(SEE BELOW FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE (CDL) INFORMATION)

There is a difference between having your Missouri driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.
Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact an STA Advisor absolutely FREE!!!

There are a variety of reasons why your Missouri driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Missouri driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Missouri operates on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. If you accumulate 8 or more points within 18 months your license will be suspended for 1 month. If you’ve previously had your driver’s license suspended for accumulating too many points, you’ll lose your driving privileges for 60 days on the 2nd suspension, and 90 days on any subsequent suspensions. Your license will be suspended for 1 year if you accrue 12 or more points in 12 months, 18 or more in 24 months, or 24 or more points in 36 months.
• Driving Under the Influence: Your Missouri driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. A 1st offense will result in your license being suspended for 1 month, after which you may be allowed a restricted driving license. A 2nd offense, regardless of the time in between convictions, will result in your license being revoked. If a 2nd offense is committed within a 5-year period, there will be license denial for 5 years as well. If you are convicted of a 3rd offense of DUI, excessive blood alcohol content, or a combination of both, your license denial period will be 10 years. After this time, your driving privilege can only be restored by a court order. If you refuse to take a chemical test your license will be revoked for 1 year.
• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Missouri must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended for up to 1 year.
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Missouri driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway. Other reasons include stealing a motor vehicle or any part of a motor vehicle, stealing gas, speeding, leaving the scene of an accident without giving aid or your identity, being convicted of reckless driving 3 times in 1 year, unlawful use of either your driver’s license or another’s to buy liquor, fleeing from the police, using a motor vehicle to commit a crime, and homicide involving a motor vehicle.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The Motor Vehicle and Driver License Office can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a Motor Vehicle and Driver License notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.

 NOTE: If you were convicted of a crime, you may also face additional court requirements and fines.

Having your Missouri driver’s license suspended is a serious matter, and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is prudent to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. The most important things to be aware of following a license suspension are:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Missouri Motor Vehicle and Driver License. You can surrender your license in person at a Branch Office, or mail it to:

Driver License Bureau

301 West High Street – Room 470

Jefferson City, MO, 65105-0200

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and the length of your suspension may be increased.
• After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Missouri MVDL.
• If you have completed a minimum of 30-day suspension, you may apply for a restricted driving permit if you have to go to work, school or to receive medical treatment. You will have to file form SR-22 for this unless you are a minor. This permit is valid for 60 days.
• If you are not eligible for a new license and have to driver for more than 60 days you may apply for a Missouri Limited Driving Privilege Permit (LDP). You will need to fill up an application form and submit it to the MVDL. Your application will be processed within 5 working days. Under Missouri law, you can only receive one LDP during a 5-year period. An LDP does not permit you to authorize a non commercial vehicle. Call (573) 526-2407 to find out if you are eligible for an LDP. More information on LDP can be found

If you are considered a Habitual Offender of DUI’s you will not be able to receive an LDP without having an ignition interlock device fixed on your vehicle. You will have to file your application in the circuit court of the county where you reside, if this is the case.

You will receive a notice from the MVDL after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back. The procedure to reinstate your license will depend on the offense with which you were charged. For instance, if you lost your license due to no insurance, you will need to file an SR-22 insurance form and pay $20. However, if you lost your license because you refused to take a blood/alcohol/drug test you will need to attend a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program, file SR-22 and pay an additional fee of $45. (See more fees below.) Generally, you will need to:

• Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
• File an SR22 insurance form and maintain coverage for 3 years after your suspension ends.
• Complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP), if applicable.
• Install an ignition interlock device, if you have been convicted of multiple alcohol-related offenses.
• Pay a Limited Driving Privilege: The fee can be paid in person at a Driver License Bureau:

Truman State Office Building

301 West High Street, Room 470

Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-3500

• You can pay your reinstatement fees by calling the Missouri DMV at (573) 526-2407. Office Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 (except state office closings)
• You can also mail a check or money order payable to:

Driver License Bureau

P.O. Box 200

Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-0200

• If your driving license was revoked or expired for more than 6 months you will need to apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license. You will have to undergo all required tests for this.

Note that after your license is restored, you will be subject to a probation period during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Missouri driver’s license.

Below are general reinstatement fees collected by the Missouri DMV for your suspended Missouri driver license. Your fees may vary depending on your circumstances.

• $20, for violations including:
  • Moving violations (not alcohol related).
  • Accident judgments.
  • Failure to file an accident report.
  • Failure to appear.
  • Failure to maintain an ignition interlock device.
• $45, for violations including:
  • Alcohol-related offenses.
  • Refusing to submit to a BAC test.
  • Fuel theft.
• Reinstatement fees relating to insurance violations include:
  • $20 to $400 for failing to maintain minimum car insurance, depending on the number of offenses you accumulated.
  • $150 for giving false insurance information.

For more fee information, visit the Missouri DOR website or contact your local DOR office.

Acceptable Forms of Payment:

• In person: Cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.
• By mail: Check or money order payable to “Missouri Department of Revenue.”
• By phone: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit/debit cards.

NOTE: Credit/debit card transactions carry a convenience fee.