The Jackson Driver's License Office Location and Hours

Mississippi's driver's license office in Jackson is located at 1104 Woolfolk Building, 501 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201. This is the main office where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license in the Jackson area. The office is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number for the Jackson office is (601) 987-1500. Arriving early in the day often means shorter wait times, especially on Mondays and Fridays when traffic is heaviest.

The office does not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something adds hours to the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jackson driver's license office is at 501 North West Street in the Woolfolk Building, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You will need a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency — bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • If you are renewing an expired license, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on how long it has been expired.
  • The office operates first-come, first-served with no appointments, so arriving early reduces your wait time.
  • You can call (601) 987-1500 to ask about current wait times or confirm hours before you go.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Mississippi requires specific documents no matter whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

For proof of Mississippi residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count, so check the office website or call ahead if you are unsure about a specific document.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or your expired Mississippi license if you are renewing. You will also need to bring payment — the cost varies depending on whether you are renewing or obtaining a new license, so call the office to confirm the current fee before you go.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your Mississippi driver's license expired less than two years ago, you may not need to visit the Jackson office in person. The state allows some renewals by mail or through its online system. To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal portal. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

Mail renewal is also an option for certain situations. Contact the Jackson office at (601) 987-1500 to ask whether your specific situation qualifies for mail renewal and what documents to send. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to change information on your license, you will need to visit the office in person.

Getting a Replacement License

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Jackson office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to bring the lost or damaged license itself — the office will look up your record in their system.

A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. The exact fee depends on how long your current license is valid for. Ask when you call to confirm the current cost.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait in the lobby until your number is called. The staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and ask you to sign. You will also take a vision test at the office.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times can be longer during busy periods. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

If you need your license for a specific purpose — such as air travel — before the permanent card arrives, ask the staff whether the temporary license will work for that purpose. Some uses require the physical card.

Other Driver's License Locations in Mississippi

If you cannot reach the Jackson office or prefer a different location, Mississippi has driver's license offices in other cities, including Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Tupelo. Each office handles the same services and requires the same documents. You can find a complete list of office locations and hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Some smaller towns also have part-time or satellite offices that handle renewals and replacements. Call (601) 987-1500 to ask whether there is a location closer to you that offers the service you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you will need to visit the office in person rather than renewing by mail or online. Bring all the same documents you would for a new license: birth certificate, Social Security proof, and residency proof. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the Mississippi Department of Health, Vital Records office. This takes one to two weeks by mail. If you need your license urgently, call the Jackson office to ask whether they accept other documents in place of a birth certificate, such as a passport or adoption papers.

Do I need an appointment to get my license?

No. The Jackson office operates first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the morning, especially on Tuesday through Thursday, usually means a shorter wait. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

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

Your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready for most purposes while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I moved to Jackson from another state?

You will need to get a Mississippi license. Bring your out-of-state license, birth certificate, Social Security proof, and proof of Mississippi residency. The office will process this as a new license rather than a transfer, though the fee may be lower than a standard new license — call to confirm.