Where to go for your driver's license in Starkville

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau office in Starkville is located at 1601 Russell Street, Starkville, MS 39759. This is the only location in Starkville where you can take your written test, road test, or renew your license in person. You cannot complete these transactions online or by mail — you must visit the office.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (662) 323-2371 before you go. Wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait. The office closes on state holidays.

You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID). If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are getting your first license or a duplicate, bring the documents listed above plus any name-change paperwork if applicable.

Key Takeaways

  • The Starkville driver's license office is at 1601 Russell Street and is open Monday through Friday — call (662) 323-2371 to confirm hours before you visit.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and a valid form of identity to complete any transaction.
  • Written tests, road tests, and license renewals all happen at this same location and cannot be done online or by mail.
  • Arriving early in the morning usually means shorter wait times than visiting during lunch or late afternoon.

Getting your first driver's license

If you are 16 or 17, you must first get a learner's permit. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the Starkville office. The test is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website.

Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take your road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. After 30 days, you schedule your road test at the same Starkville office. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.

If you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you still take the written test first, but you do not need a learner's permit. You can take your road test when ready after passing the written test, though the office may schedule it on a different day due to demand.

Renewing your license

Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew your license in person at the Starkville office up to one year before it expires. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal process takes about 15 minutes if you do not need a new photo.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license and take the written test again. If your license expired between one month and one year ago, you may be able to renew without retesting; call the office to confirm your situation.

Getting a duplicate or replacement license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at the Starkville office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to retake any tests. The duplicate costs the same as a renewal and is processed the same day you visit.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license plus the legal document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

What to expect on your road test

The road test is conducted by a Mississippi Department of Public Safety examiner who rides with you in your vehicle. You must provide a vehicle that is safe, insured, and registered. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers both city streets and, sometimes, highway driving.

You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you may have to wait a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule. Call to find out when the next available test date is.

Fees and payment

A new driver's license costs $31.50 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $31.50. A duplicate or replacement costs $31.50. The Starkville office accepts cash and card payments. Fees are set by the state and do not vary by location.

If you are 65 or older, your license is free to renew. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be able to renew by mail — call the office to ask about your specific situation.

If you cannot visit in person

Some transactions cannot be done at the Starkville office. If you need to change your address, you can do that online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website without visiting. If you need to update your vehicle information or medical conditions, you can also do that online.

If you live outside Starkville and cannot travel to this office, there are other driver's license bureaus throughout Mississippi. The nearest offices to Starkville are in Columbus (about 30 minutes away) and West Point (about 20 minutes away). All offices offer the same services and accept the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

Not usually. Most people take the written test first, then schedule the road test for a later date because the office may not have an examiner available the same day. Call ahead to ask if same-day testing is possible when you arrive for your written test.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake it, but you must wait and schedule another appointment. The office will tell you when the next available test date is — this can be days or weeks away depending on demand. You do not retake the written test, only the road test.

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

The Starkville office accepts walk-ins, but you may wait several hours during busy times. Some transactions may require an appointment — call (662) 323-2371 to ask whether you need one for your specific task.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

It will not be accepted. You need a utility bill, lease, or similar document dated within the last 60 days. If you cannot get one, ask the office what other documents they will accept as proof of where you live.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush before your expiration date.