Where to renew your license in Hattiesburg

In Hattiesburg, you renew your driver license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau. The main office is located at 1900 E. Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only location in Hattiesburg where you can complete a full renewal in person.

You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must be at least 21 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that need to be re-tested. If you do not meet these conditions, you must go in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Driver License Bureau at 1900 E. Main Street is the only Hattiesburg location where you can renew in person.
  • Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • Bring your original documents or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies for proof of residency or Social Security.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days if you renew in person; mail renewals take longer and you should plan for 2 to 3 weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver license, even if it is expired. You will also need proof of residency — this can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Hattiesburg address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and address.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, a W-2 or recent tax return works. Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport.

What happens during an in-person renewal

When you arrive at the Driver License Bureau, you will check in at the front desk and take a number. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons and weekends. You will be called to a window where staff will review your documents, ask you to sign a form, and take a new photo.

You will also take a vision test. If you currently wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before your license is issued. The staff will tell you what to do if this happens.

After your photo and vision test, you will pay the renewal fee. The cost depends on how long your new license is valid for — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Ask the staff what the current fee is when you arrive, as fees can change. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your new card is being made.

How to renew by mail

If your license expired within the last year, you have no medical restrictions, and you do not need vision correction, you can renew by mail. read the process form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, or call the Hattiesburg Driver License Bureau at (601) 582-2000 to request a form be mailed to you.

Fill out the form completely and include your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks to process, so send your process well before you need your new license.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

If you renew in person, your new license will be mailed to you within about 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for your card. Keep this paper license safe — you will need to show it along with your old license if you are stopped by police.

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided. If you do not receive it within 15 business days, call the Hattiesburg Driver License Bureau to check the status. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address by phone or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the mail renewal process. You must go in person to the Driver License Bureau in Hattiesburg. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Wear them during your vision test at the Driver License Bureau. If you fail the vision test even with your glasses or contacts, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before your license is issued. Your license may also be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear correction while driving.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Hattiesburg address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The staff will update your address during renewal. If you move after you renew but before your new license arrives, call the Driver License Bureau to update your mailing address.

How much does it cost to renew?

The fee depends on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. Call the Hattiesburg Driver License Bureau at (601) 582-2000 to ask the current fee, as it can change. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office; by mail, send a check or money order.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need your actual Social Security card. Bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or recent tax return that shows your Social Security number. These documents work just as well as the card itself.