Where to go for your driver license in Greenwood

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau handles all driver licenses in Greenwood. You will visit the local office in person — there is no online option for getting a new license or renewing one. The Greenwood office is located at 410 West Park Avenue, Greenwood, MS 38930. You can call ahead at (662) 453-1001 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before you go.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during peak hours. Many people find it faster to go early in the morning on a weekday. The office is closed on state holidays and Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Driver License Bureau office in Greenwood is at 410 West Park Avenue, and you must visit in person with the correct documents.
  • For a new license, bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a birth certificate or passport works for proof of identity.
  • For a renewal, bring your current license plus proof of residency if your address has changed.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one, so ask the office for the current amount.
  • Your license will be issued the same day if all documents are correct, though you may need to return for a replacement if corrections are needed.

What documents you need for a new license

If you are getting a driver license for the first time in Mississippi, bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. Proof of Social Security number is your Social Security card itself — a tax return or W-2 will not work. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the legal change along with your birth certificate.

What documents you need to renew your license

If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew it by bringing your current license to the Greenwood office. If your address has not changed, that is all you need. If you have moved, also bring proof of your new address using the same documents accepted for new licenses: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.

If your license expired more than five years ago, the office may require you to retake the written test and vision test, so call ahead to ask. Some people find it faster to explore for a new license rather than renew an old one that has been expired for a long time.

The written test and vision test

For a new license, you will take a written test on Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is given on a computer at the office. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything on the test, and most people pass on their first try if they study it beforehand.

You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — ask the office about their policy.

Fees and how long it takes

The cost of a new driver license, renewal, or replacement varies and changes periodically. Call the Greenwood office at (662) 453-1001 to ask for the current fee before you go. Payment is usually cash or check, though some offices accept cards — confirm what they take when you call.

If all your documents are correct and you pass the tests, your license will be issued the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks. If the office finds an error in your documents or needs clarification, they will tell you what to bring back, and you may need to return for your final license.

If your license is lost or stolen

Go to the Greenwood office with your current license if you still have it, or with your proof of identity and Social Security card if it is lost. The office will issue a replacement. The fee for a replacement is different from the fee for a new license or renewal, so ask when you call. A replacement license is issued the same day if your documents are in order.

If your license was stolen and you suspect identity theft, also file a report with the Greenwood Police Department or the Mississippi Attorney General's office. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently.

Special licenses and restrictions

Mississippi offers several types of licenses beyond the standard Class D license for regular driving. A Class M license is for motorcycles. A commercial driver license (CDL) is for people who drive large trucks or buses for work. Each type has different testing and document requirements. If you need something other than a standard license, call the Greenwood office to ask what documents and tests you will need.

If you have medical conditions that affect your driving — poor vision, seizures, or certain medications — tell the office when you explore. They may add restrictions to your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only." These restrictions keep you and others safe and are not a penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires you to renew your license in person at a Driver License Bureau office. You cannot do it by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. Plan to visit the Greenwood office during their business hours.

What if I moved to Greenwood from another state?

You will need to get a Mississippi license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Greenwood. You will take the written test and vision test. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Mississippi once you become a resident.

How long is a Mississippi driver license valid?

A standard Class D license is valid for four years. A license for someone over 65 is valid for two years. Commercial licenses have different expiration dates depending on the class. Your license will show the expiration date on the front.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day — ask the office which option they offer. There is usually a small fee to retake the test. Most people pass on the second try if they study the Mississippi Driver's Manual between attempts.

Do I need an appointment?

The Greenwood office accepts walk-ins, so you do not need an appointment. However, calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you choose the best time to visit. Early mornings on weekdays are typically less busy than afternoons or Fridays.