Getting a Mississippi driver's license: the basic path

To get a driver's license in Mississippi, you will visit your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test. The entire process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people start by getting a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test.

Mississippi issues two types of licenses: a regular driver's license (valid for four years) and a commercial driver's license (CDL), which you need to operate large trucks or buses. This guide covers the regular license. The process is the same whether you are getting your first license or renewing one that has expired.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to start the process.
  • A learner's permit requires passing a written test and vision screening, and you must hold it for at least one day before taking the road test.
  • The road test is scheduled separately and typically happens weeks after you get your permit, depending on office availability.
  • You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle registered in Mississippi to take the road test.
  • The total cost is around $30 to $40 for the permit and license combined, though fees vary slightly by county.

What documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring original documents, not copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies or digital images on your phone. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Getting your learner's permit: the written test and vision check

At the DPS office, you will take a written test on Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DPS website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean.

After you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not receive a permit that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor before you can return.

Once you pass both the written test and vision screening, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot. You must hold this permit for at least one day before you can take the road test. Many people hold it for several weeks while they practice driving.

Practicing with your learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions exist until you pass your road test and receive your full license.

Use this time to practice in different conditions: residential streets, highways, parking lots, and heavy traffic if possible. Practice parallel parking, three-point turns, and backing up. Ask the licensed driver with you to point out mistakes so you can correct them before the road test. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by law, but most people practice for at least 20 to 30 hours before they feel ready.

Scheduling and taking your road test

Contact your local DPS office to schedule your road test. You cannot schedule online; you must call or visit in person. Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy counties, so schedule as soon as you are ready. When you call, have your learner's permit number ready.

On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered in Mississippi, have valid tags, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before you start driving.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also take you on local roads to see how you handle traffic, follow signs, and obey speed limits. If you pass, you will receive your driver's license that day or within a few days. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a week or two.

Renewing or replacing your license

A Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years. The DPS office will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at any DPS office or by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked. To renew by mail, send the renewal notice, your current license, and a check for the renewal fee to the address on the notice.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you did for your original license. A replacement costs less than a new license and takes the same amount of time to process.

DPS office locations and hours

Mississippi has DPS offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson, but you can visit any county office to get your permit or license. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. A few offices have Saturday hours. Check the DPS website for the address and hours of your nearest office before you go.

Offices can be busy, especially on Fridays and at the beginning of the month. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter wait times. Bring all your documents the first time you visit; if you forget something, you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, bring documentation of that. The DPS office will work with you to complete the process using the information you have.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can take the road test again. Most people schedule their second attempt within one to two weeks. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, though you will pay the test fee each time.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is valid proof.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?

No. If you are renewing a license that has not been suspended or revoked, you only need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated proof of residency. You do not take any tests. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to retake the written test and road test before you can drive again.

Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Mississippi?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. To get one, bring the same documents as a regular license plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. The fee is slightly higher than a standard license. Real ID licenses are valid for eight years instead of four.