Where to renew and what you'll need

In Mississippi, you renew your driver's license through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau. You can renew in person at any Driver Services office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster and handles more situations, but the mail option works if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years.

Before you go or send anything, gather these documents: your current Mississippi driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver Services office or by mail if your license is valid and not more than five years expired.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address; originals or certified copies only.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
  • By mail, send your documents and the renewal form to the address on the Driver Services website; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Your new license is valid for four years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Mississippi Driver Services office with your documents and a completed DL-43 form (the renewal process). You can print the form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go, or fill it out at the office. The office staff will take your photograph, verify your documents, and process your renewal on the spot. The whole visit typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

When you finish, you will receive a temporary license printed on paper that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license. Keep it with you until the plastic card shows up.

To find the Driver Services office nearest you and its hours, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and search for office locations by county. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so call ahead or check online before you make the trip.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option only if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked) and expired no more than five years ago. Complete the DL-43 form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the Driver Services website. Do not send your original documents — send photocopies or certified copies only, because the office will not return them.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally during this time. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal also does not work if you need to update your photograph, change your address, or correct any information on your license — those changes require an in-person visit.

License validity and renewal timing

Your new Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. Many people renew a few months early to avoid the rush and may support they have a valid license for travel or identification.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which involves a written test and a driving test. Check your license to see the expiration date in the bottom right corner.

Cost and payment methods

The renewal fee in Mississippi is $24 for a four-year license (if you are under 65) or $30 for a five-year license (if you are 65 or older). If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the Driver Services office. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

Some Driver Services offices may accept additional payment methods, so ask when you arrive or call ahead. Keep your receipt as proof of payment until your new license arrives. If there is an error on your new license, you will need the receipt to show when and where you renewed.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail, and you cannot renew it in person at a regular Driver Services office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the court or the agency that issued it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or clearing up a child support or traffic ticket issue. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.

To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, call the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau or visit their website and use the license status lookup tool. The lookup will tell you the reason and what steps you need to take to clear it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period, but others require you to take action. Contact the specific agency listed in the lookup results to learn what you need to do next.

Renewing a license that is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you need a replacement, not a renewal. A replacement costs $10 and can be done in person at any Driver Services office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal. You will get a temporary license on the spot and a permanent card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The expiration date on your replacement license will be the same as your original license, so you are not paying for extra time. If your original license was already expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you get the replacement. Ask the Driver Services office staff whether to pay the replacement fee, the renewal fee, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and handles more situations, so it is the better choice if you can make it to an office.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You must update your address in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security proof. The office will issue a new license with the correct address at no extra charge if your license is not yet expired. If it is expired, you will pay the renewal fee.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

In-person renewal includes a new photograph. If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must go in person instead.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

After an in-person renewal, your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. After a mail renewal, processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Mail times vary, so add a few extra days if you live far from the processing center.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring the document that proves your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will issue a new license with your current name. This counts as a renewal if your license is not expired, so you pay the renewal fee, not a replacement fee.