What You Need to Do First

To get a Mississippi driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Public Safety driver's license office, bring the required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes about two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — though you can sometimes complete both on the same day if you pass the written exam quickly.

Mississippi issues a standard driver's license valid for four years if you are under 21, or six years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 16, you will first get a learner's permit, which requires a separate process and has its own rules about who can supervise you while driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of Mississippi residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your first visit.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study the official Mississippi Driver's Manual online for free.
  • After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which you take in your own vehicle with an examiner.
  • The fee for a six-year driver's license is $31.50; learner's permits cost $15.50 and are valid for one year.

Documents You Must Bring to the License Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. If you do not have either, Mississippi accepts a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

You also need proof that you live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill yet, a letter from your landlord or a signed lease is acceptable.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number — a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement will work. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in the past five years.

Taking the Written Test

The written test has 30 questions and covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the license office, and you get your results when ready.

Study the official Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the same website. Most people spend two to four hours studying before taking the test.

You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee for retakes.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

After you pass the written test, the license office will give you information about scheduling your driving test. In most counties, you book an appointment online through the Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local office. Wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

For the driving test, bring your own vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your mirrors are adjusted, your seatbelt works, and your lights and wipers function. Bring your learner's permit and a valid photo ID.

The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance on steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule.

Getting Your License After You Pass

Once you pass the driving test, you pay the license fee and have your photo taken at the license office. The fee for a standard six-year driver's license is $31.50. If you are under 21, the license is valid for four years and costs the same amount. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving, so you can drive when ready after you pass the test.

Getting a Learner's Permit If You Are Under 16

If you are under 16, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. The permit costs $15.50 and is valid for one year. You explore the same way — bring your documents to the license office, pass the written test, and pay the fee.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

Finding Your Local License Office and Hours

Mississippi has a Department of Public Safety driver's license office in every county. You can find your local office's address, phone number, and hours on the Department of Public Safety website by entering your county name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Call ahead or check online before you go, because some offices require appointments for the written test, while others take walk-ins. Wait times are usually shorter if you book an appointment. During busy seasons — early summer and around holidays — offices may have longer waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third-party testing center.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no extra fee for retakes. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may take a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local office is. You do not need to retake the written test.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?

No. You only need your vehicle for the driving test. For the written test, bring only your documents and your Social Security number.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your Mississippi driver's license remains valid until it expires. If you become a resident of another state, you will need to get a license from that state. Most states allow you to transfer your driving record, so you may not need to retake the written test.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew your license by mail or in person at a license office. You cannot renew online. To renew by mail, contact your local Department of Public Safety office for a renewal form. Renewal by mail takes about two to three weeks.