The Jackson Driver License Office and What to Bring

The main place to get or renew a driver license in Jackson is the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau, located at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. This is a state office that handles all driver license transactions — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Before you go, gather the documents you will need. For a new license, bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Your name on all documents should match, or you will need to bring legal documentation of any name changes. If you are renewing an existing license, you need less — usually just your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jackson Driver License Bureau at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue is the state office where you get, renew, or replace a driver license.
  • Bring a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of current address — all documents must show matching names.
  • You do not need an appointment; walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, but arriving early or mid-week usually means shorter waits.
  • The office charges a fee for new licenses and renewals; the amount depends on the type of license and how long you want it valid.
  • If you cannot reach the Jackson office or need information about a specific transaction, call the Mississippi Driver License Bureau statewide line.

Hours, Fees, and What to Expect During Your Visit

The Jackson Driver License Bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Fees for a new driver license or renewal vary depending on whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows entry into federal buildings), and how many years you want the license to be valid. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. The staff will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and take your photograph. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs — you can study the Mississippi Driver Manual online before you go. If you pass the written test and the staff verify your documents are correct, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If You Need a Replacement or Have a Name Change

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the same Jackson office. Bring your ID and proof of residency as you would for a renewal. There is a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the cost of a new license. The process is the same — you will not need to retake the written test unless your license has been expired for more than a year.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a replacement transaction, not a renewal, so the fee may differ.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

Mississippi does not allow you to renew a driver license entirely by mail or online. However, if your license is not expired and you only need to change your address, you can update your address online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website without visiting the office. If you need to renew your license or get a new one, you must visit the Jackson office or another Driver License Bureau location in the state.

If you live outside Jackson but are in the Jackson area temporarily, you can use the Jackson office. If you live elsewhere in Mississippi, there are Driver License Bureau offices in other cities — you can find the nearest one by calling the statewide Driver License Bureau line or checking the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for a list of locations and hours.

Preparing for the Written Test

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer a certain number of questions correctly to pass — the exact number depends on how many questions are on your test. The Mississippi Driver Manual is free and available online on the Department of Public Safety website. It covers everything that will be on the test, so reading it before you go will improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

You are allowed to take the test more than once if you fail. If you do not pass on your first try, you can usually retake it the same day or schedule another visit. There may be a small fee for each test attempt. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them — you will need to pass a vision screening as part of the test.

Contact Information and Additional Resources

For questions about your specific situation, call the Mississippi Driver License Bureau statewide line at 601-987-1212. The staff can answer questions about what documents you need, fees, hours, or the status of a license you ordered by mail. You can also visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, which has the Driver Manual, office locations, and general information about driver licenses.

If you are a new resident of Mississippi and need to transfer a license from another state, the process is similar — bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Mississippi, and proof of your Social Security number. You will not need to take the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will need to pass the vision screening and have your photograph taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire. Bring your current license and proof of residency to the Jackson office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test, usually the same day or at your next visit. There may be a fee for each attempt. Use the Mississippi Driver Manual to study the material you missed before you retake it.

How long does it take to get my license by mail after my visit?

Your permanent plastic license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the statewide line to check on it.

Do I need an appointment at the Jackson Driver License Bureau?

No. The Jackson office accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you may have a shorter wait if you arrive early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Saturday.

What if my documents do not match my current name?

Bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.