses their knowledge of the symbols, colors, and meanings of different signs commonly encountered on the road.

Driving Test

After completing the written, vision, and road sign tests, individuals seeking a Missouri driver's license must undergo the driving test. An MSHP driver's license examiner conducts this test.

During the driving test, the examiner will instruct the test-taker to familiarize themselves with its controls. Following this, the test-taker will be asked to begin driving, with the examiner providing directions on where to drive, turn, stop, and so on. The examiner will closely observe the test-taker's adherence to good driving practices.

The examiner will deduct points for any driving errors committed throughout the test. If the candidate accumulates more than 30 points, the test will be considered a failure. In such cases, the examiner will advise the candidate to practice further before attempting the test again.

If a candidate fails the driving test three consecutive times, written authorization from the department is required to attempt the test again.

Upon successfully passing the driving skills test, the candidate will receive a form detailing the test results. However, the test result form is not a valid document for driving. Before hitting the road, the candidate must visit a license office to apply for and obtain the official driver's license.

Fees for Obtaining a Driver's License in Missouri

The fees for a Missouri driver's license vary depending on the type and validity.

A regular Class F license fee is $13.50 for a 3-year period and $27 for six years. Payment options include cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, or credit/debit card. However, a 2% and $0.25 convenience fee applies for credit/debit card transactions.

Refer to this Fee Chart provided by the MO DOR for a comprehensive understanding of related fees.

For more information about obtaining a Missouri driver's license, check the Missouri Driver Guide. Meanwhile, those interested in acquiring a CDL can read the Missouri Commercial Driver License Manual.

Missouri Driver's License Renewal

Renewing a driver's license in Missouri requires an in-person visit to a Missouri License Office.

The department will mail a renewal reminder to the address on record before the license expiration date. This reminder will also specify the fee for renewing the license.

To complete the renewal process, individuals must present acceptable documents verifying their proof of identity, date of lawful status, Social Security number, and Missouri residential address.

Additionally, applicants must take vision and road sign tests during each renewal. If the driver's license has been expired for more than six months, the individual must also pass a written knowledge exam and a driving skills test.

Once all requirements are met and the fee is paid, the individual will receive a renewed Missouri driver's license.

Renewal by Mail for Active Armed Forces Members

Missouri offers a convenient renewal by mail option for active duty members of the armed forces and their dependents. To renew a driver's license by mail, applicants must submit a completed Mail-In Driver License Application (Form 4317) along with the required documents mentioned above and fees.

For service members whose Missouri driver's license has expired while out of state, the state allows renewal without re-examination. This provision applies for up to six months from their honorable discharge or within 90 days of reestablishing residency in Missouri, whichever comes first.

To utilize this benefit, the applicant must submit the expired Missouri license, discharge papers, and any other necessary renewal documents. While this provision waives the need for re-examination, it does not extend the driving privileges beyond the license's expiration date. Therefore, the expired license is not valid for driving until the renewal process is complete.

Missouri Driver's License Replacement

To apply for a duplicate license, one must visit a Missouri License Office, where they must provide the necessary identity and residency documents.

Some fees must be settled when obtaining a replacement license. These fees vary depending on the license type, but replacing a regular Class F license costs $13.50 for a three-year license and $19.50 for a six-year license.

If the lost, stolen, or destroyed license is set to expire within the next six months, it is possible to renew the license early instead of applying for a duplicate. This option can save both time and money.