Where to go for your driver license in Jackson

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau handles all driver licenses in Jackson. You will go to one of their physical locations to take your written test, vision test, and photo. The main Jackson office is located at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216. This is the office most Jackson residents use, though there are other locations in the state if you are closer to a different city.

You cannot get a driver license by mail or online in Mississippi. You must appear in person at a Driver License Bureau office. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the Mississippi DPS website before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something costs you time and another trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau in Jackson is at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, and you must visit in person to get your license.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency — all originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • First-time driver license holders must pass a written test and a vision test at the office; you cannot study the test online beforehand through an official source.
  • The fee for a driver license varies depending on the type and length of validity, so ask the office staff what you owe before you pay.
  • Processing takes a few minutes for the photo and tests, but your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Mississippi. For identity, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), passport, or military ID. A photocopy is not enough — the office staff must see the original document or a certified copy issued by the agency that created it.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Again, originals or certified copies only. For Mississippi residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Jackson address. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Mississippi.

If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian does not have to be present, but they must sign a form that you bring with you. Ask the Jackson office what form they use when you call to confirm hours.

The written test and what to study

Mississippi does not publish an official study guide online that you can read before you arrive. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You can buy study books at bookstores or online, or you can ask the Driver License Bureau staff what topics the test covers when you call ahead.

The test is multiple choice and you take it at the office on a computer or on paper, depending on the location. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — the office will tell you their policy when you arrive. There is usually a small fee to retake the test.

Vision test and photo requirements

You will take a vision test at the office using their equipment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day. You can return after you see an eye doctor and have your vision corrected. Some people are issued licenses with a restriction that says they must wear corrective lenses while driving.

The office will take your photo for the license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. The photo will appear on your license for the validity period you choose — typically four or eight years — so plan accordingly. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, and the background is always plain.

Fees and how long it takes

The fee for a driver license in Mississippi depends on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license, and whether you are a first-time holder or renewing. Call the Jackson office at the number listed on the Mississippi DPS website to ask what the current fee is for your situation. Fees change, and the office staff can tell you the exact amount before you arrive so you know what to bring.

The office visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will take the written test, the vision test, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your physical license is not printed at the office — it is mailed to your address within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license or a receipt that you can use as proof of a valid license while you wait for the card to arrive.

What to do if you already have an out-of-state license

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Mississippi, you can exchange it for a Mississippi license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Mississippi residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will not have to take the written test again, but you will still take the vision test and have a new photo taken.

The fee for an exchange is usually lower than the fee for a first-time license. Ask the Jackson office what the exchange fee is when you call. Your out-of-state license will be kept by the office, so do not plan to keep it as a backup.

If you need a commercial driver license

A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The process is more involved than a regular driver license and requires additional tests and medical documentation. The Jackson Driver License Bureau office handles CDL applications, but you should call ahead to ask what documents you need and whether they have availability for CDL testing, as some offices have limited CDL slots.

You will need to pass a written test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive, a skills test, and a road test. The office staff can tell you what to study and how to schedule your tests when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail if I already have one?

Mississippi allows some renewals by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. Call the Jackson office or check the Mississippi DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are, you can mail in your process and fee, and your new license will be mailed back to you.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is usually a small fee each time you retake it. The office staff will tell you when you can retake it and what the fee is.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Mississippi Driver License Bureau offices typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations may offer appointments. Call the Jackson office to ask whether they take appointments and what their current wait times are.

What if I lose my license after I get it?

You can get a replacement at the Jackson office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The replacement license is mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Can I change my name on my license without getting a new one?

If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to get a new license with your updated name. Bring your original or certified copy of the document that shows your name change, along with your current license and proof of residency. There is usually a fee for the name change.