Where to go for your driver license in Pearl

Pearl, Mississippi does not have its own driver license office. You will need to visit a Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau location in a nearby city. The closest options are in Jackson, which is about 10 miles away, or Madison, which is about 15 miles away. Both cities have full-service offices that handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

The Jackson Driver License Bureau is located at 1427 Medgar Wiley Evers Boulevard in Jackson. The Madison Driver License Bureau is at 1428 Highway 51 North in Madison. Both offices handle the same services and accept the same documents. You can visit whichever location is more convenient for you.

Before you go to either office, check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any changes to services. Wait times can vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Pearl residents must travel to Jackson or Madison to visit a Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office, as Pearl has no local office.
  • You will need to bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to get a new license.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, which saves you a trip to the office.
  • The written test, vision test, and photo are taken at the office on the same day, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

Documents you need for a new license

If you are getting your first Mississippi driver license or moving to Mississippi from another state, you will need to bring several documents to the office. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. You also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work.

You must also show proof that you live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with their ID and proof of residency.

Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one. If you do not have a license, bring a photo ID such as a passport. You will also need to fill out the DL-44 form, which you can get at the office or read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your Mississippi driver license is not yet expired and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will mail you a renewal form when your license is within six months of expiring. You fill out the form, include a new photo, and mail it back with the fee. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go to an office in person. You will need to take the written test and vision test again, and have a new photo taken. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license.

If you prefer to renew in person even though your license is not expired, you can do that too. You do not need to take the written test again, but you will take a new vision test and have a new photo taken. Bring your current license and proof of Mississippi residency.

The testing process and what happens next

When you arrive at the office for a new license, you will first check in and have your documents reviewed. A staff member will verify your birth certificate, Social Security proof, and residency documents. If everything is in order, you move to the next step.

You will take a written test covering Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you do not pass, you can take it again the same day or return another day to try again. After you pass the written test, you take a vision test and have your photo taken.

Once you complete all steps, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic driver license is mailed to the address you provided and arrives within one to two weeks. Do not throw away your temporary license — you need it to drive legally until the permanent card arrives.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a new Mississippi driver license depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver license costs one amount, while a commercial driver license costs more. The fee also depends on whether you are getting a four-year or eight-year license. Fees change periodically, so check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current amount before you go.

The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Some offices may have ATMs on site, but do not count on it — bring cash or a card to be safe.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at either the Jackson or Madison office. Bring your Social Security proof and proof of Mississippi residency. You do not need your birth certificate for a replacement. You will have a new photo taken and receive a temporary license on the spot.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement. The police report can be useful if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Otherwise, you must visit an office in person.

How long does it take to get a new license?

The office visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks after your visit. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or return another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The office staff can point you to study materials if you need help preparing.

Do I need an appointment?

Most Mississippi driver license offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some offices may offer appointment slots during busy times. Call the Jackson or Madison office to ask if appointments are available.

What if I moved to Pearl from another state?

You need to get a Mississippi license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, your birth certificate, and proof of Mississippi residency. You will take the written test, vision test, and have a new photo taken.