The Mississippi Department of Public Safety handles driver licenses in Greenville

You get your driver license from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau, which operates a local office in Greenville. This is the only place in the city where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal. You cannot get a driver license from the county courthouse, city hall, or any other government office — only the DPS Driver License Bureau issues them.

The Greenville office is located at 1428 Washington Avenue, Greenville, MS 38701. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours because they occasionally change. The phone number for the Greenville office is (662) 378-2710.

Walk-ins are accepted, but the office gets busy in the late morning and early afternoon. If you go early in the morning or after 3:00 p.m., you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. On Fridays the office closes at 4:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau at 1428 Washington Avenue in Greenville is the only place to get a driver license in the city.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and you can walk in without an appointment, though arriving early reduces wait time.
  • You must pass a vision test and written test at the office; the road test is scheduled separately at a different location after you pass the written exam.
  • A new driver license costs $24 and is valid for four years; a renewal costs $24 and is valid for four years.

What documents to bring to the Greenville office

Bring your Social Security card (the actual card, not a number written down), a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of address.

If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you are getting your first license, bring all three documents listed above. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose — the office will make copies and return them to you. Bring the originals so staff can verify them, but keep them in your possession during the process.

The written test and vision test at the office

Once you submit your documents, you will take a vision screening first. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision screening, you will be told on the spot and can return after getting an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Next you take the written knowledge test, which covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices in Mississippi. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour before retesting.

If you pass both the vision screening and written test, you will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

Scheduling your road test after passing the written exam

The road test is not given at the Washington Avenue office in Greenville. After you pass your written test, staff will give you information about where to schedule it. Road tests in the Greenville area are typically administered at a separate testing location, and you will need to call to book an appointment.

You must pass the road test within a certain timeframe after passing your written test — the exact window varies, so ask the staff member who gives you the road test information. Bring your temporary license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be legal to drive.

Cost and how long your license lasts

A new driver license costs $24 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. A renewal of an expired license also costs $24 and is valid for four years. You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires, either in person at the office or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements depending on why it was suspended. Contact the DPS Driver License Bureau in Greenville to find out what you need to do.

If you cannot go during regular business hours

The Greenville office does not offer evening or weekend hours. If you work during the day and cannot take time off, you have a few options. You can go early in the morning before work — the office opens at 8:00 a.m. and is usually less crowded before 10:00 a.m. You can also go during your lunch break if you work nearby.

If you absolutely cannot visit during weekday hours, you can check whether other DPS Driver License Bureau offices in nearby cities have different hours. The Jackson office and other larger cities sometimes have extended hours, though you would need to travel. Call the Greenville office at (662) 378-2710 to ask about offices in other towns and their hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can walk in without an appointment. The office accepts walk-ins during all business hours. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is, but arriving early in the morning or after 3:00 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour before retesting. You can retake it as many times as needed until you pass. Each attempt costs nothing additional.

Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to the office?

You can renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended, you have not had any address changes, and you meet other conditions. If you cannot renew online, you must go to the office in person. Call (662) 378-2710 to ask whether your situation qualifies for online renewal.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after I pass the tests?

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass your written test and have your photo taken. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the Greenville office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. There is no fee to change your address.