The Columbus DMV office is located on Highway 45 North and handles all driver license services for Lowndes County

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety's driver license office in Columbus is at 2707 Highway 45 North, Columbus, MS 39701. This is the main location where you can obtain, renew, or replace a driver license if you live in or near Columbus. The office is run by the state, not a local agency, and it is the only full-service driver license location in Lowndes County.

You will need to bring specific documents when you visit. The state requires proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are explore for your first license, you will also need to pass a written test and a driving test at this location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbus driver license office is located at 2707 Highway 45 North and is operated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to complete any driver license transaction.
  • First-time applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test at the Columbus location.
  • The office is open during standard business hours, though hours may vary by day, so calling ahead is recommended.
  • You can renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.

What documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires a specific set of documents for any driver license transaction. For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. You cannot use a Social Security card or a credit card as your primary identity document.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card or a W-2 form from your employer. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may not need to bring all of these documents. Call the Columbus office at the number listed on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm what you need for your specific situation.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The Columbus office operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday. However, hours change by day and may vary seasonally. Before you drive to the office, check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call ahead to confirm the current schedule and to see if you need to take a number or make an appointment.

Arrive early in the day if possible. Driver license offices often have long waits, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. Bring all required documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.

First-time driver license applicants

If you are explore for your first driver license, you must complete both a written test and a driving test at the Columbus location. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The test is conducted by an examiner at the Columbus office, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will evaluate your ability to start the vehicle, control it, follow traffic laws, and park safely.

You do not need to have a current license from another state to explore in Mississippi. However, if you do hold a valid license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written test. Ask the staff at the Columbus office whether your out-of-state license qualifies for a transfer.

Renewing or replacing an existing license

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it in person at the Columbus office or by mail. A mail renewal is faster and does not require a visit. To renew by mail, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Social Security number on file, and not have any medical conditions that would affect your driving.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to visit the Columbus office in person to report it and obtain a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency documents. There is a fee for a replacement license, which varies depending on how long you want the new license to be valid.

If your address has changed, you can update it at the Columbus office or by mail. You do not need to renew your entire license just to change your address — the office can issue an updated license with your new address for a lower fee than a full renewal.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary based on the type of transaction and how long the license is valid. A standard driver license is less expensive than a commercial driver license. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license. The Columbus office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

Ask the staff at the office for the exact fee for your transaction before you complete it. Fees can change, and different types of licenses or services may have different costs. If you are unsure whether you need a new license or a renewal, the staff can tell you which option applies to your situation and what it will cost.

If the Columbus office is closed or too busy

If the Columbus office has a long wait or is temporarily closed, you have limited options. Mississippi does not have satellite driver license offices in smaller towns near Columbus. However, you can visit any other Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver license office in the state if you are willing to travel.

The nearest alternative offices are in other cities in Mississippi, but they are significantly farther away than Columbus. Before making a trip to another city, call the Columbus office to ask when it will reopen or whether you can schedule an appointment to reduce your wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail from Columbus?

Yes, if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you are at least 21 years old, and you have no medical conditions affecting your driving. Mail renewal is faster than visiting the office in person. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to request a mail renewal form.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. The Columbus office accepts any official document that displays your number. You will still need to bring proof of identity and residency.

Do I need an appointment at the Columbus driver license office?

Appointments are not always required, but the office may use a number system or have specific appointment slots during busy times. Call ahead to find out whether you need to schedule a time or whether you can walk in. Calling first also lets you confirm current hours and what documents to bring.

How long does a driver license test take?

The written test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The driving test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. However, you may wait several hours before your test begins, depending on how busy the office is on the day you visit.

Can I transfer my out-of-state license without retaking the test?

It depends on which state your license is from and how long you have held it. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Mississippi that allow you to transfer without retesting. Ask the staff at the Columbus office whether your specific license qualifies for a transfer.