The Cleveland Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver licenses through a network of regional offices. In Cleveland, Mississippi, you can visit the Cleveland Driver License Office, which is located at 310 East Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38732. This is the main place residents go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle other license-related transactions.

Office hours typically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though it is wise to call ahead at the office directly to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The office closes on state holidays and weekends.

Arriving early in the day often means shorter wait times. Many people find that Tuesday through Thursday mornings have lighter traffic than Mondays or Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cleveland Driver License Office is located at 310 East Sunflower Road and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements for Bolivar County residents.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number when you visit.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but you should call to confirm hours before making the trip.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Mississippi offers online renewal for some license types, though new licenses and certain other transactions require an in-person visit.

What Documents to Bring

Before you go to the Cleveland office, gather the documents you will need. For a new driver license, bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return).

If you are renewing an existing license, you may need fewer documents, but bringing your current license plus proof of any address changes is standard. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring whatever identification you have available and a police report if you filed one for the theft.

Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are in a name different from your current legal name, bring documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Types of Transactions You Can Handle at This Office

The Cleveland Driver License Office handles the full range of driver license services. You can obtain a new license if you are a first-time driver or moving to Mississippi from another state. You can renew an expiring license in person, though some renewals can be done online or by mail depending on your age and license type.

The office also issues duplicate licenses if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can update your address, change your name on your license, or add or remove endorsements (such as a commercial driver license endorsement). If you need to take the written test, vision test, or road test, the Cleveland office administers those as well.

Some services, like correcting information on your license or handling medical suspensions, may require additional documentation or a visit to a different office. Call ahead if your situation is unusual.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

Not every transaction requires you to visit the Cleveland office in person. Mississippi allows certain drivers to renew their licenses online through the state's official website. You are generally may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are renewing a standard (non-commercial) license.

Some drivers can also renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from the state. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you choose this route. Online renewal is faster and can be done from home.

However, if you are getting your first license, replacing a lost or stolen license, or need to take a test, you must visit the office in person. The Cleveland location is the place to do that for residents in that area.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver license typically costs between $20 and $35, depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing. Commercial driver licenses and licenses with special endorsements cost more.

The Cleveland office accepts cash and check. Some offices also accept card payments, but it is best to call ahead to confirm what payment methods the Cleveland location takes. Bring enough cash or a checkbook to be safe.

If you are renewing online, you will pay through the state's website using a card. Mail renewals require payment by check or money order sent with your process.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Cleveland Driver License Office, check in at the front desk and let staff know what service you need. You will be given a number or added to a queue. Wait times vary, but can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time.

When called, you will go to a window where staff will review your documents, verify your information, and take your photo if you are getting a new license. You may be asked to take a vision test. If you are getting your first license or renewing after a suspension, you will also take the written test at the office.

The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes once you reach the window. Your new license is typically issued the same day, though in some cases it may be mailed to you within a few business days.

If You Cannot Visit the Cleveland Office

If you live outside Cleveland but in Bolivar County, the Cleveland office is still your main resource. However, Mississippi has driver license offices in other parts of the state. If you are traveling or cannot reach Cleveland, you can visit an office in another city, though you may need to provide additional documentation showing your residency in Mississippi.

For questions about whether you can visit a different office or what extra documents you might need, call the Cleveland office or contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly. They can tell you which office is closest to you and what your options are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail from Cleveland?

Yes, if you meet the renewal criteria. Request a renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, complete it, include payment, and mail it in. The process takes two to three weeks. However, you cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, or you are getting your first license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a small fee for each retake. The Cleveland office staff will tell you the process and any waiting period between attempts.

How long does a new license take to arrive if it is mailed?

If the office mails your license, it typically arrives within five to seven business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Cleveland office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

What if my address is outside Cleveland but still in Mississippi?

You can still visit the Cleveland office if it is convenient for you. Your address does not have to match the office location. However, you must provide proof of your current address, wherever it is in the state.