Getting a Mississippi driver license: the basic path
To get a driver license in Mississippi, you visit your local Department of Public Safety driver license office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from process to receiving your card in the mail. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — you must appear at an office to take the tests and have your photo taken.
Mississippi issues both regular driver licenses and commercial driver licenses (CDLs) for people who drive trucks or buses professionally. The steps differ slightly depending on which one you need. This guide covers the regular driver license; if you need a CDL, the Department of Public Safety website lists the additional requirements.
If you already have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Mississippi without retaking the written test, though you will still need to pass the driving test and provide proof of residency in Mississippi.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety driver license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency.
- First-time applicants take a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test; transfers from other states skip the written test but still take the driving test.
- A regular driver license costs around $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, though fees can vary slightly by office.
- After you pass both tests and pay the fee, you receive a temporary paper license and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if it is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions.
Documents you need to bring to the office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a certified document showing your legal name and date of birth. A photocopy or a photo on your phone will not work — the office needs the actual document or a certified copy. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return works too. If you do not have any of these, call your local driver license office before you go — they can tell you what other documents they will accept.
Finally, bring two documents that prove you live in Mississippi. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.
You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which the Department of Public Safety publishes free online. The manual is the source for every question on the test, so reading it thoroughly is the most direct way to prepare. Some people study the manual on their own; others use online practice tests or study guides. The office does not provide study materials on the day of your test, so prepare beforehand.
If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a retest fee. Ask the office staff what the fee is when you arrive.
The driving test and scheduling
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. Depending on how busy your local office is, the test might happen the same day or you might need to come back another day. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start driving.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route that includes city streets, turns, parking, and possibly highway driving. You will be tested on things like starting and stopping smoothly, following traffic laws, using turn signals, and parking. If you do not pass, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay a retest fee.
Bring your Social Security card or another form of ID to the driving test. Wear clothes that let you move freely and bring glasses or contacts if you need them to drive. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, tell the examiner before you start.
Fees and how long it takes
A four-year driver license costs around $24, and an eight-year license costs around $36. Some offices charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead or check the Department of Public Safety website to confirm the exact fee for your location. You pay when you pass both tests and are ready to receive your license.
After you pay, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. Your plastic card is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within two to three weeks. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact your local driver license office.
The entire process from your first visit to receiving your plastic card in the mail typically takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule and pass the driving test and how long the mail takes.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster but still requires a few days for processing and mailing.
To renew by mail, the Department of Public Safety sends you a renewal form before your license expires. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back. To renew online, visit the Department of Public Safety website and follow the steps to pay the fee and submit your information. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit an office in person and take the written test again. If your address has changed, you can update it online or by mail during renewal without visiting an office.
Transfers from other states
If you have a valid driver license from another state and you are now a Mississippi resident, you can transfer it without retaking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving Mississippi residency, just as you would for a new license. You will still need to take the driving test and have your photo taken.
Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Mississippi license. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, ask the office staff — some offices return it to you, and some do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license if I do not have a birth certificate?
You need an original or certified document showing your legal name and date of birth. If you do not have a birth certificate, a valid passport works. If you have neither, contact your local driver license office — they can tell you what other documents they will accept, such as a court order or a baptism certificate.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, usually within a few days. You may have to pay a retest fee, which varies by office. Call your local office to ask how much it costs and when you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Do I need a learner's permit before I get a driver license?
Mississippi does not require a learner's permit for adults. If you are under 17, you must hold a learner's permit for a certain period before you can take the driving test. Contact your local driver license office for the specific age requirements and permit rules.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for several years?
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an office in person, bring the same documents as a new applicant, and retake the written test and driving test.
How do I find my nearest driver license office?
The Department of Public Safety website lists all driver license offices in Mississippi with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times, especially if you are visiting during a busy time of day.