How to Get a Driver's License in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Where to go for a driver's license in Hattiesburg

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services office in Hattiesburg is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only place in Hattiesburg where you can get a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions. The office is run by the state, not the city, so you cannot handle these matters at City Hall or the county courthouse.

You can reach the Hattiesburg Driver Services office by phone at (601) 582-4821 to ask about current wait times, whether a specific service is available that day, or to clarify what documents you need to bring. Hours vary by season and staffing, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip, especially if you need a commercial driver's license or a Real ID.

Key Takeaways

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services office at 1601 Hardy Street in Hattiesburg is where you renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license.
You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to get a new license.
A standard Mississippi driver's license costs money that varies depending on whether you are renewing or getting a new license, and how long you want it to last.
Call (601) 582-4821 before you go to confirm hours, current wait times, and whether the specific service you need is available that day.
If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired or suspended, depending on your situation.

What documents you need to bring

To get a new driver's license in Mississippi, you must bring proof of your identity, proof that you live in Mississippi, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver's license. If you do not have one of these, call the Hattiesburg office to ask what else they will accept.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current street address. A PO box does not count as proof of residency. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name and address, ask the office what temporary proof they will accept.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return, a W-2, or a benefit statement. The office will not accept a photo of these documents — bring the original or an official copy.

The cost and how long a license lasts

A Mississippi driver's license costs different amounts depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time, and how many years you want it to be valid. A new license typically costs more than a renewal. You can usually choose between a license valid for four years or one valid for eight years; the longer license costs more upfront but saves money over time.

Call the Hattiesburg office or visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see the current fee schedule, since fees can change. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — ask when you call whether the office accepts all three, as some locations have limits on payment methods.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your current license is not expired and you have not had it suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew without visiting the office in person. Mississippi allows some drivers to renew online through the state website or by mail, though the rules depend on your age, how long your license has been valid, and whether you need to update your address or photo.

To find out whether you can renew online or by mail, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the Hattiesburg office. If you are told you can renew by mail, the office will send you a form and instructions. If you can renew online, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary license by email while the physical license is mailed to you.

Getting a Real ID or commercial driver's license

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and can be used to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents, such as proof of citizenship (a passport or birth certificate) in addition to the standard identity and residency documents. Not all Real IDs are available at every office on every day, so call ahead to confirm the Hattiesburg office has them in stock.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. Getting a CDL involves a written test, a skills test, and a medical examination. The Hattiesburg office can tell you the schedule for CDL testing and what medical provider you need to see. This process takes longer than a standard license and cannot be done online or by mail.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Driver Services office. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions set by the court or the state. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Call the Hattiesburg office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a driver improvement course, or wait out a suspension period. Once you have met those conditions, you can return to the office to reinstate your license.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Hattiesburg office. Bring the same documents you would need for a renewal — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to take a new photo or retake a test unless your license has expired.

A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and get a report number, though this is not required to get a replacement. Ask the office whether they need the police report number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

No, you cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. You must visit the Hattiesburg Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to retake the written test and the vision test.

How long does it take to get a license at the Hattiesburg office?

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Call (601) 582-4821 to ask about current wait times before you go. Generally, going early in the morning or mid-week is faster than going on Friday or late in the day. If you need a Real ID or CDL, expect a longer appointment.

What if I moved to Hattiesburg from another state?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Mississippi license at the Hattiesburg office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Mississippi, and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and a written test on Mississippi traffic laws. Call the office to ask whether you need to bring any other documents from your previous state.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Mississippi requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Call the Hattiesburg Driver Services office to ask whether they can direct you to the nearest Social Security office or whether there are any exceptions to this rule.

What should I do if the office tells me I need documents I do not have?

Call the office back and ask what alternatives they will accept. For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, ask whether a passport or military ID will work instead. If you genuinely cannot get the document they are asking for, ask whether the office has a process for people in your situation — some offices can make exceptions or accept affidavits in certain cases.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.