The Mississippi Driver License Office in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg has one Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver license office, located at 1601 Hardy Street. This is where you go to get a new driver license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You cannot get a driver license by mail in Mississippi, so you must visit in person. The office does not take appointments, which means you arrive and wait your turn. Wait times vary by day and time of day — mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg driver license office is at 1601 Hardy Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • First-time driver license applicants must pass a written test and a driving test at this location.
  • Renewals usually take 10 to 15 minutes if you have all required documents; new licenses can take 30 minutes to an hour.
  • The office accepts cash, check, and card for the license fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Mississippi requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You must bring originals or certified copies — photographs or digital images on your phone will not be accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Hattiesburg address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing a license and your name has not changed, you can sometimes skip some of these documents — bring your current license and ask the staff what else they need. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change.

Getting a New License vs. Renewing

If you have never had a Mississippi driver license, you must pass both a written test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The road test happens at the same office — you drive an examiner around Hattiesburg for about 15 minutes.

If you already have a valid Mississippi license and it has not expired, you can renew it without retaking the tests. Renewals are faster and simpler — bring your current license, proof of residency, and the fee. If your license expired more than one year ago, Mississippi may require you to retake the written test, so call the office at 601-582-0111 before you go to confirm what you need.

License Fees and How Long Your License Is Valid

Mississippi driver license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it valid. A regular driver license can be issued for 4 years or 8 years; the 8-year license costs more but saves you a trip back sooner. A commercial driver license (CDL) has different fees. You pay at the office when you complete your transaction, and they accept cash, check, and debit or credit card.

Call the office at 601-582-0111 to ask the exact current fee for the type of license you need. Fees do change, and the staff can tell you the amount before you arrive so you know what to bring.

What Happens If You Fail the Written or Road Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You pay the test fee again each time you retake a test.

The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The road test checks your ability to start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws. If you fail, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice and try again.

Bringing Someone With You

You can bring a family member or friend to the office with you, but only you can take the tests and sign the documents. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign your process. Bring their ID as well.

The office is small and can get crowded, so if you bring someone, they will be waiting in the same room as you. Plan for them to be there for the full time you are there.

If You Lose Your License or It Gets Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Hattiesburg office and tell the staff. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. Bring your proof of identity and residency just as you would for a renewal. The replacement license is usually ready the same day or within a few days.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police so there is a record. This does not affect your driver license replacement, but it creates a paper trail if someone tries to use your stolen license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Mississippi allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your expiration date arrives. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the fee.

What if I moved to Hattiesburg from another state?

You must get a Mississippi driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Hattiesburg address. You may not have to retake the written and road tests if your out-of-state license is valid, but call 601-582-0111 first to confirm what the office requires.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the tests?

The office issues your license the same day you pass both tests. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I cannot go during business hours?

The Hattiesburg office is only open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no evening or weekend service at this location. If you cannot make those hours, you may need to take time off work or school, or ask your employer for a flexible schedule on the day you plan to go.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You walk in, take a number, and wait for your turn. Arriving early in the morning or early in the week usually means a shorter wait.