Where to go for a driver's license in New Albany

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses in New Albany through the local Driver's License Examining Station. This office is located at 1001 Goza Road, New Albany, MS 38652. You can reach them by phone at (662) 534-1904 to confirm hours or ask questions about what to bring before you go.

New Albany's office handles both new licenses and renewals. If you live in Union County or nearby areas, this is your main stop. The office is not open every day of the week, so check their hours before making the trip — many Mississippi license offices have limited schedules, often closing on certain weekdays or opening only in the morning.

You can also renew your license online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your name or address. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few business days.

Key Takeaways

  • The New Albany Driver's License Examining Station is at 1001 Goza Road and can be reached at (662) 534-1904 to confirm hours before you visit.
  • You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address — bring originals, not copies.
  • If you are getting your first license, you must pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at the New Albany office.
  • Online renewal is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
  • Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process.

Documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires specific documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your birth certificate or U.S. passport as proof of identity and date of birth. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form from your employer.

For proof of your current address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on your address proof must match the name on your birth certificate or passport, or you will need to bring additional documents showing a legal name change.

If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself — it helps staff locate your record and speeds up processing. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, you do not have a license to bring, but the other documents remain the same.

The testing process for a new license

If you are getting your first driver's license or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must pass three tests at the New Albany office: a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office, depending on the examiner. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping to show you can control the vehicle safely.

You do not need to schedule an appointment for testing in advance at most Mississippi offices, but calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. Some offices get busy in the afternoon or on certain days of the week.

Fees and payment methods

A new driver's license in Mississippi costs $24.50 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $24.50 and is also valid for four years. If you renew online, the fee is slightly lower. The New Albany office accepts cash and check; call ahead to confirm whether they accept card payments, as this varies by location.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same as a new license. There are no additional charges for the written test or driving test — those are included in the license fee.

How long the process takes

If you are renewing an existing license and all your documents are in order, you can usually walk out with your new license the same day. The office prints licenses on-site. If you are getting your first license, you will need to complete the written test, vision test, and driving test, which can take one to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

If you are renewing online, your new license will arrive by mail in about five to seven business days. You can continue driving on your expired license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as your previous license was not suspended or revoked.

What to do if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test on your first try, you can retake it. There is no additional fee for retesting — you pay once when you first explore, and that fee covers multiple test attempts. You can usually schedule a retest within a few days or weeks, depending on the office's schedule.

Before you retake the test, spend time practicing the skills the examiner noted as weak. Common reasons for failing include improper lane changes, not checking mirrors, speeding, or not coming to a complete stop. Ask the examiner for specific feedback so you know what to work on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No, Mississippi does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit the New Albany office in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.

What if I moved to New Albany from out of state?

You will need to get a Mississippi license. Bring your out-of-state license, your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your New Albany address. You must pass the written test and vision test; the driving test requirement depends on your age and how long you held your out-of-state license.

Do I need an appointment to get my license?

Most Mississippi offices do not require appointments, but calling (662) 534-1904 to ask about wait times is smart. Some offices are less crowded at certain times of day or on certain weekdays. If the office is very busy, staff may ask you to come back later.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document from your employer instead. You can also bring a bank statement or mortgage statement that shows your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself, just proof of the number.

Can I get a Real ID at the New Albany office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal-compliant license that you can use for domestic air travel and federal building access. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires the same documents plus additional proof of your address. Ask the staff at the New Albany office about Real ID when you visit.