The Olive Branch location for Mississippi driver licenses
Olive Branch does not have its own Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver license office. The nearest location is in Southaven, about 10 miles south, at 6990 Southcrest Parkway. This office handles all driver license services for residents in the northern DeSoto County area, including Olive Branch.
You can also visit any other Mississippi driver license office across the state — the system is statewide, so you are not required to use the closest one. However, Southaven is the most practical choice for Olive Branch residents because it is the designated regional office for your area and typically has shorter wait times than offices in Jackson or other distant cities.
Key Takeaways
- The Southaven driver license office at 6990 Southcrest Parkway is the nearest location to Olive Branch and serves your area.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to obtain or renew a driver license.
- The Southaven office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by day — call ahead to confirm.
- You can renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office.
- Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for most identification requirements.
What documents you need to bring
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your current passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you are renewing an existing license, your current license counts as proof of identity.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your Olive Branch address. All documents must be originals or certified copies — the office will not accept photocopies.
If you are a first-time driver, you will also need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test. Bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you are renewing, you may not need to take these tests again, depending on how long your current license has been expired.
Hours and how to contact the Southaven office
The Southaven driver license office is located at 6990 Southcrest Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671. The office is open Monday through Friday. Exact hours vary by day — typically the office opens at 8:00 a.m., but closing times range from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. depending on the day of the week.
Call the office at (662) 393-3100 to confirm current hours before you drive there. You can also visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to check for any temporary closures or schedule changes. The office does not take appointments, so service is first-come, first-served — arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
If your driver license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you can renew by mail without visiting the Southaven office. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past few years.
To renew by mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visit their website to request a renewal form. You will need to submit your current license, the completed form, and the renewal fee. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is approaching expiration.
Fees for driver licenses and renewals
Driver license fees in Mississippi vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard four-year driver license costs one amount, while an eight-year license costs more. Real ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal purposes like air travel, have a slightly higher fee.
The Southaven office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Bring your payment method with you. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your situation, call the office at (662) 393-3100 and they can tell you the current amount before you visit.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive at the Southaven office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called, then proceed to a service window. The staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is that day.
If you are taking a written test or driving test, the staff will direct you to the appropriate area. Written tests are administered on-site at the office. Driving tests require you to bring a vehicle and a licensed adult. After you pass both tests, your license is typically issued the same day or within a few days.
Other Mississippi driver license offices if you cannot reach Southaven
If the Southaven office is closed or you prefer to visit a different location, Mississippi has driver license offices in most counties. The Jackson office is the largest and handles high volumes, but wait times there are often longer. Offices in Germantown, Collierville (just across the Tennessee border), and other nearby towns may also serve you.
Any Mississippi driver license office can process your request — you do not have to use the Southaven location. However, if you are moving or have recently moved to Olive Branch, the Southaven office is the correct one for your area and will have your local records on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Mississippi does not offer online driver license renewal. You must renew in person at an office, by mail if you meet the conditions, or through an authorized third-party vendor. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if any vendors operate near Olive Branch.
What if my license is expired?
An expired license can still be renewed at the Southaven office, but you may need to retake the written and driving tests if it has been expired for more than a certain period. Call (662) 393-3100 to ask whether you will need to test based on how long your license has been expired.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Mississippi?
A Real ID is not required to drive within Mississippi. However, you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, bring an additional proof of residency document and pay the higher fee at the Southaven office.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
You must be present in person to have your photograph taken and to sign your license. A family member or representative cannot complete this step for you, so you will need to visit the Southaven office yourself.
What if I lost my documents?
If you have lost your birth certificate or Social Security card, you can obtain replacements before visiting the driver license office. Contact the Mississippi Department of Vital Records for a birth certificate or the Social Security Administration for a replacement card. Bring those documents to Southaven when you are ready to renew your license.