Mississippi driver's license fees by license type

A Mississippi driver's license costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. The eight-year option is available only to drivers age 21 and older. Younger drivers and those renewing before age 21 must purchase the four-year license.

If you are renewing by mail or online rather than in person, the fee remains the same — $24 or $36 depending on the term you choose. The state does not charge extra for processing or handling.

Replacement licenses (issued when your current license is lost, stolen, or damaged) cost $10. This is a separate fee from renewal and does not extend your license expiration date — your new card will expire on the same date as the one it replaces.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Mississippi driver's license costs $24; an eight-year license costs $36 and is available only to drivers age 21 and older.
  • Replacement licenses cost $10 and do not change your expiration date.
  • You can renew in person at a Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
  • Payment methods vary by location and renewal method — call your local Driver Services office to confirm what they accept.

Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted

Payment is made directly to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, you can usually pay by cash, check, or debit card. Credit card acceptance varies by location, so call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

Online renewal through the state website accepts credit and debit cards. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash by mail.

Driver Services offices are located in each county. You can find the address and phone number of your nearest office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling the main office.

Renewal by mail versus in-person renewal

Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address. The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal. You will need to submit your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and payment by check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives your materials.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and allows you to update your address, change your name, or add medical restrictions if needed. You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you have not renewed in more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Online renewal is the fastest option for may be able to access drivers. You can renew online if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address. The fee is $24 for a four-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.

Additional costs you may encounter

If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license, not a replacement), the cost is $10. This is useful if you want to keep one license in your wallet and one at home.

A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license — $24 or $36 — but requires additional documents at renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency. There is no extra fee for the REAL ID designation itself.

If you fail the written or vision test during in-person renewal, you may need to pay a retest fee. This fee varies and should be confirmed with your local Driver Services office before you take the test.

What documents you need to bring

For renewal in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days), and payment. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

For REAL ID renewal, add proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or passport card) and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). The Social Security card is the easiest to bring.

For mail renewal, send your current license, completed form DL-44, and payment. You do not need to submit copies of other documents by mail, but keep them in case the office requests them.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Mississippi does not have a grace period — your license is invalid after the expiration date, even by one day. You cannot legally drive with an expired license.

You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the term of your new license — a four-year renewal will still be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake the written test and vision test in person at a Driver Services office. The renewal fee remains $24 or $36, but you should allow extra time for testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online if I moved to another state?

No. Online renewal requires that you not change your address. If you have moved out of state, you must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office or by mail. You will need to provide your new out-of-state address as your current address.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement before I can renew?

A replacement license costs $10 and keeps your current expiration date. You can get a replacement in person at any Driver Services office with a photo ID and payment. If your expiration date is within 90 days, you may want to renew at the same time and pay both fees ($10 for replacement plus $24 or $36 for renewal).

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew a few months before my license expires?

Yes. Mississippi charges the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew within the 90-day window before expiration. Early renewal does not reduce the cost or shorten the term of your new license.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No. Address changes are included in the renewal fee if you renew in person. If you want to change your address without renewing, you can request a duplicate license for $10, which will show your new address but keep your current expiration date.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you overpay by mail, the office will refund the difference. If you underpay, your process will be returned and you will need to resubmit with the correct payment. Call your local Driver Services office if you are unsure of the exact amount needed for your situation.