Where to go for a driver's license in Tupelo

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Tupelo is located at 3157 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801. This is the physical location where you will go in person to take your written test, vision test, and photo, and to pick up your license once it is issued.

The Tupelo office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — some days open at 7:30 a.m. and others at 8 a.m., and closing time ranges from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Before you go, call ahead at the office directly or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm the exact hours for the day you plan to visit, since hours can change.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during peak times. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tupelo driver's license office is at 3157 West Main Street and is open weekdays only, with hours that vary by day.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation to show it.
  • First-time drivers must pass a written test and a vision test at the office; you cannot take these tests online.
  • A standard driver's license costs money, and the fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license the day you pass your tests, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of identification — a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a state ID card all work. You also need proof that you live in Mississippi, such as a utility bill, a lease, a bank statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and current street address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport to prove citizenship or lawful residency.

Bring your current license if you are renewing. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, bring the documents listed above instead.

What happens when you arrive at the office

You will check in at the front desk and submit your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions to verify your identity and residency. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Next, you will take a vision test. The examiner will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to take the written test that day, and you will need to return after you have corrected your vision.

If you pass the vision test, you will take the written test on a computer. The test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. You have one hour to complete it. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or return another day.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions. You need to get 24 questions correct to pass. The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. You can study the Mississippi Driver's Manual online on the Department of Public Safety website before you go.

The test is given on a computer at the office. You cannot take it online from home. You read each question on the screen, choose your answer, and move to the next question. You cannot go back to change an answer once you move forward. The computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed.

If you pass the written test and the vision test, you will have your photo taken for your license. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for several years.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard driver's license costs money, and the exact amount depends on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The fee also depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. Call the Tupelo office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current fee.

You will pay the fee at the office after you pass your tests. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card — ask the office which payment methods they accept.

You will receive a temporary paper license the day you pass your tests. This temporary license is valid for driving right away. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call the office to check on it.

If you fail your tests

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day if you want, or you can leave and come back another day. There is usually a fee to retake the test. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass it.

If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get your vision corrected, and return to the office. Bring documentation from your eye doctor showing that your vision now meets the standard for driving.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your license is expiring soon or has expired, you can renew it at the Tupelo office. Bring your current license and proof of residency. You will not need to take the written test again unless your license has been expired for more than five years. You will need a new photo and a vision test.

If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one, plus your proof of residency and identification. You will need to take the vision test and have a new photo taken, but you will not retake the written test. There is usually a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at the Tupelo office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must go to the office, pass the vision test, and then take the written test on a computer there.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is usually a fee each time you retake it. You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass.

How long does the whole process take on the day I go?

Plan for one to two hours from the time you arrive until you leave. This includes checking in, the vision test, the written test, and the photo. If the office is very busy, it may take longer. If you fail a test, you may need to return another day.

What if I move after I get my license?

You must update your address with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can do this online on their website, by mail, or in person at the Tupelo office. You do not need a new license just to change your address, but your license should show your current address.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

Your permanent license arrives by mail, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you need to pick up a replacement or have questions about your license, call the Tupelo office to ask what they need from you or your representative.