Where to get your driver license in Meridian

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau handles all driver licenses in Meridian. You will go to the local office located at 1401 Roebuck Drive, Meridian, MS 39301. This is the only place in Meridian where you can explore for or renew a driver license.

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 — you walk in and take a number. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Mississippi Driver License Bureau office in Meridian in person; you cannot complete a driver license transaction by mail or online.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; the road test is conducted by an examiner at the office using your own vehicle or a state vehicle.
  • A standard driver license costs $31.50 and is valid for four years; renewal can be done in person or by mail if you have no violations.

Documents you need to bring

Gather these documents before you go to the Meridian office. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID as proof of identity. A Social Security card (original or certified copy) is required. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead.

You also need proof that you live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. The name on the residency document should match the name on your identity document. If you have recently moved, bring both your old and new address documents.

If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you are changing your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document. Bring your Social Security card and proof of residency even if you are renewing.

The written test and what it covers

Before you take the road test, you must pass a written test on Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Meridian office, and results are given when ready.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and safe driving practices. Mississippi provides a free study guide called the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or pick up at the Meridian office. Most people study the manual for a few days before taking the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

The road test: what the examiner will check

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives you directions as you drive.

You can use your own vehicle for the test if it is registered and insured. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. If you do not have your own vehicle, the Mississippi Driver License Bureau has state vehicles you can use for a fee (currently $10). You must bring a valid photo ID and proof of insurance to the test.

The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and obey traffic signs and signals. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, or not checking mirrors before changing lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A standard four-year driver license costs $31.50. If you are 65 or older, a four-year license costs $18. An eight-year license (for drivers 21 and older) costs $61. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card at the Meridian office.

A standard driver license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake both the written and road tests.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your license is not expired and you have no traffic violations or suspensions, you can renew by mail. You will need to request a renewal form from the Mississippi Driver License Bureau or read it from their website. Mail the form, your current license, and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have had a suspension or revocation, if you want to change your address, or if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement). You also must renew in person if your vision or medical condition has changed since your last license was issued.

Special situations: under 18, name changes, and suspensions

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the Meridian office and must sign your process. Bring the guardian's photo ID and proof of their relationship to you (birth certificate, custody papers, or adoption papers). Drivers under 18 receive a license with restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. for the first six months, and no passengers under 21 for the first year.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with all other required documents. The name change is processed at the same time as your license process.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Mississippi Driver License Bureau to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID driver license in Meridian?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. It costs $5 more than a standard license ($36.50 instead of $31.50). You need the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. Real ID licenses are valid for four years.

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

You can drive in Mississippi on a valid out-of-state license for up to 30 days. After that, you must get a Mississippi license. Bring your out-of-state license to the Meridian office along with the required documents. You will not need to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended.

How do I check if my license is suspended?

Call the Mississippi Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1212 or visit their website to check your license status. You can also visit the Meridian office in person. If your license is suspended, the office staff can tell you the reason and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written test and the road test as if you were getting a license for the first time. Bring all required documents and plan to spend two to three hours at the Meridian office.

What if I lose my driver license?

Go to the Meridian office and request a replacement. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity. A replacement license costs $10.50 and is issued the same day. You do not need to retake any tests.