Mississippi driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Mississippi driver's license costs $24.00 for a four-year license or $36.00 for an eight-year license. If you are under 21, the four-year license is $24.00 and the eight-year license is $36.00. These are the base fees charged by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which issues all driver's licenses in the state.

The fee you pay depends on which license type you choose and how long you want it to remain valid. Most people renew every four or eight years when their current license expires. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost or damaged one, you will pay the same fee as a renewal.

Additional fees explore if you need a duplicate license, request a name change, or add endorsements like a motorcycle or commercial driver's license. These are separate charges on top of the base license fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Mississippi driver's license costs $24.00, and an eight-year license costs $36.00.
  • You pay the same fee whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost license.
  • Duplicate licenses, name changes, and special endorsements like a motorcycle rating carry additional fees beyond the base license cost.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at any Mississippi Driver's License Examining Station.

Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted

You pay your driver's license fee in person at a Mississippi Driver's License Examining Station. These are operated by the Department of Public Safety and located in most counties across the state. You cannot pay online or by mail — you must appear in person with your documents and payment.

The examining stations accept cash, check, and debit card. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if you are paying cash, though most stations can make change. If you are paying by check, make it payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

You can find the examining station nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The site lists hours, locations, and phone numbers for each station. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether you need an appointment — some stations require one, while others operate on a walk-in basis.

What documents you need to bring when you pay

Bring your current driver's license or state ID if you have one. If you are getting your first license, bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2), and two documents showing your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring your original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the examining station. The vision test is done on-site. The knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another time — you do not pay again for retakes.

Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down. You will need it to complete your process. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Fees for duplicate licenses and special requests

A duplicate license (a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) costs the same as a regular renewal: $24.00 for four years or $36.00 for eight years. You do not pay extra for the replacement itself — you pay the standard license fee.

If you need to change your name on your license, you pay the standard renewal fee plus bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Some examining stations may charge a small additional fee for processing the name change, but this varies by location.

A motorcycle endorsement (also called a motorcycle license rating) costs $10.00 additional. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has a different fee structure and costs more — contact your local examining station for current CDL pricing, as it depends on the type of commercial license you need.

How long the license is valid and when to renew

A four-year license expires four years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license expires eight years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it at any examining station. There is no penalty fee for renewing late — you straightforward pay the standard renewal fee. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed.

When you renew, you will take the vision and written tests again. Some people renew early to avoid the test, but the test is required every time you renew, regardless of when you come in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires you to renew in person at a Driver's License Examining Station. You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test each time you renew. There is no mail-in or online renewal option.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another time at no extra charge. You only pay the license fee once. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the Mississippi Driver's Manual beforehand.

Do I have to choose between a four-year and eight-year license?

Yes. When you renew, you choose which term you want. The four-year license is cheaper upfront ($24.00 versus $36.00), but you renew more often. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

Report it to your local police department and get a report number. Bring that report number to the examining station along with your documents. You pay the standard license fee ($24.00 or $36.00) for the replacement — there is no extra charge for a lost or stolen license.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. The examining station issues a temporary paper license on the spot after you pass the tests and pay the fee. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid during that time.