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Home / Come to MU / Living in Columbia / Driver's license

Driver's license

Tests

  • Before you obtain a driver's license or learn to drive in the United States, you must have an instruction permit, also known as a learner's permit. You must pass a a vision test and written test about Missouri traffic rules. With a permit, you may drive only when an adult licensed driver is in the vehicle with you.
  • The Missouri Drivers Guide contains the information you need to pass the written test for a learner's permit or driver's license. Copies of the guide are available at Missouri License Bureau, (Department of Revenue, 403 Vandiver Dr., Ste. B, Columbia, MO 65202) and online. Read and study the guide.
  • Tests for both learner's permits and driver's licenses are given at the Missouri License Bureau.
  • After you pass the test, you will be issued a learner's permit.
  • To get a Missouri driver's license, you must provide a registered and insured vehicle in which to take the driving test.
  • The test has four parts:
    1. A written test about traffic laws and rules for safe driving
    2. A vision test.
    3. A road sign test.
    4. A driving test.
  • You will receive your license by mail four to six weeks after successfully completing the required tests if you are in a non-immigrant visa status.
  • If you have a license from another state, you should get a Missouri driver's license as soon as possible after moving here.

Documentation required

For Missouri driver's license, non-driver's license or instruction/learner's permit:

  1. Proof of lawful presence
    F-1 and J-1 student and scholars must provide all of the following: F-2 or J-2 dependents must provide all of the following:
    • Passport.
    • I-94.
    • Visa.
    • I-20 of F-1 or DS-2019 of J-1.
    • Certification of enrollment.*
    H-1B scholars must provide all of the following: H-4 dependents must provide all of the following: * For certification of enrollment, you may request a letter of good standing from the International Center.
  2. Proof of identity. Provide your Social Security number if you have received one. If you have not received a Social Security card, go to the Social Security office to obtain a letter.
  3. Proof of residency. One of the following:
    • Utility bill (most recent).
    • Bank statement (most recent).
    • Paycheck (most recent).
    • Housing rental contract of current residence.
    • An official letter/document from another state or local government agency, on the agency’s letterhead or contains the official seal of the issuing agency, within the past 30 days.
    • Letter or other documentation issued by postmaster within past 30 days.
    • Other government document that contains the name and address of the applicant, within the past 30 days.

Driver's license office information

Columbia Contract Office
403 Vandiver, Suite B
Columbia, MO, 65202-0000

Telephone: 573-474-4700
Fax: 573-474-4032

More about Columbia transportation.