What You Need to Renew in Mississippi

Mississippi renews driver licenses by mail or in person at a Driver Services office. You do not have to renew in person unless your license has been suspended, you need to change your address, or you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. Most people can mail in their renewal using the form the state sends to your home about 60 days before expiration.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for mail renewal to work. If it is older than that, you will need to visit an office in person and bring documents proving your identity and Mississippi residency.

A standard renewal by mail costs $31.50 for a four-year license or $63 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office costs the same. REAL ID licenses cost an additional $25 on top of the standard fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your address or photo.
  • The state mails you a renewal form about 60 days before your license expires; follow the instructions on that form and mail it back with your fee.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires a current ID and proof of Mississippi residency.
  • REAL ID licenses require an in-person visit and cost $25 more than a standard renewal, but work for federal building access and domestic flights.

Renewing by Mail

When the state sends your renewal notice, it includes a form and instructions specific to your situation. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash. The state processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks from the date they receive it.

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you mail the form, or visit an office in person instead. Changing your address by mail is not possible during renewal.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo. The state will print your photo from your previous license onto your new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.

Renewing In Person at a Driver Services Office

Visit any Driver Services office in Mississippi with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot or within a few days. Bring cash, a check, or a debit or credit card to pay the fee. Hours and locations vary by office; search for your nearest office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Getting a REAL ID License

A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. You must renew in person to get one. Bring everything required for a standard in-person renewal, plus one additional document proving your date of birth and legal name.

Acceptable documents for proving date of birth include a birth certificate, passport, military discharge papers, or naturalization certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born.

REAL ID renewal takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal but costs $25 more. The license itself is valid for the same period — four or eight years — as a standard license.

What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring the same documents you would bring for a new license process: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of date of birth.

The office will treat this as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you will take a written test and a driving test. Some offices allow you to schedule these tests in advance; call ahead to find out whether your local office requires an appointment.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by mail or in person. For mail replacement, request a replacement form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the office. Mail the form with your fee ($31.50 for a four-year license) to the address on the form.

For in-person replacement, visit any Driver Services office with proof of identity and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license with your existing photo. If you want a new photo, ask the office staff when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years, or you can visit a Driver Services office in person.

How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

The state processes mail renewals in about two to three weeks from the date they receive your form. Delivery time depends on the postal service and your location, so plan for four to five weeks total from the time you mail your form.

What if I move to a different address before my license expires?

You can update your address by visiting a Driver Services office in person or by mail. To change your address by mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for an address change form. You do not need to renew your license to change your address.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Mississippi?

No. A standard driver license is valid for driving. You need a REAL ID license only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building that requires federal ID. A standard license remains valid for driving in all states.

What if I have a commercial driver license?

Commercial driver licenses follow different renewal rules and cannot be renewed by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and medical certification if required. Call your local office for specific requirements.