Where to go for a driver's license in Oxford

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses in Oxford. You will go to the Oxford Driver's License Office, located at 1410 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655. This is the only place in Oxford where you can get a new license or renew an existing one.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — some days open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while others have different schedules. Call ahead at (662) 234-7788 to confirm the current hours before you go, since hours can change seasonally or due to staffing.

You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the office can get busy in the afternoon. Going early in the morning typically means a shorter wait. If you are renewing by mail or online, you can skip the office visit entirely — see the section below on renewal options.

Key Takeaways

  • The Oxford Driver's License Office is at 1410 University Avenue and is open weekdays only; call (662) 234-7788 to confirm hours before you go.
  • For a new license, bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, proof of identity, and a completed process form DL-44.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test in your own vehicle or the office's test vehicle.
  • Renewing an existing license can be done by mail, online, or in person depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo.
  • A standard driver's license costs around $24 for eight years, though the exact fee may vary; ask the office staff for the current price.

Documents you need for a new license

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. This is required and you cannot substitute a copy or a different document. If you have lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the license office, or you can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement showing your number.

You also need proof of residency — a document showing your name and current Oxford 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. Bring the original, not a copy.

Bring a proof of identity document such as a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document like a school ID or employee ID.

Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Driving Privilege) before you arrive. You can read it from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or pick one up at the office. Bring it completed but unsigned — you will sign it in front of the staff member.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

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

Next is a vision test. The office will check that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next — usually you need a letter from an eye doctor saying you can drive safely.

Finally, you take a driving test. You can use your own vehicle if it is registered and insured, or you can use the office's test vehicle. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You must pass all three tests to receive your license.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, you may be able to renew by mail without going to the office. You will need to send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. The process takes about two to three weeks. Contact the Oxford office or visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to request a mail renewal form.

Some renewals can also be done online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license is still valid. Online renewal is faster — you receive your new license in the mail within one to two weeks. You will not need a new photo if you renew online or by mail, as long as your current photo is less than eight years old.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go to the office in person and take the written and driving tests again. You cannot renew by mail or online in this situation.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard eight-year driver's license costs approximately $24, though the exact fee may have changed. Ask the staff at the office for the current fee when you arrive. Payment is usually cash or check; confirm what forms of payment they accept when you call ahead.

If you pass all three tests on your first visit, you will receive a temporary license on the spot that you can use right away. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment or come back another day.

What to do if you have an out-of-state license

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Mississippi, you can exchange it for a Mississippi license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Oxford, and your Social Security card. You will not need to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will take only the vision test.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take all three tests — written, vision, and driving — just like someone getting a license for the first time. Bring the same documents listed in the section above on documents for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. If you use someone else's vehicle, bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration. The examiner will verify that the vehicle is safe to drive before the test begins.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is usually no extra fee for a retest. You have a limited number of attempts before you must wait a certain period before trying again — ask the office staff what the current policy is.

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

Walk-ins are usually accepted, but the office can get busy. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. Some transactions may require an appointment; ask when you call (662) 234-7788.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

Tell the staff when you arrive. Some conditions require a letter from a doctor saying you can drive safely. Others may require restrictions on your license, like driving only during daylight hours. The office staff can tell you what documentation you need.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to the expiration date. Bring your current license and follow the same process as a regular renewal.