Suspended license in Missouri: points, other causes, and how to reinstate
In Missouri, the first points threshold is 4 points within 1 year: Point accumulation advisory letter. A Driver Improvement Program (DIP) removes or prevents points, When ordered and verified by the court (or authorized by the Fine Collections Center) for a particular ticket. The fee to reinstate after a suspension that is not alcohol-related is $20.
A DUI is only one of the ways a license gets suspended. Points from ordinary tickets, an unpaid ticket, a lapse in insurance, unpaid child support or a missed court date each carry their own suspension and their own path back. The rules below are the ones the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau states, each quoted from its page or from the statute.
How the points system works
Most states assign points to moving violations and suspend the license when the total inside a set window crosses a threshold. The threshold, the window and how long each violation keeps counting are all set by the state.
The Missouri Department of Revenue operates a point system under RSMo § 302.302: points are assessed after a conviction (for example 3 points for speeding under state law, 2 under a municipal ordinance, 12 for leaving the scene of an accident). The Department sends a point accumulation advisory letter at 4 points in 12 months, suspends the driving privilege at 8 points in 18 months (30, 60 or 90 days for a first, second or third suspension) and revokes it for one year at 12 points in 12 months, 18 in 24 months or 24 in 36 months.
| Points | Within | Consequence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 points | 1 year | Point accumulation advisory letter | dor.mo.gov |
| 8 points | 18 months | Suspension of the driving privilege: 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, 90 days for a third or more | dor.mo.gov |
| 12 points | 1 year | Revocation of the driving privilege for one year | revisor.mo.gov |
| 18 points | 2 years | Revocation of the driving privilege for one year | dor.mo.gov |
| 24 points | 3 years | Revocation of the driving privilege for one year | dor.mo.gov |
Points period stated by the agency: 3 years. Points count within the 12-, 18-, 24- and 36-month windows above. Under RSMo § 302.306 the point total falls by one-third after one full year without a moving-violation conviction, by one-half of the remainder after a second year, and to zero after a third year; on reinstatement after a point suspension or revocation the total is reset to 4 points (§ 302.304.10), and no reduction credit accrues during a suspension, revocation or limited driving privilege. The Department states that ticket convictions may be removed from the record three years after conviction, or five years from the reinstatement date if the conviction led to a points suspension or revocation; certain convictions remain permanently.
“If you accumulate a total of 4 points in 12 months, the Department of Revenue will send you a point accumulation advisory letter.”
“Ticket convictions may be removed from a Missouri driving record three years after the conviction of the ticket. However, if the conviction resulted in a suspension/revocation of your Missouri driving privileges due to the accumulation of points, then the ticket can be purged five years from the”
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding - In violation of a state law | 3 |
| Speeding - In violation of a county or municipal ordinance | 2 |
| Careless and imprudent driving in violation of subsection 4 of section 304.016 | 4 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident in violation of section 577.060 | 12 |
| Operating with a suspended or revoked license prior to restoration of operating privileges | 12 |
| Any moving violation of a state law or county or municipal or federal traffic ordinance or regulation not listed in this section | 2 |
Check points or the driving record: mydmv.mo.gov
The statute: RSMo § 302.304
“The director shall suspend the license and driving privileges of any person whose driving record shows the driver has accumulated eight points in eighteen months.”
Traffic school and point reduction
| Course | Driver Improvement Program (DIP) |
|---|---|
| Effect | Removes or prevents points |
| How often | When ordered and verified by the court (or authorized by the Fine Collections Center) for a particular ticket |
Under RSMo § 302.302.5 the Director of Revenue stays the assessment of points when a court with jurisdiction over the violation orders and verifies satisfactory completion of a driver-improvement program approved by the state highways and transportation commission (or a motorcycle-rider training course for motorcycle violations); the completion is accepted in lieu of the points for that violation. It does not apply to violations in a commercial motor vehicle or by commercial driver's license holders. The Department of Revenue states that in certain cases the court or the Fine Collections Center may authorize a DIP to reduce the points for a ticket, and that the completion form is mailed to the Department. Points are not otherwise removed on request; they decline only through the § 302.306 safe-driving reductions.
“the satisfactory completion of a driver-improvement program or, in the case of violations committed while operating a motorcycle, a motorcycle-rider training course approved by the state highways and transportation commission, by an operator, when so ordered and verified by any court having”
Other reasons a license is suspended, and what ends each one
These are the causes the licensing agency itself lists on its suspension pages, with what it requires to lift each one. Court-imposed suspensions and DUI suspensions are covered on the state's DUI pages.
| Cause | What the agency states | To reinstate | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Tickets - Point Suspension or Revocation | Eight points in 18 months suspends the driving privilege for 30 days (first suspension), 60 days (second) or 90 days (third); 12 points in 12 months, 18 in 24 months or 24 in 36 months revokes it for one year. Points are assessed on the date of conviction (RSMo § 302.304.2). | Pay the $20 reinstatement fee; file and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22) for two years from the start of the suspension or revocation; after a revocation, retake the complete driver exam. | $20 |
| In-State or Out-of-State Failure to Appear Suspension (FACT) or Nonresident Violator Compact (NRVC) | Under RSMo § 302.341, when a Missouri resident charged with a moving traffic violation neither prepays the fine nor appears on the return date, or without good cause fails to pay a fine or court costs within the time set, the court notifies the defendant and then orders the Director to suspend the driving privilege; minor traffic violations under § 479.350 are excluded. The Department lists an unpaid traffic ticket in Missouri or another state as the example. | Proof of compliance (form showing payment or appearance from the Missouri court, or from the out-of-state agency) and the $20 reinstatement fee. | $20 |
| Failure to pay a fine or court costs (RSMo § 302.341) | The same statute covers a resident who 'without good cause fails to pay any fine or court costs assessed' for a moving violation within the time specified or in approved installments; the court informs the defendant by mail within ten days of the failure that it will order the Director to suspend the license. | Pay the fine and costs or appear as ordered; the court sends compliance to the Department; pay the $20 reinstatement fee. | $20 |
| Failure to Maintain Insurance / Mandatory Insurance | Under RSMo § 303.041, when the Director determines that an owner or operator has not maintained financial responsibility, the driving privilege and/or the vehicle registration is suspended 33 days after notice is mailed; obtaining insurance afterward or selling the vehicle does not affect the decision. The Department's chart lists reinstatement fees of $20 for a first offense, $200 for a second and $400 for a third, with an SR-22 for three years. | Pay the reinstatement fee ($20 first offense, $200 second, $400 third) and file and maintain proof of insurance (SR-22) for three years from the eligible reinstatement date. | $20 (1st offense); $200 (2nd); $400 (3rd) |
| Child Support Arrearage Suspension | The Department reinstates a child-support suspension on a Stay Order or Termination Order issued by the Family Support Division (FSD) or the court, plus the reinstatement fee; the FSD (866-313-9960) sets the requirements for obtaining the order. | Pay the $20 reinstatement fee and file a Stay Order or Termination Order from the Family Support Division or the court. | $20 |
| Motor Vehicle Accident Judgment - Missouri | A suspension for an unsatisfied motor vehicle accident judgment ends when the full amount the court ordered is paid or a payment plan is entered, with the reinstatement fee and an SR-22 for two years; an out-of-state judgment requires a clearance letter from the other state. | Pay the full court-ordered amount or enter a payment plan; pay the $20 reinstatement fee; file and maintain an SR-22 for two years from the start of the suspension. | $20 |
| Failure to File an Accident Report | The Department lists a suspension for failure to file an accident report, reinstated by filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form 1140) and paying the fee. | Pay the $20 reinstatement fee and file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form 1140). | $20 |
| Motor Fuel Theft; Court Ordered Suspension; Misrepresentation Revocations | The Department's chart lists a $45 reinstatement fee for a motor fuel theft suspension and a $20 fee for court-ordered suspensions, misrepresentation revocations and school bus permit suspensions; failing to stop for a school bus adds a two-year SR-22. | Pay the reinstatement fee ($45 for motor fuel theft; $20 for court-ordered suspensions and misrepresentation revocations). | $45 (motor fuel theft); $20 (court ordered, misrepresentatio |
Source quotes for each cause
Traffic Tickets - Point Suspension or Revocation
“Points - Non-Alcohol Moving Violations (Examples: speeding, stop sign, careless driving) Pay $20 reinstatement fee; File and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22 form) for two years from the starting date of your suspension or revocation; and Following a revocation (loss of driving”
In-State or Out-of-State Failure to Appear Suspension (FACT) or Nonresident Violator Compact (NRVC)
“In-State or Out-of-State Failure to Appear Suspension (FACT) or Nonresident Violator Compact (NRVC) (Example: unpaid traffic ticket in Missouri or another state) Pay the $20 reinstatement fee; and Proof of compliance (form showing payment or appearance from Missouri Court, or if out-of-state, from”
Failure to pay a fine or court costs (RSMo § 302.341)
“or without good cause fails to pay any fine or court costs assessed against the resident for any such violation within the period of time specified or in such installments as approved by the court or as otherwise provided by law, any court having jurisdiction over the charges shall within ten days”
Failure to Maintain Insurance / Mandatory Insurance
“Mandatory Insurance (Example: failure to have insurance) 1st Offense - Pay the $20 reinstatement fee; 2nd Offense - Pay the $200 reinstatement fee; 3rd Offense - Pay the $400 reinstatement fee; and File and maintain proof of insurance (SR-22 form) for three years from eligible reinstatement date.”
Child Support Arrearage Suspension
“Child Support Arrearage Suspension Pay the $20 Reinstatement fee; File compliance as outlined below: Stay Order issued by the Family Support Division (FSD) or the court; or Termination Order issued by the FSD or the court.”
Motor Vehicle Accident Judgment - Missouri
“Motor Vehicle Accident Judgment - Missouri Pay full amount the court ordered or enter a payment plan; Pay $20 reinstatement fee; and File and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22 form) for two years from the starting date of your suspension or revocation.”
Failure to File an Accident Report
“Failure to File an Accident Report Pay the $20 reinstatement fee; and File a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form 1140).”
Motor Fuel Theft; Court Ordered Suspension; Misrepresentation Revocations
“Misrepresentation Revocations, School Bus Permit Suspension, Court Ordered Suspension Pay the $20 reinstatement fee. Failing To Stop For School Bus Receiving/Discharging Students Suspension Pay the $20 reinstatement fee: and File and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22 form) for two years”
Reinstating after a non-DUI suspension
Reinstatement fee: $20. RSMo § 302.304.12 requires a $20 reinstatement fee before a suspended or revoked license is reinstated, in addition to other fees; the Department's chart applies $20 to point, failure-to-appear, accident-judgment, child-support, court-ordered and first-offense insurance suspensions, $45 to alcohol-related and motor-fuel-theft actions, and $200 and $400 to second and third mandatory-insurance offenses. Online card payment adds a vendor convenience fee of 2.0% plus $0.25. Under § 302.304.13 the Director reinstates the license two years after a suspension or revocation even if the fee is unpaid (with exceptions).
“shall, before having the license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle reinstated, pay to the director a reinstatement fee of twenty dollars which shall be in addition to all other fees provided by law.”
Determine every reason the driving privilege was taken away
The reasons are in the Driver License Bureau letters and under 'Department Actions' on the driver record, which can be purchased at any Missouri license office ($2.82 basic fee) or checked by calling 573-526-2407.
“Determine the reason(s) why your driving privilege was suspended, revoked, or denied. This information is included in the letter(s) you received from the Driver License Bureau when your driving privilege was taken away, or can be found on your current Missouri driver record.”
Use the chart to find the forms to file and the amount to pay for each reason
If two or more reasons apply, the requirements are combined; only one SR-22 is needed even when several reasons require it. For a points suspension: $20 fee plus a two-year SR-22.
“EXAMPLE: If you lost your driving privilege because of points from speeding tickets, you must file proof of insurance (SR-22 form) and pay $20.”
Pay the fee and file the forms in person, by mail, or online
In person at the Driver License Bureau, Truman State Office Building, 301 West High Street, Room 470, Jefferson City; by mail to PO Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200; or online at mydmv.mo.gov by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express with a 2.0% plus $0.25 convenience fee.
“You may pay your reinstatement fee online at mydmv.mo.gov using the following credit/debit cards: Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®.”
Retake the driver exam after a revocation
After a point revocation, or after a point suspension if the license expired during the period and has been expired more than six months, the complete driver exam is required.
“You are required to retest upon reinstatement for a point revocation or upon reinstatement for a point suspension or denial if your driver license expired during the suspension, revocation, or denial period and has been expired for more than six months.”
Official page: dor.mo.gov
After a DUI the steps are different: how to get a license back after a DUI in Missouri.
Driving during a non-DUI suspension
Available in some cases · Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) (RSMo § 302.309). A driver whose privilege is suspended, revoked or denied and not yet eligible for reinstatement may apply to the Department (Form 4595, with an SR-22 on file) or petition the circuit court for a Limited Driving Privilege to drive for employment or other important matters. The Department lists reasons an LDP cannot be issued, including a suspension for failure to pay a ticket in Missouri or another state and a suspension for an unsatisfied accident judgment (until payment and compliance), a felony involving a motor vehicle in the last five years, a revocation for failing a driving or medical exam, and DWI or administrative alcohol suspensions (which may qualify for a Restricted Driving Privilege instead). Applications are reviewed in about five working days. The Department states that Restricted Driving Privileges are issued only for first-time alcohol point suspensions.
“If your Missouri driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or denied and is not currently eligible for reinstatement—but you need to drive for employment or other important matters—you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). Some people refer to this as a “hardship license”.”
For the privilege after a DUI, see driving after a DUI in Missouri.
Questions about a suspended license in Missouri
- How many points suspend a Missouri license?
- Under RSMo § 302.304 the Director suspends the driving privilege at eight points in eighteen months and revokes it at twelve points in twelve months, eighteen in twenty-four months or twenty-four in thirty-six months. The Department of Revenue states the suspension is 30 days for a first suspension, 60 for a second and 90 for a third, and the revocation is one year; an advisory letter is sent at 4 points in 12 months.
- How are points reduced in Missouri?
- RSMo § 302.306 reduces the point total by one-third after one full year without a moving-violation conviction, by one-half of the remainder after a second consecutive year, and to zero after a third. Under § 302.304.10 the total is reset to 4 points when the privilege is reinstated after a point suspension or revocation, and no credit accrues during a suspension, revocation or limited driving privilege.
- Can a Driver Improvement Program keep points off a Missouri record?
- Yes, when a court orders it. RSMo § 302.302.5 requires the Director to accept satisfactory completion of a driver-improvement program approved by the state highways and transportation commission, ordered and verified by the court, in lieu of points for that violation (not for commercial vehicles or CDL holders). The Department states the court or the Fine Collections Center may authorize a DIP and the completion form is mailed to the Department.
- What does reinstatement cost after a Missouri points suspension?
- The Department of Revenue's chart requires a $20 reinstatement fee (RSMo § 302.304.12) and an SR-22 maintained for two years from the start of the suspension or revocation; after a revocation the complete driver exam must be retaken. Mandatory-insurance suspensions cost $20, $200 or $400 for a first, second or third offense with a three-year SR-22.
- Is a hardship license available during a Missouri points suspension?
- The Department of Revenue's Limited Driving Privilege (RSMo § 302.309) may be granted by the Department or the circuit court for employment or other important matters when the privilege is not yet eligible for reinstatement. The Department lists exclusions, including suspensions for an unpaid ticket or an unsatisfied accident judgment until compliance, and alcohol suspensions, which may qualify for a Restricted Driving Privilege instead.
Sources
- Missouri DOR: Reinstatement Requirements (3 steps, forms-to-file pay chart by cause)
- Missouri DOR: Tickets and Points FAQs (thresholds, reductions, purge periods, DIP, record check)
- Missouri DOR: Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) (eligibility exclusions, application)
- Missouri DOR MyDMV: Driver Record Request (online record purchase)
- RSMo § 302.302 Point system; assessment; driver-improvement program in lieu of points (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
- RSMo § 302.304 Notice of points; suspension or revocation; reinstatement fee (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
- RSMo § 302.306 Reduction of point value after period of safe driving (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
- RSMo § 302.341 Failure to prepay fine or appear in court; license suspended (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
- RSMo § 303.041 Failure to maintain financial responsibility; suspension (Missouri Revisor of Statutes)
Cite this page
Every state page quotes the statute or agency page each value comes from; when citing this page, include the verification date shown above.
WheelsBack. "Missouri license suspension, points and reinstatement rules." Verified against primary sources August 29, 2026; sources re-checked September 4, 2026. https://wheelsback.com/missouri/suspended-license/