The Mississippi Driver License Office in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg has one Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver license office located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the office that issues new licenses, renewals, and replacements in Forrest County. You can reach them by phone at (601) 583-2001 during business hours to ask about wait times or specific document requirements before you go in.

The office is open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by day and may change seasonally. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as the Mississippi Department of Public Safety sometimes adjusts schedules without advance notice on their website. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than afternoon visits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg driver license office is at 1601 Hardy Street and handles all license types — new, renewal, and replacement.
  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency; the office staff can tell you which documents they accept for each category.
  • Bring your current license if you have one, or a certified birth certificate if explore for your first license.
  • Payment is by cash, check, or debit card — call ahead to confirm current payment methods accepted.

Documents You Need to Bring

Mississippi requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency for any new or renewed license. Acceptable identity documents include a current passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. If you do not have a current license, a certified birth certificate is the most straightforward option.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Hattiesburg address. The office staff can tell you over the phone which specific documents they prefer if you want to confirm before your visit.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary by license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The Hattiesburg office accepts cash, checks, and debit cards. Call (601) 583-2001 to ask the current fee for the type of license you need, since fees can change and may differ based on your age or whether you are renewing or getting a new license.

If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, you can mail a check or money order to the office address. Not all renewals can be done by mail — the office can tell you whether yours qualifies when you call.

New License vs. Renewal vs. Replacement

A new license is what you get if you have never held a Mississippi driver license. You must pass a written test and a driving test at the Hattiesburg office. The written test covers road signs and traffic laws; the driving test happens in your own vehicle or one provided by the office. Plan for this to take several hours.

A renewal is what you do when your current license is still valid but expiring soon. You do not retake the driving test. You can renew in person at the office or, in some cases, by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Call the office to ask whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal.

A replacement is what you get if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You do not retake tests. You bring proof of identity and your Social Security information, and the office issues a new card with the same license number. This is usually the fastest type of transaction.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive with all required documents and be prepared to wait, especially on Fridays or mid-morning. The office will verify your identity and Social Security number, take a new photograph, and collect payment. For a new license, you will be directed to a testing area where you take the written exam first. If you pass, you schedule a driving test, which may happen the same day or on a later appointment depending on how busy the office is.

For renewals and replacements, the process is faster — usually 30 minutes to an hour if you have all documents. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day. For new licenses requiring a driving test, you may need to return for a second appointment.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

Mississippi allows some renewals by mail if your license is not yet expired and you meet certain conditions. Call the Hattiesburg office at (601) 583-2001 to ask whether your renewal qualifies. If it does, the office can mail you the process form and instructions. You mail back the completed form, your current license, and payment by check or money order.

If you need a new license or a replacement and cannot visit Hattiesburg, you must go in person — there is no remote option for these. If you live outside Hattiesburg but within Forrest County, the same office serves the entire county. If you live in a different county, you would visit your county's driver license office instead.

Contact Information and Hours

Mississippi Department of Public Safety — Hattiesburg Driver License Office 1601 Hardy Street Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 583-2001

Hours vary by day and may change. Call before you visit to confirm current hours and to ask about wait times. The office is closed on state holidays and may have reduced hours during certain times of year. The main Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists state holidays but does not always show local office closures, so a phone call is the most reliable way to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions, or you can renew in person at the Hattiesburg office. Call (601) 583-2001 to ask whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a fee for each test attempt. Ask the office staff about their retake policy and fees when you arrive or call ahead.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

The Hattiesburg office accepts walk-ins. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait. Call ahead if you want to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if I moved to Hattiesburg from another state?

You must get a new Mississippi license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security information, and proof of your Hattiesburg address. You will take the written test but not the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid. Call the office to confirm their policy on waiving the driving test for transfers.

How long does a new license take to arrive if I explore in person?

If you pass the written and driving tests on the same day, your license is printed and you leave with it. If your driving test is scheduled for a later date, you receive the license after you pass that test. There is no waiting period for mail delivery when you explore in person at the Hattiesburg office.