Where to go for your driver's license in Laurel

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau office in Laurel is located at 1410 Old Richton Road, Laurel, MS 39440. This is the physical location where you will go to take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or to renew an existing one.

The Laurel office is one of several Driver's License Bureau locations across Mississippi. If you cannot reach the Laurel office or need to know their current hours before you visit, you can call the main Mississippi Driver's License Bureau at 601-987-1212. They can tell you the Laurel office's hours of operation and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or if you need to schedule ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel Driver's License Bureau is at 1410 Old Richton Road and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
  • You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address to explore.
  • Mississippi requires you to pass a written test and vision test before you receive your license.
  • Call 601-987-1212 to confirm hours and whether the Laurel office is accepting visitors on the day you plan to go.

What documents to bring

Before you go to the Laurel office, gather the documents Mississippi requires. You will need one document that proves your identity and date of birth — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card are the most common. You will also need to prove your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work for this.

You must also bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will satisfy this requirement. If you do not have a document in your name at your current address, bring a letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with their ID and a utility bill showing their name and address.

If you are renewing a license, bring your current license card. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but it helps to know your license number if you have it.

The written test and what it covers

Mississippi's written test has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers rules of the road, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can study for the test using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The manual contains all the information the test will ask about. Many people study the manual for a few days before their test appointment and pass on the first try.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again, and you will pay a fee each time you take the test.

Vision testing at the Laurel office

The Laurel Driver's License Bureau will test your vision as part of the licensing process. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test — your license will straightforward note that correction is required.

If you fail the vision test, the office will tell you that you need to see an eye doctor. You will then need to bring a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that you meet Mississippi's vision standards. After that, you can return to the Laurel office to complete your license.

Fees and payment methods

Mississippi charges different fees depending on what you are doing. A new driver's license costs one amount, a renewal costs another, and a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs a third. The exact fee varies, so call 601-987-1212 to confirm the current price before you go.

The Laurel office accepts cash and check. Some locations also accept debit or credit cards, but it is safest to bring cash or a check to avoid any issues. Ask when you call to confirm what payment methods the Laurel office takes.

How long the process takes

The entire visit to the Laurel office — from check-in through photo and payment — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass all tests on your first try. If you need to retake the written test or if the office is busy, it may take longer.

Your physical license card will be mailed to you after your visit. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the office whether they offer expedited mail options and what that costs.

If you cannot visit in person

Some license renewals can be done by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. Call 601-987-1212 to ask whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal. If it does, the office can tell you the steps to follow without visiting Laurel in person.

If you must visit in person but have difficulty getting to the Laurel office, ask whether any other Mississippi Driver's License Bureau locations are closer to you. The department has offices in other cities, and you may be able to complete your license at a more convenient location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. Mississippi requires you to take the written test and vision test in person at a Driver's License Bureau office. You cannot take these tests online or by mail. You must visit the Laurel office or another bureau location to complete your license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days. Each test attempt costs a fee. Study the Mississippi Driver's Manual between attempts. Most people pass on their second try after reviewing the material they missed.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Call 601-987-1212 to find out whether the Laurel office is currently taking walk-ins or if appointments are required. This changes based on how busy the office is, so it is worth calling ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

How do I know if my license is expired?

Check the expiration date printed on your current license card. If today's date is past that date, your license is expired. You will need to renew it in person at the Laurel office or another bureau location.