Missouri Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Seniors make up more than 21% of Missouri's two million drivers, and the number of drivers over 65 is increasing by about 25,000 annually. As the number of older drivers grows, so does the risk of age-related impairments that can affect driving ability. In fact, in 2023, crashes involving older drivers resulted in 222 deaths and 917 serious injuries—a 6% increase from the previous year.

To address these concerns, the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) enforces special requirements and restrictions for older drivers. These special rules focus primarily on identifying and managing older drivers who might have become unsafe behind the wheel. Specifically, Missouri:

• requires drivers age 70 and older to renew their licenses every three years (younger drivers must renew every six years), and
• accepts requests from family members and others for the DOR to conduct unsafe driver investigations.

MO License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

Special rules apply to Missouri drivers 70 and older who want to renew their driver's licenses.

Missouri Drivers Over 70 Must Renew Licenses Often

In Missouri, drivers 21 to 69 need to renew their licenses every three or six years (driver's choice). Eligible drivers between 21 and 49 can apply for online renewal. But drivers younger than 21 and drivers older than 69 must renew their licenses in person and more often. The only exception is for active duty military personnel not in the state at renewal time.

Drivers under 21 and those 70 and older must renew their licenses at least every three years. And school bus drivers who've reached 70 (drivers with an "s" endorsement) must pass a skills test and renew annually.

But if you're not a U.S. citizen, your driver's license expiration date could be sooner. Your license's expiration date won't be later than the expiration date of the documents used to prove your identity and eligibility for a Missouri driver's license.

All Missouri Drivers Must Take a Vision Test

Missouri requires all drivers to take a vision test to get or renew any driver's license. DOR personnel will conduct a test for free. If you don't meet the vision standards, the DOR can request that you have an exam performed by an outside licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. (Mo. Code Regs. tit. 12, § 10-24.090(5)(D).) You'll need to have your eye doctor complete a Vision Examination Record (Form 999).

MO Drivers 70 and Older Must Take a Road Sign Recognition Test

In Missouri, first-time drivers must take a road sign recognition test. Drivers 70 and older must also take it when renewing their licenses.

At 70 or Older, You Might Have to Take a Written or Driving Test

Missouri can require older drivers to take a written driver's test or a road test if the DOR receives evidence of possible impairment.

Possible Driver's License Restrictions in Missouri

Missouri's DOR can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license based on your health or medical conditions. The most common restriction for older drivers is the requirement that you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts)—indicated with an "A" in the restrictions section of your driver's license.

In Missouri, other common restrictions the DOR can impose on older drivers include the following:

• B, T, or Y: an additional outside rearview mirror required on vehicles
• C: can drive during daylight only
• D: must drive vehicles with automatic transmission or power steering
• F: must drive at speeds of 45 mph or less
• G: driving area restricted to a 25-mile radius
• H: special hand devices (like a hand brake)
• R: special supports or seat cushions to ensure proper driving position, and
• U: other uncoded restrictions specified by a law enforcement officer, judge, or physician.

The DOR could require you to submit a doctor's statement if you've had epileptic seizures, convulsions, or blackouts in the last six months before you apply for a license or renewal or if the DOR has reason to believe you have a medical condition that could make you an unsafe driver.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Missouri

The Missouri DOR accepts reports about potentially unsafe drivers from individuals who are in a position to observe them, including:

• driving examiner
• license clerk
• family member
• law enforcement officer
• physician or chiropractor
• physical or occupational therapist
• registered nurse
• psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor
• optometrist, or
• emergency medical technician.

To report an unsafe driver, you must complete the Driver Condition Report (Form 4319) and send it to: Missouri Department of Revenue Driver License Bureau 301 West High Street, Room 470, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200.

Although you must include your name on the report, the Missouri DOR keeps your information confidential unless it's released by a court order.

For additional information, see the state's page on How to Report an Unsafe Driver in Missouri.

How to Get a License Reinstated

The steps you need to take to get a suspended or revoked license reinstated in Missouri differ depending on the circumstances. For specific information in your particular case, contact a DOR license office near you.

How to Get Parking Placards or Plates for a Disabled Driver

Missouri DOR will issue a disabled parking placard to any:

• physically disabled person
• parent or guardian of a physically disabled person, or
• not-for-profit groups or organizations that transport more than one physically disabled person.

Temporary or permanent disability placards are available for those who meet Missouri's definition of disabled:

• can't walk 50 feet without stopping to rest because of a severe and disabling arthritic, neurological, orthopedic condition, or other severe and disabling condition
• can't walk without the use of:
• a brace
• a cane
• a crutch
• another person
• a prosthetic device
• a wheelchair, or
• another assistive device
• have breathing that's severely restricted by a respiratory or other condition
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition, or
• are legally blind. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 301.142.1(4).)

To get a disabled placard or plate, you complete and sign an Application for Disabled Person Placard (Form 2769). With your initial placard application, you'll also need to submit a letter from the United States Veterans Administration stating that you're a disabled veteran or a Physician's Statement for Disabled License Plates or Placards (Form 1776) completed by a licensed:

• doctor (MD or DO)
• chiropractor
• optometrist
• physician's assistant
• podiatrist
• physical therapist, or
• advanced practice registered nurse.

You can submit your application and statement to any Missouri license office in person or by mail.

Temporary disabled placards are valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for up to another 180 days with a new statement from your doctor (Form 1776). And you must renew permanent disabled placards every four years.

Disabled veterans and drivers 75 and older don't need a doctor's statement or a letter from the VA for renewal. But if you're under 75 and not a disabled veteran, you must submit a new physician's statement (Form 1776) when renewing your permanent disabled placard.

For more information, see Missouri DOR's disability placards page.

Learn More About Missouri Driving Rules for Seniors

The DOR website has a wealth of information for Missouri drivers, including links to complete explanations of titling and registration requirements.

Of special interest is Missouri's Driver Guide, which includes descriptions of driver licensing and testing requirements, along with safe driving tips and an explanation of local rules of the road. There's also an audio Driver Guide.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

If you need help with an auto accident or traffic ticket, you can browse the free attorney directories on Lawyers.com or Avvo.com, two sites that are part of the Nolo family.