What you need to renew your Mississippi driver license
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time has passed since it was issued, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals can be completed without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your current Mississippi driver license must be in your possession to renew. If it has been lost or stolen, you will need to explore for a replacement instead of a renewal. The state also requires proof of your Social Security number and current address for any renewal method.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi offers mail, online, and in-person renewal options, and your license type determines which methods are available to you.
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license has not been suspended or revoked and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
- Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website costs less than mail renewal and takes effect when ready upon approval.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired by more than five years or if you need to change your name or address on the license itself.
- Processing times vary: online renewal is when ready, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal is completed the same day.
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
The fastest and least expensive option is to renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee is lower for online transactions than for mail or in-person renewal.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no active suspensions or revocations, and you have not been convicted of certain traffic violations within the past five years. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee, your new license is approved when ready, and you can begin using it right away. Your physical license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
If the system indicates you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will be directed to either mail in your renewal or visit a Driver Services office in person. The website will explain which restrictions explore to your license.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, you must submit your current driver license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. The form is available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or at any Driver Services office. You will mail these items to the address provided on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state. If you need to change your mailing address, you must do so before sending in your renewal, or you can update it online or in person.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have certain violations on your record. The state will return your materials and direct you to renew in person if you do not meet the requirements for mail renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver Services office. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a suspension or revocation on your record, or if you need to update your name or address on the license itself. It is also the only option if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations within the past five years.
Driver Services offices are located throughout Mississippi. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. In-person renewal is completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
License expiration dates and renewal windows
Mississippi driver licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The state allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid driving on an expired license.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods, but in-person renewal is required if it has been expired for more than five years. An expired license is not valid for driving, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date approaching.
The renewal fee varies depending on the method you choose and the length of the renewal period. Online renewal is the least expensive option. The state may offer different renewal periods, such as four years or eight years, depending on your age and license type.
What happens if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your driver license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office staff will review your record and explain what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Suspensions and revocations can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The reason for the suspension or revocation determines what you must do to have it lifted. Some suspensions are automatic once a certain amount of time has passed and the underlying issue is resolved, while others require you to complete a specific process.
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visit a Driver Services office to find out the reason for your suspension or revocation and what steps are needed to restore your license.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will update your license with your new name.
If you have moved and need to update your address, you can do so during any renewal method. For online or mail renewal, your new address will be recorded in the system when you complete the renewal. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.
If you change your address after you have already renewed your license, you can update it at any time by visiting a Driver Services office or by contacting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will process your renewal the same day and issue a temporary paper license while your permanent card is mailed to you.
What if I lost my license and cannot find it to renew?
You will need to explore for a replacement license instead of a renewal. A replacement is a new license issued because your current one is lost, stolen, or damaged. You must explore in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
Your online renewal is approved when ready, and you can drive using your approved renewal status right away. Your physical license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need proof of renewal before the card arrives, you can print a confirmation from the website.
Do I have to renew in person if I have a commercial driver license?
Commercial driver licenses have different renewal rules than regular licenses. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visit a Driver Services office to learn which renewal methods are available for your commercial license type.
What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew online?
The system will explain the reason you cannot renew online, such as a suspension, revocation, or certain traffic violations. You can renew by mail or in person instead. If you believe the information is incorrect, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to review your record before you renew.