The Mississippi Driver License Office in Laurel

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety runs a driver license office in Laurel at 1016 Cowan Road, Laurel, MS 39440. This is where you go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. The office handles both written tests and the road test, so you can often complete your entire process in one location.

The Laurel office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (601) 428-0374 to confirm when you can visit. Many people find it helpful to call before going, because wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon, and some services may have a temporary backlog.

You do not need an appointment at this office — it operates on a walk-in basis. However, some transactions move faster than others. A renewal for someone already holding a valid license typically takes less time than a first-time license or a road test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel driver license office is located at 1016 Cowan Road and is open Monday through Friday; call (601) 428-0374 to confirm hours before you visit.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one — bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
  • The office handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance, so you may be able to complete your entire process there on the same day.
  • Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter waits than lunch hours or Friday afternoons.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a new license, bring your Social Security card, a birth certificate or passport, proof of Mississippi residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name), and proof of your current address if it differs from your ID. You will also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and signature.

For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your Social Security card and a photo ID, plus proof of residency.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

The Written Test and Road Test

If you are getting your first license or your license has expired for more than a certain period, you will need to pass a written test on Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is given at the Laurel office. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free online from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

The road test is also administered at the Laurel office. You will drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

Both tests have a fee. The written test and road test each cost money, and these fees are separate from the license fee itself. Ask the office staff for the current fee amounts when you call to confirm hours.

Fees and How Long It Takes

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard driver license costs one amount, while a commercial driver license costs more. Renewal fees are typically lower than the fee for a new license. The office staff can tell you the exact fee for your situation when you visit or call.

A new license is usually issued the same day you pass the road test, though you may receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card by mail within a few days. A renewal can sometimes be done on the spot, but processing times vary. If there are any issues with your documents or your record, the process may take longer.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

Some transactions can be handled by mail or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, but not all. straightforward renewals for people with valid licenses are sometimes available online. However, new licenses, road tests, and replacements for lost licenses must be done in person at an office.

If you live far from Laurel, you can visit any Mississippi driver license office — there are locations throughout the state. The process and documents required are the same no matter which office you visit. You can find other office locations and hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you walk in, you will usually take a number or sign in, then wait to be called. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your address, driving history, and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive. You may be asked about vision problems, hearing loss, or medications that could impact safety.

If you are taking a written test, you will be shown to a testing station where you answer questions on a computer or paper form. If you are taking a road test, an examiner will meet you and you will drive a set route while they observe and score your performance.

The office staff can answer questions about what to bring and what to expect, so do not hesitate to call ahead if you are unsure about anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Laurel?

Some renewals can be done online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license is still valid and you meet other requirements. However, if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, or if you are getting your first license, you must visit the office in person.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. There is a fee each time you take the test. You do not need to retake the written test unless your written test result has also expired.

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

The Laurel office accepts walk-ins and does not require appointments. However, calling ahead to check hours and current wait times can save you a trip. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

What if I do not have all my documents?

The office cannot issue a license without the required documents. If you are missing something, ask the staff what alternatives they accept — for example, some documents can be substituted for others. It is better to call ahead and ask than to make a trip and be turned away.

How long is a Mississippi driver license valid?

A standard driver license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. Commercial driver licenses have different validity periods. The office staff can tell you the exact expiration date when your license is issued.