The DMV office in Laurel is located on Cowan Avenue and handles all standard license services

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Laurel is at 1428 Cowan Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440. This is the only full-service driver license office in Jones County. You can visit in person to renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license, as well as handle other license-related transactions like address changes or duplicate copies.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at the Laurel office or checking the Mississippi DPS website before you go is a practical step. The office does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served.

You will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing. For a new license, you need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease). For renewal, the requirements are simpler but still require your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel DMV office is at 1428 Cowan Avenue and is the only full-service location in Jones County.
  • The office operates Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments available.
  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency for a new license; renewal requires your current license and updated residency proof if your address changed.
  • Calling ahead to confirm current hours is wise, as hours may vary by season or staffing.
  • The Mississippi DPS website lists all required documents by transaction type and can answer questions about fees.

What documents you need for a new driver's license

Mississippi requires three categories of documents for a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A birth certificate, passport, or military ID counts as proof of identity. For Social Security, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return showing your number.

Proof of residency must be a current document with your name and address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Mississippi, even if it shows your current address.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office and provide your current address. If you have moved recently, bring the residency document that matches your new address. The staff at the Laurel office can tell you if a specific document will work before you complete your process.

Renewing or replacing an existing Mississippi license

Renewal is simpler than obtaining a new license. You need your current driver's license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your address is the same as what appears on your license, you may not need additional documents — the office can tell you when you call or arrive.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate or replacement at the same office. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring proof of identity and Social Security number if you do not. The fee for a replacement is different from the fee for renewal, so ask about the cost when you contact the office.

Fees and payment methods at the Laurel office

Driver's license fees in Mississippi vary by license type and how long the license is valid. A standard driver's license costs less than a commercial license. Renewal fees differ from new license fees. The exact amount changes periodically, so the Mississippi DPS website or a call to the Laurel office will give you the current fee.

The Laurel office accepts cash and check. Some Mississippi DMV locations accept debit or credit cards, but not all, so confirm payment methods when you call ahead. Bringing more cash than you think you need prevents a second trip if the fee is higher than you expected.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive early if possible, as the office operates first-come, first-served and can have a wait during lunch hours or late afternoon. Bring all required documents in one trip — forgetting a document means returning another day. The vision test is administered at the office, so you do not need to bring results from an eye doctor.

The staff will review your documents, take your photograph, and administer the vision test. If everything is in order, your license is typically issued the same day or within a few days. If documents are missing or unclear, the staff will tell you what else is needed before they can process your request.

Alternatives if you cannot visit the Laurel office

If you live outside Jones County, you can visit a driver license office in your own county. Mississippi has DMV offices in most larger towns and cities. The Mississippi DPS website has a full list of all office locations and hours statewide.

Some transactions, like renewing a license that is not yet expired, can be done by mail in Mississippi. The DPS website explains which renewals are may be able to access for mail renewal and how to request the form. Mail renewal takes longer than an in-person visit but may be an option if you cannot reach Laurel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online in Mississippi?

Online renewal is not available in Mississippi. You must renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if your license is not yet expired, or through a third-party vendor in some cases. The Mississippi DPS website lists which renewal types are may be able to access for mail processing.

What if I have a license from another state?

You can exchange an out-of-state license for a Mississippi license at the Laurel office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Mississippi. You will take a vision test and have a new photograph taken.

How long does it take to get a license on the day of my visit?

If all your documents are correct and the office is not busy, you can receive your license the same day. During peak times, processing may take longer. Some offices mail licenses after a few days rather than issuing them on-site, so ask when you arrive.

Do I need an appointment at the Laurel DMV office?

No. The Laurel office does not take appointments and serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait than arriving in the afternoon.

What if I do not have a birth certificate for proof of identity?

A U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card all work as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, contact the Laurel office to ask what other documents they can accept.