Where to renew your license in Jackson

In Jackson, you renew your driver's license at a Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The main office is located at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216. This is the office most Jackson residents use, though Mississippi also operates satellite locations in other cities if that location is inconvenient for you.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office is typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you want to know the current wait time before you go, you can call the Jackson office at (601) 987-1500.

Mississippi does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses, so you must visit in person. You cannot renew by mail, phone, or through a third-party service.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Driver Services office in person at 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson to renew your license.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return).
  • A standard renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license; you choose which term when you renew.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
  • You can call (601) 987-1500 to ask about current wait times before you make the trip.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current driver's license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, bring a police report or a written statement explaining what happened.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. The easiest document is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it, you can bring a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form that shows your full Social Security number.

Finally, bring proof of your current address in Mississippi. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works well. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement also counts. The document must show your name and current Jackson address. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Cost and license term options

A standard driver's license renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. You choose which term when you renew. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for eight years, so the yearly cost is lower. The four-year license is cheaper if you prefer to renew more often or if you expect your address or name to change soon.

Mississippi accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the Driver Services office. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. When it is your turn, a staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and collect your fee.

You will also be asked to sign a form confirming your information is correct. If anything on your current license is wrong — your name, address, or other details — tell the staff member now so they can correct it.

Your new license is printed on site. You will receive it before you leave the office. Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one.

Office hours and holidays

The Jackson Driver Services office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on weekends and on state holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

If you cannot visit during these hours, you may be able to visit a satellite office in another Mississippi city. Call (601) 987-1500 to ask about locations and hours near you.

If your license is expired or will expire soon

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the Driver Services office. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal. An expired license does not disqualify you, though you should not drive until you have your new one in hand.

If your license will expire within 30 days, you can renew now rather than waiting. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license's expiration date will be calculated from the date you renew, not from your old license's expiration date.

Special situations

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a document proving the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change all work. The staff member will update your name on your new license.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you need a license with restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), tell the staff member during your visit. They will note any restrictions on your new license.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, you can renew your license. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your visa or work permit documentation. Call (601) 987-1500 ahead of time to confirm what documents the office needs from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license at any time, even if it does not expire for months. There is no penalty for renewing early. Your new license's expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead. Any document that shows your full Social Security number counts as proof. If you do not have any of these, call (601) 987-1500 to ask what other documents the office will accept.

How long does it take to get my new license?

Your new license is printed at the office while you wait. You will receive it before you leave, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day. There is no waiting period or mail delivery.

What if I moved to Jackson from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you can renew your Mississippi license using the same process. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Mississippi residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to take a written test or driving test to renew.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the Driver Services office. The staff member will take your photo and verify your identity, so a family member or friend cannot do this on your behalf.