How to Get and Renew a Mississippi Driver's License

What you need to know about Mississippi driver's licenses

A Mississippi driver's license is issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau. You'll need one to drive legally in the state, and it also serves as a valid form of identification for other purposes. The process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

Mississippi offers both a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID version is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings, though it costs a few dollars more. Most people renewing or getting a new license can choose which type they want at the time of process.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver's License Bureau office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to get or renew a license.
Standard Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for four years; REAL ID licenses are also valid for four years but cost more and require additional documentation.
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, and you can do this in person at any Driver's License Bureau office or online through the state website if you meet certain conditions.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to report it and pay a replacement fee at a Driver's License Bureau office.
Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid form of identification to your appointment.

Getting your first Mississippi driver's license

If you've never held a driver's license in Mississippi, you'll start with a learner's permit, then move to a regular license. You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit. Visit any Driver's License Bureau office with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), your Social Security card, and proof of Mississippi residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you. You must hold the permit for a minimum of 30 days before you can test for a regular license. When you're ready, return to the Driver's License Bureau office to take the written test and the driving test. Both tests happen on the same day if you pass the written portion.

Once you pass both tests, you'll receive your driver's license on the spot. The license is valid for four years from the date of issue. The total cost for a learner's permit and then a driver's license varies, but expect to pay a small fee at each stage.

Renewing your Mississippi driver's license

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. The easiest route is online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. You'll need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start an online renewal.

If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Processing takes about two weeks. You'll pay the renewal fee online with a credit or debit card. If you cannot renew online—because your license is already expired, your address changed, or you want to upgrade to REAL ID—you must visit a Driver's License Bureau office in person.

In-person renewal requires the same documents as a first-time process: proof of identity, your Social Security card, and proof of current Mississippi residency. Bring your current license as well. The office will take a new photo and issue your renewed license when ready or mail it to you, depending on the office's procedures.

REAL ID versus standard Mississippi driver's license

A standard Mississippi driver's license works for driving and most everyday identification. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.

Getting a REAL ID license requires additional documentation beyond a standard license. You'll need to bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and two forms of proof of Mississippi residency. The residency documents must show your name and current address—utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and insurance documents all count.

A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license, though the exact difference varies. If you're already renewing or getting a new license, you can choose REAL ID at that time. You do not have to upgrade; a standard license remains valid for driving within Mississippi and for other everyday uses.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any Driver's License Bureau office and report it. Bring proof of identity and your Social Security card. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license but more than a renewal. The office will issue you a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement from the Driver's License Bureau. The new license will have a new number and expiration date, so it will be valid for four years from the date of replacement.

What documents to bring to the Driver's License Bureau

The documents you need depend on whether you're getting a first license, renewing, or replacing. For any transaction, bring your Social Security card and a valid form of identity. Valid identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

You'll also need proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must show your current address and your name. If you're upgrading to REAL ID, bring two forms of residency proof instead of one.

If you're renewing online, you won't need to bring anything—you'll complete the process on the state website. If you're renewing in person or getting a first license, bring your current license as well if you have one. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

Driver's License Bureau office locations and hours

Mississippi has Driver's License Bureau offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the office in your county. The main office is in Jackson, but there are satellite offices throughout the state. Hours vary by location, though most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Calling ahead or checking the website before you go will save you a trip. During busy times, wait times can be long, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning often means shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver's License Bureau office rather than online. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity, your Social Security card, and proof of residency. You'll pay the renewal fee, and the office will issue a new license valid for four years from the renewal date.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Processing time is typically two to three weeks after you explore. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the Driver's License Bureau office for a temporary paper license or receipt showing you've applied. Some offices issue these on the spot.

What if I moved to Mississippi from another state?

You can drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time, but you must get a Mississippi license once you establish residency. Visit a Driver's License Bureau office with your out-of-state license, proof of identity, your Social Security card, and proof of Mississippi residency. You'll take the written and driving tests unless Mississippi has a reciprocal agreement with your previous state.

Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken at each renewal or replacement, whether you renew in person or online. If you renew online, you'll upload a digital photo that meets state requirements. If you renew in person, the office takes your photo at the time of process.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, though you may need to wait a certain number of days between attempts. The Driver's License Bureau office will tell you when you can return to test again. You'll pay a fee each time you take the test. You do not need to retake the written test if you passed it on your first attempt.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.