How To Get a Missouri Driver’s License

Are you trying to get a license in the Show-Me State? We can help! In this article, we will discuss how you can receive your Missouri driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Let’s get down to business!

Types of Missouri Driver’s Licenses

If you are 18 years old or younger, you are required to complete the Missouri Department of Revenue (MO DOR) Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. The Missouri DOR offers the following types of driver’s licenses and learner’s permits:

• GDL Program ONLY:
  • Learner’s permit: eligible at 15 years of age
  • Intermediate license (Class F): eligible at 16 years of age
• Full MO driver’s license (Class F): eligible at 18 years of age
• Motorcycle license (Class M): eligible at 16 years of age
• Commercial driver’s license (Class A, B, or C): eligible for intrastate operation at 18 years of age

Missouri Driver’s License Requirements

MO residents must apply for a new Missouri driver’s license if they plan to operate a vehicle in the state of Missouri. Whether you’re a new resident or a first-time driver, the MO DOR requires you to complete different steps to obtain your driver’s license. Before you head to your local MO DOR branch, you need to determine whether you’re required to apply for a new MO driver’s license.

You are required to obtain a Missouri driver’s license if any of the following applies to you:

• You are a current Missouri resident who’s never been licensed
• You are a new resident of Missouri and want to apply for an MO driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license
• You have a legal presence in Missouri and the United States (you are NOT required to obtain an MO driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State).

You are NOT required to possess a Missouri driver’s license if:

• You are at least 18 years of age, and visiting Missouri with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
• You are an active military member or dependent who is stationed in Missouri, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in Missouri
• You operate farm vehicles off public highways
• You ONLY operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles WITHOUT accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads)

Applying for Your Missouri Driver’s License

If you’re younger than 18 years old, you are required to complete the MO GDL program before you can apply for an MO driver’s license. To apply for your new MO driver’s license, you need to first pass the following tests at a local Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) office:

• Written test
• Vision test
• Road sign test

After passing these tests, you will be issued a Driver Examination Record (Form DOR-100), which is required for submission to the MO DOR to obtain your initial driver’s license. To proceed, you must visit your local MO driver’s license office and provide proof of your:

• Name
• Date and place of birth (birth certificate)
• Social Security number
• MO residency

You will also be required to pass the road/ driving test and pay the driver’s license fee of $13.50 for 3 years of $19.50 for 6 years. You will receive your Missouri driver’s license in the mail within 10 business days.

New Residents of Missouri

As a new resident of Missouri, you are required to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license once you establish residency in this state. To apply, you need to visit your local MO DOR branch and:

• Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license
• Provide proof of:
  • Your name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Social security number
  • Missouri residency
• Pass the written permit test and driving tests (the MO DOR will waive your skills and written tests if your driver’s license is valid or has expired for less than 184 days).
• Pass a road sign recognition test
• Pass a vision test
• Pay the Class F driver’s license fee ($13.50 for 3 years or $19.50 for 6 years)

Depending on your age, your driver’s license will be valid for a certain period. If you are at least 21 years old, your license will be valid for 6 years. If you are 18 to 20 years old, or 70 years old or older, your license will be valid for 3 years.

Acceptable Identification Documents in Missouri

In Missouri, there are different types of identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your new Mo driver’s license, such as the following:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Permanent resident card
• Armed forces ID card
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office).

Examples of true full-name verification documents include:

• Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
• Marriage certificate
• Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after
• Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
• A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order

Examples of acceptable residency documents include:

• Resident utility bills (this can include cell phones)
• Insurance documents
• Missouri vehicle or vessel title or registration
• A record of a financial institution

In this scenario, a parent, legal guardian, or child can use a birth certificate as part of the identification process. A spouse or domestic partner can use a marriage license or domestic partner registration certificate to trace their relationship to the person to whom the acceptable residency documentation was addressed.

Obtaining a Missouri Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

In Missouri, the driver’s licensing process is regulated by the Missouri DOR. Teenagers can obtain an MO learner’s permit and driver’s license once they meet a series of requirements that are designed to foster safe and responsible decisions.

New Residents of Missouri

Teenage drivers of Missouri who are under 18 years of age with a valid out-of-state driver’s license can transfer their license to Missouri and receive an MO intermediate license. However, if you are applying for an MO license within 30 days of your 18^th birthday, you will be issued a full Missouri driver’s license.

You must visit your local Missouri driver’s license and present the following:

• Your out-of-state driver’s license, which must either be current or expired for no more than 184 days (if you have lost or misplaced your out-of-state license, you need to request and submit a Clearance Letter from your previous state).
• Proof of your:
  • Name
  • Date of birth and birthplace (such as your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Citizenship)
• Your Social Security number
• Proof of your MO residency (such as a paycheck, utility bill, or bank statement. Your parent or legal guardian can provide these documents if you don’t have them).
• Payment for the appropriate license fee:
  • Class F Intermediate License: $11 (minimum age to apply is 16)
  • Class F Driver’s License: $13.50 (over 18 years old)

The Missouri GDL Program

Missouri is one of many states in the U.S. that has implemented a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program. Teenage drivers in Missouri must complete this program to receive full driving privileges.

Driver’s Education in Missouri

The state of Missouri does NOT require formal classroom Driver’s Education (Driver’s Ed). However, teenagers must complete 40 hours of supervised driving with a qualified licensed adult or driving instructor, which includes 10 hours of night driving.

While Driver’s Ed in Missouri is not a requirement for obtaining an MO driver’s license, this program provides essential information that helps teenagers make responsible and timely decisions behind the wheel.

Missouri Driver’s License Age Requirements

There are specific age requirements in Missouri for obtaining a driving license. The age requirements in Missouri are as follows:

• 15 years of age: eligible for an instruction permit
• 16 years of age: eligible for an intermediate license
• 18 years of age: eligible for the full driver’s license for drivers who are under 21 years of age

Missouri Instruction Permit

To receive an instruction permit in Missouri, also known as a learner’s permit, you need to be at least 15 years old. Before you can apply for your permit, you must first visit a State Highway Patrol examination station to take the:

• Vision test
• Road signs exam
• A written knowledge test

Once you pass your MO permit exams, you will receive a Driver Examination Record (Form DOR-100) that indicates that you passed the required tests. You need to take this form to your local MO driver’s license office with your parent or legal guardian and:

• Submit proof of your:
  • Name
  • Birth date and birthplace (certified U.S. birth certificate, original U.S. passport, Certificate of Citizenship)
• Provide your Social Security number
• Present proof of MO residency (a bank statement, paycheck, parent’s utility bill)
• Complete an application for a driver’s license or instruction permit (which can be obtained at your MO driver’s license office)
• Submit your Driver’s Examination Record
• Payment for the $7 permit fee

You will receive an instruction permit that will allow you to begin your driving practice with a qualified driver. Your Missouri learner’s permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, and you are required to attain your permit for a minimum of 182 days before you will be eligible to apply for an MO intermediate driver’s license.

Missouri Instruction Permit Driving Restrictions

Some driving restrictions that apply to you while you attain your MO instruction permit are based on your age. Missouri drivers who are under 16 years of age may ONLY drive with a qualified person, such as a parent or legal guardian, a licensed driving instructor, or a qualified driver who is at least 25 years old with at least 3 years of fully licensed driving experience. This qualified driver must be designated by your parent or legal guardian. Your parent or legal guardian is required to complete a Parent or Guardian Permission Statement (Form 5434), which must be always kept in the vehicle.

Drivers who are 16 years of age or older are allowed to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age. The supervising driver must always have their valid driver’s license with them while they are driving with you.

Regardless of your age, you must always follow the driving restrictions below:

• You must always carry your MO instruction permit with you while you’re driving
• Your supervising driver must be in the front seat
• All occupants of the vehicle are required to wear a seat belt at all times
• You may NOT carry any other passengers other than your qualified driver

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements

With your MO learner’s permit, you must complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, which includes 10 hours of night driving between sunset and sunrise. Your parent, legal guardian, or qualified driving instructor must log these hours to verify compliance with the MO GDL requirements. The MO DOR provides a Driver Experience Log (Form 4901) to help you and your supervisor track your driving practice hours.

Missouri Intermediate Driver’s License

Once you are at least 16 years old, you will be eligible to apply for an intermediate Missouri driver’s license and take your behind-the-wheel road test. You are also required to meet the following requirements:

• You must have attained your learner’s permit for at least 182 days
• You must have completed 40 hours of supervised driving practice, which includes 10 hours of night driving
• You may NOT have had any alcohol-related convictions in the past 12 months
• You may NOT have had any traffic tickets or violations in the past 6 months

If you’re applying for your driver’s license more than 1 year after taking the written and vision exams for your instruction permit, you must retake these exams at your local State Highway Patrol examination station BEFORE you can apply for your intermediate driver’s license.

To apply for your MO intermediate license, you need to visit your local MO driver’s license office with your parent or legal guardian and submit the following:

• Your valid, unexpired learner’s permit
• Completed application for an MO driver’s license (which is available at your MO driver’s license office)
• Proof of completion of your required behind-the-wheel driving hours (your parent or legal guardian must sign the back of your license application to verify of your driving hours).
• Proof of your:
  • Name
  • Date of birth and birthplace (such as your U.S. birth certificate, original U.S. passport, or Certificate of Citizenship)
• Social Security number
• Proof of Missouri residency (such as a bank statement, paycheck, or parent’s utility bill)
• Payment for the $11 license fee

You will also be required to provide proof of auto insurance and Missouri vehicle registration for the vehicle you will be taking the road test in. Your examiner will give you specific instructions for completing the road test. You must pass the road test with a minimum passing score of 80%. You will receive a temporary intermediate driver’s license on the spot, and you should receive your permanent intermediate driver’s license in the mail within 10 business days.

Missouri Intermediate License Driving Restrictions

Although you are allowed to operate a vehicle unsupervised in Missouri, you are still required to adhere to the following restrictions until you are 18 years old:

• You must always carry your intermediate license with you while you’re driving
• You may NOT operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 1 AM and 5 AM unless you’re accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, or you are traveling from school, work, or due to an emergency
• You and your passengers must wear seat belts at all times
• For the first 6 months, you may only have 1 passenger under 19 years of age in your vehicle who is not an immediate family member

Full Missouri Driver’s License Under 21 Years of Age

To upgrade to a full Missouri driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years of age, and you may NOT have had any traffic tickets or alcohol-related violations within the 12 months before applying.

If you are applying for your MO driver’s license at 18 years of age without having gone through the MO GDL process listed above, you must take the vision, written, and road sign exams at a State Highway Patrol examination center before applying. You must also take a road test at the driver’s license office.

To apply, you must visit your local Missouri driver’s license office and:

• Present your valid Missouri intermediate driver’s license
• Provide proof of your:
  • Name
  • Birth date and birthplace (such as a Certified U.S. birth certificate, original U.S. passport, or Certificate of Citizenship)
• Provide your Social Security number
• Submit proof of Missouri residency (such as a bank statement, paycheck, or your parent’s utility bill)
• Pay the $13.50 MO driver’s license

You will receive a temporary MO driver’s license will be attached to your intermediate license, and your intermediate license will have “VOID” stamped on it. Your permanent driver’s license should arrive in the mail within 10 business days.

Missouri Teenager Auto Insurance

You are required to have auto insurance to legally operate a motor vehicle throughout the state of Missouri. The type of auto insurance you are required to obtain will depend on the type of permit or license you’re currently operating a motor vehicle with. As you gain driving experience and personal responsibility on the road, your auto insurance rate will change. Adding a teenage driver to a family auto insurance policy can significantly increase the policy rate.

Missouri Instruction Permit Insurance

When you’re driving with a Missouri instruction permit, you are likely to be covered by the auto insurance of your supervising driver. However, this scenario may not be your unique situation, so make sure you check the policy to see in detail what the policy covers.

Missouri Intermediate and Full Driver’s License Auto Insurance

As you may already be aware, you must show proof of an active auto insurance policy when applying for your MO driver’s license and taking the road test. As a teenager, your parents can add you to their policy. While the auto policy premium will probably increase, you can also receive discounts for insuring multiple cars to the same company.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you’ve changed your name because of a marriage, divorce, or another reason, you will need to provide name change documentation when you’re applying for your MO driver’s license. When the name on your identification document is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit a document that establishes your true full name, such as:

• A marriage certificate
• Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
• A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
• A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
• A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Missouri?

Starting May 7, 2025, residents of Missouri and every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, ID card, or another form of ID that is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to board federally regulated domestic flights. Also starting on May 7, 2025, individuals are required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID to access federal facilities and to enter nuclear power plants.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Missouri?

Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a non-driver Id card is your choice. The issuance of a REAL ID-compliant license or ID is not mandatory. If you don’t plan on taking any trips that involve boarding a plane or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card.

You do not need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to perform the following actions:

• Operate a motor vehicle
• Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
• Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
• Vote
• Apply for or receive federal benefits (such as Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card in Missouri?

Obtaining a REAL ID in Missouri has slightly stricter guidelines and requirements than renewing a standard ID card or license. To receive your REAL ID, you need to visit your local MO driver’s license office and provide the following:

• Proof of identity:
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. Visa and I-94
• Proof of lawful status (identity document may also suffice):
  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. birth abroad certificate
• Proof of social security:
  • Social security card
  • W-2 or 1099 tax form
  • Paystub containing your full name and social security number (SSN)
• Proof of Missouri residency (2 documents are required):
  • Driver’s license renewal notice
  • Education transcript from the current year at a Missouri school
  • Property tax receipt
• Proof of name change (if the name on your identity document does NOT match other documents):
  • Marriage certificate or divorce decree
  • Certified adoption paperwork
  • A court-issued document that proves your name has been legally changed
• Payment for the applicable fee(s)

Missouri REAL ID Fees

There are NO FEES associated with obtaining a Missouri REAL ID if you upgrade when you renew your license or ID.

Upgrading outside the 6-month renewal window will incur a $6 fee for a 3-year license, or $12 for a 6-year license.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Missouri

If you’ve been wanting to drive a commercial truck, the time is now! To be eligible to operate a commercial vehicle, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Who Can Get a Missouri CDL?

To receive a CDL in Missouri, you need to:

• Already attain a valid, non-commercial Missouri driver’s license
• Prove your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status

CDL drivers who are under 21 years of age will be limited to driving intrastate (within the state of Missouri) per state and FMCSA regulations. If you have an out-of-state CDL and want to transfer it to the state of Missouri, you need to first transfer your standard out-of-state driver’s license before you can apply for an MO commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

Missouri Commercial Learner’s Permit

Before you can apply for your CDL, you need to first have to receive your CLP. Although it is not required but recommended, you can enroll in a CDL training course. This training course prepares you for the different exams and expectations involved in the commercial licensing process.

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for your Missouri CLP. When you’re ready, you need to schedule an appointment with your local MO DOR branch to apply for your CLP. Make sure you take the following with you to this appointment:

• Your MO driver’s license
• Proof of MO employment (must be in the form of an employment letter from your company)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
• The proper medical certification paperwork
• The $16 commercial learner’s permit fee
• The $25 written test fee (you will be charged an office processing fee of $6)

At the DOR, you must take the appropriate written exams for the type of CDL you want. You must also agree to a driving record check. During this record check, the past 10 years of your driving record will be reviewed in all 50 states and Washington. D.C. After you pass the required exams and the record check, you will be issued your Missouri CLP. Congratulations!

Missouri CLP Requirements

Your MO CLP will be valid for 360 days. However, you will be required to have your CLP for at least 14 days BEFORE you can schedule an appointment to take the skills and road test at the DOR.

You must still maintain your standard MO driver’s license while you have your CLP. Your CLP will read, “Invalid unless accompanied by a valid Missouri driver’s license”. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also restricts all CLP holders to driving ONLY on public roads and ONLY while accompanied by a full CDL holder.

Getting a Commercial Driver’s License in Missouri

After waiting 14 days, and you’re comfortable driving a commercial vehicle, you can take the required skills test to receive your full CDL. You must schedule a different appointment with the Missouri DOR office and bring your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and the necessary fees to have your CDL issued.

While you’re at the DOR, you must complete the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and the on-road driving skills test. You must arrange to take the tests in the same type of vehicle you plan on driving with your CDL. If not, you may have a restriction placed on your license. If you would like to add an endorsement to your license that requires you to take a skills test, you must also complete these test(s) at your appointment. After you’ve completed all the skills tests and paid the necessary fees, you will receive your commercial driver’s license from the MO DOR. You did it! Congratulations!

Missouri Military CDL Holders

The Missouri DOR allows certain service members to have their CDL skills test waived. To qualify, the following must apply:

• Have at least 2 years of experience operating a commercial vehicle for the military
• Have had this experience within 2 years of the waiver application date
• Apply for the waiver within 1 year of being regularly employed by the military

To apply for the waiver, you need to complete the Application for Military Commercial Driver’s License Skills Test Waiver (Form 5140) and bring it with you when you apply for your CLP.

Be advised that qualified service members still have to complete all knowledge exams and pay the applicable CDL-related fees.

Missouri CDL Medical Requirements

The FMCSA requires all CDL applicants to be considered medically qualified BEFORE they can receive a CDL. To be certified, you must first obtain your Medical Examiner’s Certificate. You can obtain this certificate by visiting a nationally registered physician and asking them to help you complete the following:

• Medical Examination Report Form (Form MCSA-5875)
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876)

You are also required to declare your medical condition to the MO DOR, along with the type of driving you intend to do with your CDL, which is a process known as self-certification.

Missouri CDL Types

Different classifications of CDLs are designated by the FMCSA. Each CDL class dictates the type of vehicles the holder is certified to operate, including:

• Class A CDL – allows an individual to operate multiple vehicles that are over a certain weight, such as a tractor-trailer
• Class B CDL – allows individuals to operate a single vehicle over a certain weight, such as a box truck
• Class C CDL – allows individuals to operate all other types of commercial vehicles that do NOT meet the criteria of Class A and Class B CDLs

Missouri CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

Endorsements are additional certifications that you can add to your CDL that allows you to operate a greater number of vehicles. To receive an endorsement, you must complete additional tests with the MO DOR and pay additional fees.

The following are the available endorsements:

• HAZMAT vehicles
• Double or triple trailers
• School buses and passenger vehicles

A restriction will be placed on your CDL to limit the number of vehicles you can operate. You may receive a restriction on your CDL for the following:

• Not taking your CDL test in the proper type of vehicle
• Not knowing how to operate a manual transmission
• Having certain medical conditions

Missouri CDL Fees

The MO DOR currently charges the following for CDLs and related services:

• Commercial learner’s permit: $16
• CDL written test fee: $25
• CDL skills test fee: $25
• Commercial driver’s licenses:
  • Valid up to 3 years: $26
  • Valid from 3 years and 1 day – 6 years: $52
• Office processing fees for CDLs:
  • 3 years: $6
  • 3 years and 1 day – 6 years: $12

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the MO DOR, which means you are required to self-certify one of the following driving conditions:

• Non-excepted interstate
• Excepted interstate
• Non-excepted intrastate
• Excepted intrastate

Applying for a Missouri Motorcycle License

To ride your Motorcycle in Missouri, you must have a Class M instruction permit, which is a Class M, or a Class M endorsement on your license. If you are a first-time driver and a minor, you must also comply with Missouri’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) requirements.

New Residents of Missouri

As a new resident of Missouri, you must transfer your out-of-state license to the state of Missouri. The MO DOR does not distinguish between the transfer of license types. Once you establish residency in Missouri, you must take the following steps to transfer your out-of-state license:

• Present appropriate identification, including proof of:
  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number
  • MO residency
• Pass the vision screening
• Pass the road sign test
• Surrender your out-of-state license
• Pay the applicable fees
  • 3-year Class M license: $13.50
  • 6-year Class M license: $27

You will also be required to complete the written and on-cycle exams if your out-of-state driver’s license has expired for more than 184 days.

Drivers Under 18 Years Old

Missouri’s GDL Law has licensing requirements and restrictions for minor drivers. If you’ve just moved to Missouri and have an out-of-state license with full privileges, you will receive an intermediate license from MO unless you are 18 years old or you apply within 30 days of your 18th birthday.

Missouri Motorcycle Instruction Permit

If you are not yet an adult with a full MO driver’s license, you must obtain a Class M permit to ride your motorcycle on public Missouri roads. You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an MO permit. The requirements and restrictions for permits will vary depending on your age.

Age 15 ½

If you are at least 15 years of age, you are eligible to apply for a Missouri motorcycle instruction permit. However, any motorcycle operator who is under the age of 16 and is applying for a Class M permit or endorsement on a current driver’s permit is required to show proof of completion from a Motorcycle Rider Training Course.

Once you make an appointment with your local MO DOR branch, you must:

• Have a parent or legal guardian go with you to the MO DOR license office to sign a permission statement
  • Present the appropriate identification, including proof of your:
    • Name
    • Date and place of birth
    • Social security number
    • MO residency
• Pass both the Class F and Class M written exams
• Pass the vision screening
• Pass the road sign test
• Pay the $9.25 fee

Missouri Motorcycle Instruction Permit Restrictions

Your Missouri motorcycle permit is valid for 6 months, and you must attain this license for the full 6 months before applying for an intermediate Class M license. If you need to renew your permit, the fee is $9.25 for drivers who are under 16 years of age and $7 for drivers who are at least 16 years of age.

When driving with this permit, you are subject to the following restrictions:

• You may only drive during daylight (you may NOT drive 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise
• You may not drive more than 50 miles from your home address
• You may not drive a motorcycle that is larger than 250cc
• You may not carry passengers
• You must be accompanied by a qualified person, grandparent, or qualified driving instructor (if your parent, grandparent, or guardian is disabled, you may drive with their designee)
• You must carry your permit with you while driving

Applicants who are between the ages of 16 and 18 are given an intermediate license, which is subject to Missouri’s Graduated Licensing requirements.

Age 16 and Older

If you are at least 16 years of age when you apply for your Missouri motorcycle instruction permit, the Motorcycle Rider Training Course is NOT required. However, the requirements for the Missouri Graduated License Program (GDL) apply if you are under 18 years of age.

To obtain a Class M permit, you must:

• Pass the vision screening
• Pass the road sign test
• Present the appropriate identification, such as proof of your:
  • Name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Social security number
  • Missouri residency
• Pay the Class M written exam
• Pay the $7 fee

If you currently have a valid Class F license, you can take the Class F written exam in addition to the above steps to obtain a motorcycle permit (Class F with an M endorsement).

Motorcycle Permit Driving Restrictions

When driving with a permit, you are required to carry your permit with you while driving. If necessary, you can renew your permit for a $7 fee.

Missouri Motorcycle License or Endorsement (Class M)

To earn your full Class M license or endorsement, you must be at least 18 years of age. You must take the following steps:

• Pass the Class F and Class M written and on-cycle skills examinations (you can show a completion card from an approved motorcycle rider training course to waive your on-cycle skills test at your local MO DOR branch).
• Pass the Class F and Class M vision and road sign examinations
• Present the appropriate identification, including proof of your:
  • Name
  • Date and place of birth
  • Social security number
  • MO residency
• Pay the applicable fee:
  • 3-year Class M license: $13.50
  • 6-year Class M license: $27

GDL Requirements for Drivers Ages 16-18

Missouri GDL requirements that apply to minor drivers also apply to motorcycle operators. The GDL has specific requirements and restrictions based on age. To become a motorcycle-qualified minor, you will need to satisfy the GDL requirements.

Missouri Motorcycle Safety Courses

If you are under 16 years of age, the MO DOR requires you to complete a Motorcycle Rider Training Course before you can apply for a Class M permit. Additionally, the Basic Rider Course can be used to waive the on-cycle skills exam when you’re applying for your Class M license.

You can choose different motorcycle safety courses (MSC) depending on your level of experience. These courses are located throughout the state of Missouri. Click here to find an MSC near you.

Introductory Motorcycle Experience for Beginners

The introductory course is 2 hours long and is offered to riders with no experience who want extra instruction before taking the Basic Rider Course. The Introductory Rider Course provides a safe and stress-free environment where riders can ask questions and receive extra one-on-one time with the instructor.

Basic Rider Course (BRC)

The Basic Rider Course is offered to novice motorcycle riders or riders who have been riding for a while, and who want additional instruction. This course includes at least 4 hours of classroom instruction and at least 12 hours of practical training.

You are not required to bring a motorcycle or help, as they are included in the course fee. Most motorcycles used in the course are 250cc or less. You can show a completion card from this course to waive your on-cycle skills test.

Advanced Rider Course

The BRC-2 course takes place in 1 day and helps motorcycle riders improve their skills and riding strategies, including emergency braking, control, low-speed maneuvers, and swerving.

Missouri Motorcycle License for Military Members

If you are a member of the military, you can submit a completion card from a military Motorcycle Rider Training Course (MRTC) to waive the on-cycle skills exam obtaining a Class M license IF the following requirements are met:

• The course must meet or exceed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation criteria
• Only approved MSF completion cards issued by a military motorcycle rider training course may be used

You must follow the same licensing steps and submit the documents outlined above.

Missouri DOR Locations

There are different DOR locations in Missouri where you can obtain an MO driver’s license. Here’s a handful of MO DOR branch locations.

Missouri Department of Revenue – Jefferson City Branch
301 W High St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 751-3505
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4:40 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Missouri Department of Revenue – Columbia Branch
403 Vandiver Dr.
Ste B
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 474-4700
Call for business hours

Missouri Department of Revenue – Bridgeton Branch
11977 Saint Charles Rock Rd
Bridgeton, MO 63044
(314) 298-0127
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Missouri Department of Revenue – Springfield Branch
149 Park Central Sq.
Ste 313
Springfield, MO 65806
(417) 895-6477
Call for business hours

You did it! You now have the information you need to receive your driver’s license, a commercial license, or a motorcycle license in Missouri.