A driver license is required for anyone who plans to operate a motor vehicle on roads in the U.S. If you have an international driver’s license (written in English), you may be able to use it to drive in the U.S. However, if you plan to drive regularly or purchase a car, you should obtain a Missouri driver’s license. This page contains information about both Missouri driver license and also non-driver license (Missouri state ID card).
In the U.S., driver licenses are issued by individual states rather than by the federal government. Drivers are required to obtain a license from their state of residence. The Missouri Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a division of the Missouri Department of Revenue, is the issuing authority for Missouri driver licenses. See example image of a Missouri driver license to the right.
Overview of steps to obtain a Missouri driver license
- Take the written test: This test includes traffic rules and regulations and a road sign recognition test. You should prepare for the written examination by studying the Missouri Driver Guide: A Guide to Understanding Missouri Motor Vehicle Laws and Licensing Requirements (PDF).
- Obtain learner permit: By passing the written test, you will be issued a learner permit which will allow you to legally drive only when an adult licensed driver is in the vehicle with you. You can use this permit to practice driving.
- Take the driving test: During this test an officer will evaluate your driving. You must bring a car for this test. Testing is done on a walk-in basis.
- Apply for the Missouri driver license: After you have completed and passed the driving test, you can then apply for a Missouri driver license at a license office.
Required documents
You must bring the appropriate documents for your status to the license office for both the written and the driving tests. A list of required documentation is below. Be sure you refer to the correct option, as documentation varies based on both status and primary activity.
The Missouri Department of Revenue no longer requires that students present a letter from WashU certifying their student status. Therefore, the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) does not issue driver license letters for international students or scholars. When you go to the license office, if they request a driver license letter from your school, please kindly ask them to contact their office in Jefferson City, Missouri for further confirmation.
please note:
The license office will NOT accept an I-20 with the issue reason of Initial or Transfer pending. If you are a newly arrived F-1 international student, follow these steps to obtain an updated I-20 with issue reason listed as continued attendance:
- Complete the F-1 Check-In and Registration request in MyOISS.
- Complete the I-20 Reprint request in MyOISS and indicate “updated” as reason. You may indicate “driver license” or “nondriver license” in remarks. After your request has been processed, you will be able to download and print your updated I-20 with “continued attendance” listed as the issue reason. You will need this I-20 in order to apply for a driver or nondriver license.
Full-time F-1 students
- Passport
- I-20 (showing issue reason as “Continued Attendance”)
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of residential address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
F-2 Dependent of Full-Time Student
- Passport
- I-20
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of residential address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
*If you do not have and are ineligible for an SSN, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
F-1 graduate on OPT
- Passport
- EAD card with OPT authorization
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of Residential Address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
Note for international students who have graduated and have a PENDING OPT Application:
Students on OPT must have their EAD card to apply for a new Missouri driver license, or to renew an existing driver’s license. If your OPT application is still pending and you already have a driver license, you can apply for a 60-day extension using your OPT I-20 and your OPT Receipt Notice. Then when you receive your EAD with OPT authorization, you can apply to renew your license. If your OPT application is still pending and you want to apply for a new Missouri driver license, you must wait until your EAD with OPT authorization arrives.
F-2 dependent of F-1 on OPT
- Passport
- Graduate’s OPT/EAD Card
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of Residential Address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
- If you do not have and are not eligible for an SSN, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
J-1 student enrolled full-time or j-1 scholar
- Passport
- DS-2019
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of residential address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
J-2 dependent of full-time J student OR J-2 dependent of J scholar
- Passport
- DS-2019
- Most recent I-94 record
- Proof of residential address in Missouri
- Social Security Number (SSN) or SSN Refusal Form SSA-L676*
* If you do not have and are ineligible to apply for an SSN, you must apply for a Refusal Form (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN.
Proof of residential address in Missouri
Present one of the following documents containing your Missouri address.
- Most recent bank statement
- Housing rental contract for current residence
- Most recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer/trash or cable)
- Personal property tax receipt
- Recent paycheck with your local address
- Any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency
Obtaining a non-driver license / Missouri state ID card
A Missouri Nondriver Identification Card will not permit you to drive, but it will serve as a state photo identification card. To obtain a Missouri Nondriver License, you will not need to take the written or driving tests. The current fee is $18. You will need to take all of the required documents listed above when you apply for this card.
See example image of a nondriver identification card at right.
Buying a vehicle
The process of purchasing a car involves many decisions, procedures and paperwork that can be quite challenging. A few basics to consider include:
- Title and sales tax: You have 30 days from the date of purchase to title and pay sales tax on your newly purchased vehicle. If you do not title the vehicle within 30 days, there is a title penalty of $25 on the 31st day after purchase. The penalty increases another $25 for every 30 days you are late with a maximum penalty of $200.
- Auto insurance: Missouri law requires that all motor vehicle drivers and owners maintain some type of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. Read more about motor vehicle insurance requirements and driver responsibilities from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- License plates: When you purchase your vehicle, you may obtain a temporary permit, transfer license plates from a vehicle you already own, or you may purchase new license plates.