Where to go for your driver license in Hattiesburg

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau handles all driver licenses in Hattiesburg. You will go to the local office located at 415 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only place in Hattiesburg where you can take your written test, road test, or renew an existing license in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary depending on the day and time you visit. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver License Bureau is at 415 Main Street and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment required for most services.
  • A new driver license requires proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and passing both a written test and a road test.
  • Renewal by mail is available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have no address changes, which takes about two weeks.
  • The current fee for a standard driver license is $31 for an eight-year license, though fees may vary for different license types.
  • You must bring your current license or an acceptable form of ID to the office, even if it is expired.

Documents you need for a new driver license

If you are getting your first driver license or replacing one that has been lost or stolen, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID. You also need one document showing your current address in Hattiesburg — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A bank statement or utility bill in your name is the fastest option because the office staff can verify it when ready.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the office can look it up if you know the number. If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID, and they will need to sign your process in person.

Steps to take your written and road tests

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Mississippi Driver Manual, available free on the Department of Public Safety website or in print at the Hattiesburg office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the office, and results are when ready.

Once you pass the written test, you schedule your road test at the same visit. The road test typically happens within one to two weeks. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. During the test, an examiner rides with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test lasts about 15 minutes.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your address, you can renew by mail. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.

If you prefer to renew in person or your address has changed, go to the Hattiesburg office with your current license and proof of your new address if applicable. In-person renewal is faster — you walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. Revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. You can call their main office at 601-987-1212 or visit the office in Hattiesburg in person. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew your license using the standard process.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver license costs $31. A four-year license costs $18. These fees cover the license itself and are due at the time you explore. The Hattiesburg office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same as a renewal. If you need a corrected license because of a name change or error on your current license, bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change, and the fee is also $31.

Getting a learner's permit before your driver license

If you are a new driver, you must get a learner's permit before you take your road test. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle. To get a permit, bring the same documents you would need for a full license — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You take the written test to get the permit, and if you pass, you receive it when ready.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take your road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. Once 30 days have passed, return to the office to schedule your road test. After you pass the road test, your learner's permit is exchanged for your full driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Mississippi does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and your address has not changed, or you can renew in person at the Hattiesburg office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license the same day.

What if I have an out-of-state driver license?

You can use your out-of-state license in Mississippi for up to 30 days. After that, you must get a Mississippi license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Hattiesburg, and your Social Security number. You will take the written test but may not need to take the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and current.

How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass my road test?

You receive a temporary license on the day you pass your road test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and works as your official license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I fail my written or road test?

You can retake the written test the same day or any day after. There is no additional fee. For the road test, you must schedule another appointment, which typically happens within one to two weeks. You can take the road test as many times as needed until you pass.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card if you know your Social Security number. The office can look it up in their system. However, bringing the card speeds up the process because the staff can verify it when ready without a delay.