Where to Get Your Covington County Driver License

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau handles all driver licenses in Covington County. You cannot get a license from the county clerk or any other local office — the state bureau is the only issuer. The main location serving Covington County is the Driver License Bureau office in Collins, which is the county seat.

You can visit in person during business hours to explore for a new license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged license. The Collins office is located at 415 Main Street, Collins, MS 39428. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead at (601) 765-4242 to confirm current hours, as they may change seasonally or due to staffing.

Some services may also be available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's website or by mail for renewals, depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Check the state website or call the Collins office to see whether your situation qualifies for a mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau in Collins is the only place to get a Covington County driver license.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or proof of legal presence to explore.
  • A new license costs money that varies by license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant card.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you should call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.
  • Some renewals can be done by mail if your license is not too far expired and you meet other requirements.

Documents You Need to Bring

Mississippi requires specific documents before you can receive a driver license. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, plus a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a birth certificate, you will need to order one from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the state where you were born before you can explore for a license.

You also need proof of residency in Covington County. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents or work authorization card instead. You will also need to provide your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in the past five years.

License Types and Costs

Mississippi offers several driver license types, and the cost depends on which one you choose. A standard Class D license for regular driving costs one amount, while a REAL ID-compliant license costs more but meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. The state also issues commercial driver licenses (CDL) for truck drivers and other commercial operators, which require additional testing and cost more.

Costs change periodically and vary slightly based on how long the license is valid. A standard license is typically valid for four or eight years depending on your age. Call the Collins office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for current fees, as they are not fixed and may have changed since this article was written.

You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office. Some locations accept online payment before you visit, which can speed up the process — ask when you call to schedule or confirm hours.

The Testing and Photo Process

When you arrive at the Collins office, you will take a written knowledge test on Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and covers rules of the road, right-of-way, parking, and safe driving. You must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. The office will also take your photograph and fingerprints for the license card. The photo is taken on the spot, so dress as you would for an ID photo.

You do not take a road test at the license bureau office. Mississippi requires a road test only if you are under 17 or if you are explore for a commercial license. If you need a road test, the office will direct you to an approved testing location.

How Long It Takes and When Your License Arrives

After you pass the test and complete the photo and fingerprint process, the license is printed on the spot in most cases. You will receive your temporary license when ready and can drive with it right away. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days at the address you provided.

If the office is very busy, printing may take longer, so plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the location. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means shorter wait times than late afternoon or Friday.

If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, call the Collins office to report it. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during busy seasons. The office can check the status and reissue if needed.

Renewing Your License Before It Expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you know you will be busy closer to the expiration date or if you want to avoid a last-minute rush. The renewal process is the same as getting a new license — you bring the same documents, take the written test again, and have a new photo taken.

Some people renew by mail if their license is not expired and they meet other conditions. Call the Collins office to ask whether you are a candidate for a mail renewal. If you are, you can send your documents and payment by mail instead of visiting in person, though the process takes longer.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the rules are stricter. Licenses expired for more than five years may require you to retake the written test and road test as if you were a new driver. Licenses expired for less than five years usually only require the written test. Call ahead to confirm what you will need to bring and do.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Collins office and ask for a duplicate license. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security card, just as you would for a new license. You will not need to retake the written test or vision screening — the office will issue a new card with the same information as your old one.

A duplicate license costs less than a new license because you are not paying for a new test or photo. The temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If your old license was stolen, consider reporting it to the police so a record exists if someone tries to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by phone?

Some renewals can be done by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, but there is no online or phone renewal option for Covington County residents. You must visit the Collins office in person for a new license, a duplicate, or a renewal if your license is expired. Call (601) 765-4242 to ask whether your situation qualifies for a mail renewal.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge. If you fail again, you can return another day and try again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you receive a license. Some people study the Mississippi Driver Manual (available free online) between attempts.

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly on an airplane?

Yes, starting May 7, 2025, a standard Mississippi driver license will not be accepted for domestic air travel. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID such as a passport. The REAL ID license costs more but meets federal requirements. Ask about it when you visit the Collins office.

What if I moved to Covington County from another state?

You must get a Mississippi driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, your birth certificate, proof of residency in Covington County, and your Social Security card. You will take the written test and have a new photo taken, but you do not need a road test unless you are under 17.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to six months before that date. If you are not sure when your license expires, call the Collins office with your license number and they can tell you.