The Cleveland Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver licenses through a network of regional offices. In Cleveland, Mississippi, you will go to the Cleveland Driver License Office, which is located at 310 East Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38732. This is the official state office that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements for Bolivar County residents.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at the office is wise before you make the trip. The phone number for the Cleveland office is (662) 846-1021. You can also check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for any temporary closures or schedule changes.

Parking is available at the location. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn. Peak times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, so arriving early or late in the day may mean a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cleveland Driver License Office is at 310 East Sunflower Road and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You do not need an appointment; you walk in and wait your turn, though calling (662) 846-1021 first can confirm the office is open.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and any existing license or ID you are renewing or replacing.
  • The office handles new licenses, renewals, duplicate licenses, and address changes for Mississippi residents.

What Documents to Bring

Before you go to the Cleveland office, gather the documents the state requires. You will need your Social Security card (original or certified copy), a proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your legal name and date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or existing license).

If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you are getting a duplicate because yours was lost or stolen, you do not need the original. If you are changing your address, bring the license plus the residency proof showing your new address.

Bring your completed process form if you have one, though the office will provide blank forms at the counter. You will also need to pay the fee at the time of your visit—cash, debit, or credit cards are accepted, but confirm payment methods by calling ahead.

Types of Licenses and Services Available

The Cleveland office issues Class D licenses (standard passenger vehicle licenses), Class R licenses (motorcycle endorsements), and commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C). Most people getting their first license or renewing an expired one will need a Class D.

The office also handles address changes, duplicate licenses (if yours was lost or stolen), and license suspensions or reinstatements if your driving privileges were suspended. If you need a commercial license or a motorcycle endorsement, you will take a written test and a road test at this location.

The office does not issue learner's permits; those are handled through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's main office in Jackson. If you need a learner's permit before you can take the road test, you will need to contact that office or visit in person.

How Long the Process Takes

Getting a new license or renewing an existing one at the Cleveland office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes from the time you arrive, depending on how busy the office is that day. This includes filling out your process, having your photo taken, passing the written test (if required), and paying the fee.

If you are taking a road test for a new license or a commercial endorsement, plan for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Road tests are scheduled on the spot, and you may be tested the same day or given an appointment for a later date depending on the examiner's availability.

Your physical license card is printed on site and issued before you leave. You will walk out with your new license the same day in almost all cases.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary by the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard Class D license costs between $25 and $35 depending on whether it is a new license, a renewal, or a duplicate. Commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements have higher fees. The exact amount will be quoted when you arrive at the office.

The Cleveland office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling (662) 846-1021 beforehand will confirm what payment methods this specific location takes. If you do not have the exact amount, the office can usually make change.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you cannot travel to Cleveland, you have limited options. Mississippi does not allow you to renew a license entirely by mail or online, but you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 1-601-987-1500 to ask whether mail renewal is available for your situation.

If you need a new license (not a renewal) or if your license is already expired, you must visit an office in person. The nearest alternative offices to Cleveland are in Greenville (about 30 miles away) and Clarksdale (about 25 miles away). Both have the same hours and services as the Cleveland location.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to reinstate it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your driving privileges are reinstated, you can then visit the Cleveland office to get a new license.

If you are moving out of Mississippi, you do not need to exchange your Mississippi license for a new one before you leave, but you will need to get a license from your new state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days). Your Mississippi license remains valid until it expires, even if you move.

If you have a name change due to marriage, divorce, or legal petition, bring the court order or marriage certificate along with your other documents. The office will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail from Cleveland?

Mississippi does not offer online renewal. Mail renewal is available only for certain renewals of licenses that are not yet expired. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 1-601-987-1500 to learn about your situation qualifies. If your license is already expired or if you need a new license, you must visit the Cleveland office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. If you fail a second time, you may be asked to come back another day or to study the driver manual before retesting. Road tests can be retaken, but there is usually a fee for each attempt after the first one.

Do I need an appointment at the Cleveland office?

No. The Cleveland office does not take appointments. You walk in during business hours and wait your turn. Calling (662) 846-1021 before you go is a good idea to confirm the office is open and to get a sense of how busy it is.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You will need to bring a certified copy or order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver license. You can request a replacement online at ssa.gov or by visiting your local Social Security office. This step must be completed before you visit the Cleveland driver license office.

How long is a Mississippi driver license valid?

A standard Class D license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Commercial licenses and licenses for drivers over 65 may have different validity periods. The expiration date is printed on your license card.