Where to go for a driver's license in Batesville

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau handles all driver's license services in Batesville. The office is located at 1427 Hwy 6 East, Batesville, MS 38606. This is the only location in Batesville where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no online appointment system for Batesville, so you arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Call ahead at (662) 563-6250 to ask about current wait times, especially if you are going during lunch hours or late afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau at 1427 Hwy 6 East is the only place in Batesville to get or renew a driver's license.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to complete your transaction.
  • A new license costs $24 and is valid for four years; a renewal costs $24 and extends your license for four more years.
  • If you fail the written or road test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
  • The office does not take appointments, so arrival time and day of the week affect how long you wait.

What documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or passport card. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a W-2 form from your employer. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Batesville address.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may be able to renew by mail. Call the Batesville office to ask whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal, which takes longer but saves a trip.

The cost and how long a license lasts

A new driver's license costs $24 and is valid for four years from the date of issue. A renewal also costs $24 and extends your license for four more years. If you are under 21, the license is valid for four years but has a different appearance to show your age.

Payment is cash or check only at the Batesville office — they do not accept credit cards or debit cards. Bring exact change or a check made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Taking the written and road tests

If you are getting your first license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a road test. The written test is given on a computer at the Batesville office and takes about 15 minutes. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The road test is conducted by an examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner tests your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and follow traffic laws.

If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but each attempt requires you to return to the office during business hours.

Renewing an existing license

If your license is still valid and you are renewing before it expires, you do not need to retake the written or road test. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

If your license has expired, you may still renew it without retaking the tests, but only within a certain time frame. Call the Batesville office to ask whether your expired license can still be renewed without testing, or whether you must take the tests again.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Batesville office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement costs $24 and takes about 30 minutes.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police so a record exists. Bring the police report number to the Driver's License Bureau if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail from Batesville?

Some renewals can be done by mail, but not all. Call the Batesville office at (662) 563-6250 to ask whether your situation qualifies. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal but saves you a trip.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other official document showing your Social Security number instead. Call ahead to confirm the office will accept the document you have.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No. The Batesville office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Call (662) 563-6250 to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra charge, or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each attempt requires you to return during office hours with a vehicle that is registered and insured.

Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, Social Security number, and Mississippi residency. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, but may not need to take the road test depending on your out-of-state driving record. Ask the office when you call.