Obtaining a driver's license

Residents who move into the state must acquire a valid driver license.

"Show Me Proof " became effective July 1, 2005, and affects all Missouri driver license, nondriver license and instruction permit holders. There are three primary requirements: proof of lawful presence, proof of identity and proof of residency.

To show proof of lawful presence, a U.S. citizen may show a birth certificate issued by a state or local government (with an embossed or raised seal), a valid or expired U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Birth Abroad. Proof of lawful presence is a one-time requirement for U.S. citizens. Once a customer applies for a new license or permit or renews a license or permit after July 1 and shows proof of lawful presence, the customer will not be required to show proof of lawful presence on subsequent renewals.

To show proof of identity, a Social Security card or Medicare card with the customer's current name can be presented. After showing proof of identity, the customer will only need to present proof of identity on future renewals should the customer's name change.

To show proof of residence, customers will have a variety of options to prove their current address. Examples include a recent utility bill (including phone, electric, gas, water, sewer, and cable), property tax receipt, or most recent bank statement, voter ID card, or any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency on its letterhead. Proof of residency will be required each time a customer applies to renew a driver license, nondriver license, or instruction permit.

In Cape Girardeau exams are given from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Monday, Thursday and Friday of each week at 3102 Blattner Road, Suite 104.

Commercial driver license written exams are also administered at the center.

The cost is $10 for the operator license for individuals under 21 and over 69 and is valid for three years. The cost is $20 for the operator license for ages 21 to 69 and is valid for six years. It is $3.50 for a Class F (regular operator) and Class M (motorcycle) instruction permit, $32.50 for CDL (commercial driver) instruction permit. The cost is $7.50 for the intermediate license for people between 16 and 18. The CDL license cost is $45 to $95 for people between 21 and 69 and is valid for six years.

Chauffeur license costs $17.50 for individuals under 21 and over 69 and is valid for three years. The chauffeur cost is $35 for ages 21 to 69 and is valid for six years.

To obtain a license plate for your vehicle, go to the Cape Girardeau License Bureau office at 112 S.Spanish.

If you are a new Missouri resident with an out-of-state title in your name, you must submit the out-of-state title. If the title is held by a lienholder you must submit your out-of-state registration. Be sure to bring your lienholder's name and address.

If you are purchasing a vehicle, make sure you receive a properly assigned ownership document from the seller.

A Missouri safety inspection certificate not more than 60 days old must also be submitted. New Missouri residents must obtain a statement of nonassessment of personal property taxes for the previous year from your county assessor.

Motor vehicle fees, which are based on your vehicle's horsepower and optional one- or two-year registration, range from $21.75 to $97.50. The fee for truck licenses range from $21.75 to $83.50.

When you register your motor vehicle you must present your insurance card or other acceptable proof of financial responsibility.

The Cape Girardeau License Bureau hours are 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and the second and last Saturday of the month 8 a.m. -- noon. The phone number is 335-3659.

The license bureau in Jackson is at 125 E. Main, at the corner of Main and Highway 61. The hours are 8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the first and last Saturday of the month 8 a.m.

- noon. The phone number is 243- 5406.

There is no testing station Jackson -- the closest one is in Cape. Driver exams are given the first, third and fifth Monday of each month from 9:30 a.m.

- 3:15 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 905 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

Scott City does not have a license bureau. The closest ones are in Cape Girardeau and Chaffee.

In Chaffee, the license bureau is located at 129 S. Main. Operating hours are 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and the last Saturday of each month 8:30 a.m. -- noon. The phone number is 887-3485.

There is no testing station in Chaffee -- the closest one is in Cape.

The license bureau in Perryville is located at 1422 N.

Kingshighway. The hours are 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the last Saturday of the month 8:30 a.m. -- noon. The phone number is 547-6100.

The license bureau in Marble Hill is located at 606 Highway 34 West. The facility is open from 9 a.m. -- noon and 1 p.m. -- 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The office is open Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon.

The office is open Saturday from 9 a.m. -- noon. The phone number is 238-3225.

Driver exams are given the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. at the Bollinger County Courthouse in Marble Hill.

To renew license plates, you must have your previous year's paid personal property tax receipt or a tax waiver, a state safety inspection if applicable, a current insurance card for the vehicle and a renewal form or current registration.