What you need to renew your Mississippi driver's license
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail and online renewals are the fastest routes if you meet the requirements — you'll need a valid license that hasn't been suspended or revoked, and you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an office in person.
The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit proof of identity and residency, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail or in person. The entire process takes between one and three weeks if you renew online or by mail, or the same day if you renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license is current and you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Mail renewal requires the same documents as online renewal but takes longer — typically two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years.
- The renewal fee in Mississippi is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a current license. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
The online system will verify your identity and residency using information already on file with the state. Once you complete the form and pay the renewal fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within one to two weeks. You don't need to upload documents or visit an office.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires the same documents. Request a renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety by calling 601-987-1500, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely and include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and proof of your current address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, copies, and your payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
Visit a Driver Services office if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need to take a new photo or pass a vision test unless your license is expired by more than two years. In that case, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision screening at the office. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license is issued the same day, though you may receive it by mail if the office is out of stock.
What to do if your license is expired by more than two years
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a Driver Services office in person. You'll need to take a new photo, pass a vision screening, and provide the same documents as an in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and payment.
The vision screening is a standard eye test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. You do not need to study for it or prepare in advance. If you fail the vision screening, the office will tell you what to do next — usually you'll need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate back to the office before your license is issued.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Mississippi charges $31 for a four-year driver's license or $61 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. Payment methods vary by renewal route: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards, mail renewal accepts check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your new license will be valid for the full term you choose — four or eight years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. If you renew before your current license expires, the new license's validity period starts on the date you renew, not on the date your old license would have expired.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The Department of Public Safety website has a complete list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers. You can also call 601-987-1500 to find the office nearest you or to ask whether you need an appointment.
Some offices require appointments, especially in larger cities, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need to schedule a time. Bring all required documents with you — if you're missing anything, the office will turn you away and you'll need to return another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
Yes. If you're renewing by mail or online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state. If you've recently moved, update your address before you renew so the license goes to the right place. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the office will update your file when ready.
What happens if I renew online but my identity doesn't verify?
The online system will tell you when ready if it cannot verify your information. You'll be directed to renew by mail or in person instead. This usually happens if there's a mismatch between the information in the online system and what you entered — double-check your Social Security number and license number and try again, or contact the Driver Services office for help.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If you renew while your license is still current or expired for less than two years, your old photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo anyway, you can request one at a Driver Services office, though you may be charged an additional fee.
How long does it take to receive my license if I renew by mail?
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end, so plan for four to five weeks total from the date you mail your renewal. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a Driver Services office instead.
Can I renew my license if it's been suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Driver Services office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it before you can renew.