Where to renew your Mississippi driver license

You can renew your Mississippi driver license in person at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in most counties; you do not have to go to the one in your home county, though the closest one is usually fastest. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Mississippi does not currently offer online renewal or mail-in renewal for standard driver licenses. You must appear in person, which means bringing your current license and the documents listed below to whichever office is most convenient for you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office; online and mail renewal are not available.
  • Bring your current driver license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
  • Renewal takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive your new license on the spot.
  • Your license is valid for four years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Mississippi driver license to the office. You will also need proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport instead, though the Social Security card is fastest.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to take the written test again; call your local Driver Services office before you go to confirm what they will require.

What happens at the office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photograph, and ask you to sign the back of your new license. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee at this time — the cost varies depending on how many years you are renewing for, so ask the staff member when you check in.

You receive your new license when ready after you finish. It is valid right away, so you can use it to drive as soon as you leave the office. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one is issued.

How long your new license lasts

A Mississippi driver license is valid for four years if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew it anytime in the 90 days before it expires, though you do not have to wait until then — you can renew earlier if you want.

When your new license expires, you will go through the same renewal process again. Keep track of your expiration date so you have time to renew before it passes.

If you have a commercial driver license

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have different renewal rules. You must renew in person, and you will need to pass a written test and a skills test. The written test covers the rules of the road and safe driving practices. The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test, and a road test.

Call your local Driver Services office to schedule your CDL renewal appointment, because testing slots fill up quickly. The office staff can tell you what to expect and how long the process usually takes at that location.

Renewing after your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using the same process as a regular renewal. Bring the same documents and go to any Driver Services office. If your license expired more than one year ago, Mississippi may require you to take the written test again. Call the office nearest you before you go to find out what they will ask for, because requirements can vary by location.

If your license has been expired for several years, you may need to take both the written test and the road test. The staff member at the office can tell you exactly what you need to do when you call or arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime in the 90 days before your expiration date. Many people renew early to avoid the rush right before their license expires. You will receive your new license when ready, and it will be valid right away.

What if I lost my current license?

You will need to report it lost and get a replacement before you can renew. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security documentation to a Driver Services office and ask for a replacement license. Once you have it, you can renew it using the standard renewal process.

Do I need an appointment?

Most Mississippi Driver Services offices operate on a walk-in basis, though some locations may accept appointments. Call the office nearest you to ask whether you should schedule ahead or just show up during business hours.

What if my address has changed?

Bring your new proof of residency (dated within the last 60 days) to the Driver Services office. The staff member will update your address when you renew your license. Your new license will show your current address.

How much does renewal cost?

The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for and your age. Call your local Driver Services office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.