Where to get your driver's license in Hattiesburg

In Hattiesburg, you get your driver's license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Office, located at 1141 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only place in the city where you can take the written test, the road test, or pick up a new or renewed license. You cannot complete these transactions at a county courthouse or sheriff's office.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — some days open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while others have different schedules. Before you go, call ahead at the office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm the current hours, because they change seasonally and sometimes close for state holidays.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and early in the month. If you want to reduce your wait, you can request an appointment through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, though appointment availability varies.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg driver's license office is at 1141 Hardy Street and is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, not by the city or county.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport) before you arrive.
  • If you are renewing an expiring license, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person, depending on how long it has been since your last renewal.
  • The written test and road test are given at this office only; you cannot take them anywhere else in Hattiesburg.
  • Appointment slots fill up quickly, so if you want to avoid a long wait, book ahead through the state website.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. You will also need proof of identity — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.

You must also bring proof of residency showing your current Hattiesburg address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you do not have a document with your address, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a pay stub and a bank statement.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign the process and bring their own ID.

Getting your first license or renewing after it expires

If you have never had a Mississippi driver's license, you must take the written test and the road test in person at the Hattiesburg office. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which the office provides free or you can read from the state website.

The road test happens in a vehicle — usually your own, though some testing sites allow you to use a state vehicle for an extra fee. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may have to retake both tests instead of straightforward renewing. If it expired less than a year ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without taking the tests again. Call the Hattiesburg office to ask which path applies to you.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your license is still valid or expired less than a year ago, you may renew without visiting the office. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety allows online renewal for some drivers and mail renewal for others. You can check whether you are may be able to access on the state website by entering your license number.

Online renewal is faster — you upload your documents and pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer because you have to print forms, gather documents, and mail them in, then wait for processing.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have unpaid traffic tickets, or if you are renewing for the first time. In those cases, you must visit the Hattiesburg office in person.

What the license costs and how long it lasts

A Class D driver's license (the standard license for driving a car) costs different amounts depending on how long you want it to last. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact price varies, so ask at the office or check the state website before you go.

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office. Some offices accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm. If you renew by mail or online, you will pay by credit or debit card.

Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. You can renew it anytime in the 90 days before it expires, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute.

Taking the written test

The written test has 30 questions about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the Hattiesburg office, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the office ahead of time to ask whether they can arrange it.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee to retake it. Study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before you try again — it covers everything on the test.

Taking the road test

The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to start the car, drive on local streets, park, and perform other basic maneuvers. You must follow traffic laws exactly — speeding, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting a curb will result in failure.

Bring the vehicle you plan to use, your proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the car, they will not test you that day.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. There is usually a fee to retake it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must visit the Hattiesburg office in person and retake the written test and road test. If it expired less than a year ago, you may renew by mail or online. Check the state website with your license number to see which option you have.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a fee each time you retake a test. Study the Driver's Manual before you try the written test again, and practice driving before you retake the road test.

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

Walk-ins are accepted, but waits can be long. You can request an appointment through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to reduce your wait time. Appointment slots fill up, especially on Fridays and early in the month.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at the Hattiesburg office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement usually costs less than a new license and takes the same amount of time to process.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need it in another language, call the Hattiesburg office ahead of time to ask whether they can arrange it or refer you to another location.