MISSOURI — A new law that took effect today will increase licensing fees for Missouri drivers, marking the second such increase since 1999.

The increase, averaging $3 dollars, is intended to help cover rising operational costs, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Missouri DOR Director Trish Vincent explained that the fees collected are used to hire staff and pay for supplies necessary to ensure that Missouri's DMV offices can continue to operate.

"The fees that they collect is what they get to retain to hire people, pay for supplies, telephone," Vincent said.

The increase in fees is attributed to rising costs in various areas, including electricity and paper, which have affected the department's budget.

Karen Kelbell, a Missouri driver, expressed her surprise at the

See Full Page