Obtaining a Driver or Non-Driver License

International scholars can apply for a Missouri Driver License in order to drive while living in the United States. This guide includes a basic list of the steps and documents required to obtain a driver or non-driver license.

Foreign Licenses or Licenses from Another U.S. State

If you are driving a car in Missouri with a valid international driver license or a driver license from another U.S. state or want to drive or buy a car in Missouri, you should obtain a Missouri driver license within 30 days of moving to Missouri. One benefit of holding a U.S. driver license is that your car insurance rate may be considerably lower.

Steps to Obtaining a License

  1. 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 (PDF).

    By passing the written test, you will be issued a learner’s 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.

  2. 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.
  3. Apply for the License: After you have completed the Driving Test, you should apply for the Missouri License at License Office.

Required Documents

You must bring the appropriate documents for your status to the License Office for both the Written and Driving tests. Documents Required to Obtain a Missouri Driver or Nondriver License or Instruction Permit

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.

J-1 Scholars Working at WashU and Their Dependents

J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Short-Term Scholars, Student Interns
J-2 Dependent of J Scholar

*If you do not have an SSN, you must apply for a Refusal Letter (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN. The closest SSA office is located at 5669 Delmar Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112.

H-1B and O-1 Scholar and Their Dependents

H-1/O-1 Scholar
H-4 and O-3 Dependent

*If you do not have an SSN, you must apply for a Refusal Letter (Form SSA-L676) from the Social Security Administration to prove that you do not need an SSN. The closest SSA office is located at 5669 Delmar Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112.

 

Proof of Residential Address in Missouri

Present one of the following documents containing your Missouri address.

  • Most recent bank statement
  • Housing rental contract of current residence
  • Most recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer, and 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

License Office and Testing Locations

The closest testing and license offices are located in Deer Creek Plaza in Maplewood, Missouri. Other office locations

TESTING OFFICE

LICENSE OFFICE
Missouri State Highway Patrol
3256 Laclede Station Road
Maplewood, MO 63143
http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov		 Deer Creek License Office
3238 Laclede Stations Road
Maplewood, MO 63143

Helpful Links

Missouri Driver Licensing
Vehicle Registration and Ownership
Study in the States – Driving in the United States
Study in the States – Driver’s License Application Process

Obtaining a Non-Driver License/Missouri State ID Care

You will not need to take the tests if you apply for a Missouri Non-Driver License. The fee is $11. This card will serve as a state photo identification card, and may be used as a primary or secondary document for proof of identity. This card will not permit you to drive. You will need to take all of the Required Documents listed above when you apply for this card.