Missouri DMVs to get big upgrades, including online license renewal. But first: closures
Missouri drivers with a license expiring in the first two weeks of November should prepare for delays as the state rolls out new technology to streamline license applications and renewals.
The upgrade aims to standardize the software used by Missouri’s patchwork system of privately owned license offices. Between them, Missouri’s DMVs use more than 50 different programs, many of which cannot communicate with one another, the Department of Revenue wrote in a press release Thursday, Oct. 24.
“This launch will be part of a two-phase, fully modernized system that will offer additional, easier to navigate e-services, mobile identification credentials, increased efficiency, streamlined transactions and provide overall better customer service,” the department wrote on a webpage dedicated to the upgrade initiative.
Here’s what to know about what’s changing at Missouri DMVs in the coming weeks and months.
When will Missouri DMVs be closed for technology upgrades?
Missouri license offices will be open for regular business hours from now through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. After that, closures will start around the state for the rest of that week.
Nov. 6: Offices will be open for regular hours but will not be able to process driver’s licenses. Car registrations will still be available.
Nov. 7: Most offices will be open for motor vehicle transactions only. Some offices will be closed, but none are in the Kansas City area.
Nov. 8-Nov. 11: All license offices in the state will be closed Friday, Nov. 8, for the upgrade, closed as normal over the weekend and closed on Monday, Nov. 11, for Veterans’ Day.
Nov. 12: All license offices will reopen for normal hours with technology upgrades available. Drivers should expect longer wait times for the rest of this week as license seekers turned away the previous week come back in.
How can Missouri drivers renew licenses online?
One of the biggest upgrades drivers will see Nov. 12 is the ability to renew some drivers’ licenses online without making a trip to their local license office. However, DOR spokesperson Katy Werdehausen noted that they must meet certain requirements in order to do it:
Drivers can only perform every other renewal online — meaning after every two license expirations, they must return to the license office in person.
Drivers must be between ages 21 and 49 to renew online.
Updates or changes to license information like you name or license class can’t be done online.
Drivers must provide proof of a vision exam within the last 12 months in order to renew online.
Brand new licenses, getting your license transferred from another state and changes to your license status must still be done in person.
What other changes are coming?
Drivers getting their licenses reinstated will be able to provide documents, make payments and get updates on this process online as well. Scans or clear photos of required documents will be accepted, Werdehausen said.
Other types of documents and tracking features will be available online as well. Drivers will be able to quickly check their license status, order a duplicate license if theirs is lost, update CDL paperwork and track their new license through the mail online.
Drivers’ online records will also show license office employees the results of road exams and written drivers’ tests from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the first step in greater communication between the DOR’s systems and state law enforcement.
Do you have more questions about transportation in Missouri or Kansas? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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