Renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on your situation. If you renew by mail, you send your current license and a completed process to the state, and they mail your new license back. If you renew in person, you visit a Driver Services office, bring your documents, and usually walk out with a temporary license the same day while the permanent one arrives by mail within two weeks.

The mail route is faster if you have no changes to make — no address change, no name change, no medical conditions to report. The in-person route is required if anything on your license has changed, if your license is damaged or unreadable, or if you want to renew early before it expires. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your address, name, and medical status have not changed since your last license was issued.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your current license.
  • Mississippi Driver Services offices are located in each county; you can find yours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
  • Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • If you renew by mail, include a check or money order for the renewal fee; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Renewing by mail: what to send and where

To renew by mail, fill out Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Instruction Permit), which you can read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request by phone at 601-987-1212. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $24 for a four-year license, though this may change), and mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Driver Services office in your county.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Do not mail your license more than 30 days before it expires, because the office will not process it until you are within that window. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail; you must go in person.

Renewing in person: documents you need

Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, bring documentation from your doctor. Mississippi may place restrictions on your license based on this information, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only. Bring all originals; the office will not accept photocopies of your ID or Social Security card.

Finding your local Driver Services office and making an appointment

Mississippi has a Driver Services office in each county. Find the address and phone number for your county on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website under "Driver Services Locations." Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially since the pandemic. Call ahead or check the website to see whether your office takes appointments and whether you need one.

If your office requires an appointment, you can usually book one online through the same website or by calling the office directly. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. Walk-in wait times vary; offices in rural counties are usually faster than those in Jackson or other cities.

What happens at the office and what you receive

When you arrive, tell the clerk you are renewing your license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and ask you to confirm your address and other information on your license. The whole process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee at this time — currently $24 for a four-year license — and can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, call the Driver Services office that processed your renewal and give them your license number. Do not assume it is lost until at least 21 days have passed.

Renewing early and understanding your new expiration date

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be out of state or unable to visit an office when your license is about to expire. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired, so renewing early does not give you extra time — it just moves your expiration date forward.

For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew on January 15, 2025, your new license will expire on January 15, 2029. The old expiration date is replaced. This is why you should not renew too far in advance unless you have a specific reason; you are not gaining anything by doing so.

If your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license by mail or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. If you believe your license has been suspended or revoked, call the Mississippi Driver Services office at 601-987-1212 to find out why and what you need to do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions reported to the state.

Restoring a suspended license usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing a court appearance, or submitting medical documentation. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally. If you are unsure of your status, the office can tell you over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?

If you have moved out of state and no longer live in Mississippi, you cannot renew a Mississippi license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still live in Mississippi but moved to a different address, you can renew by mail or in person; just make sure your new address is on file.

What if I lost my license or it is damaged?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is lost or damaged. You must go in person to a Driver Services office. Bring your ID, proof of address, and Social Security card. The office will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal and will be valid for four years.

How much does it cost to renew?

A four-year driver's license renewal currently costs $24 in Mississippi. This fee may change, so confirm the current amount by calling your local Driver Services office or checking the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go in or mail your process.

Do I need to take a new written test or vision test to renew?

No. Renewal does not require a written test or vision test unless the office has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive — for example, if you reported a medical condition or if your license was suspended for a safety reason. In most cases, renewal is a straightforward document check and photo update.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring the document that shows your name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — when you renew in person. Mail renewal does not work if your name has changed. The office will update your records and issue a new license with your current legal name.