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How to Get ID & Documents in Missouri

Missouri issues state identification cards through the Department of Revenue (DOR). With a state ID costing just $11, Missouri offers one of the most affordable identification options in the nation.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Missouri, visit a DOR license office with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and proof of Missouri residency. A standard state ID costs only $11, making it one of the cheapest in the country. A temporary document is issued on-site while the permanent card is mailed.

Missouri ID Agency

Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)

Website: dor.mo.gov/driver-license

Phone: (573) 526-2407

State ID Card

Cost: $11

REAL ID: $11 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Temporary document issued same day; permanent card mailed within 7-10 business days

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • One primary identity document (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Proof of Missouri residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease, government mail)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Missouri DOR license offices are located throughout the state and handle state ID applications. Some offices are operated by third-party fee agents. The $11 state ID fee makes Missouri one of the most affordable states for identification. Missouri also offers a nondriver license that serves the same purpose as a state ID.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Bureau of Vital Records

Cost: $15 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at Jefferson City office. Mail: 4-8 weeks. Online through VitalChek: 5-10 business days

Order online: health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords

Missouri birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Local county health department offices may also issue birth certificates for births in their county. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $11 each.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) operates reentry programs that assist individuals with obtaining identification before release. The DOC works with the DOR to help returning citizens obtain state IDs. Case managers assist inmates with gathering birth certificates and Social Security cards before their release date.

Homeless Provisions

Missouri does not have a formal statewide homeless ID fee waiver program. However, at $11, the state ID is very affordable. Local organizations in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield frequently assist homeless individuals with ID costs and document gathering.

Fee Waivers

Missouri does not offer a general fee waiver for state IDs. The low $11 cost helps make IDs accessible. Some community organizations, veterans service organizations, and reentry programs provide financial assistance for ID fees.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Missouri: $15 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DOR. Cost: $11.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DOR, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DOR office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DOR as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DOR offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Missouri-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DOR to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DOR offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Missouri, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Missouri but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the MissouriState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Missouri and register to vote. See our Missouri voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Missouri Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get a Missouri state ID?
State ID applications are processed at Missouri DOR license offices located throughout the state. Some offices are operated by the state directly and others by authorized fee agents. Find your nearest location on the DOR website at dor.mo.gov.
How much does a Missouri state ID cost?
A Missouri state ID costs $11, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. This includes REAL ID compliance at no additional charge. Combined with a $15 birth certificate, the total cost for basic identification documents in Missouri is just $26.
Can I renew my Missouri state ID online?
Yes, Missouri allows eligible ID holders to renew online through the DOR website. You must meet certain criteria including having a current valid ID and no changes to your personal information.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Missouri?
Contact the DHSS Bureau of Vital Records. You can order in person at the Jefferson City office ($15, same day), by mail ($15), or online through VitalChek. Local county health departments may also issue copies for births in their county.
Does Missouri DOC help inmates get ID before release?
Yes, the Missouri Department of Corrections has reentry programs that help inmates obtain identification documents before release. Case managers assist with ordering birth certificates and Social Security cards and coordinate with the DOR for state ID applications.
What if I lost all my identification documents in Missouri?
Start by requesting a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (which can be done online in some cases). Then order your birth certificate from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records or your state of birth. Once you have these, visit a DOR license office for your state ID ($11). Legal aid organizations in Missouri can help navigate this process.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DOR, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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