Where to renew your Mississippi driver's license
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, or online through the state's official website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is always available; the online route works only if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions or address changes to report.
The main Driver Services office is located in Jackson, but the state operates branch offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.
If you renew online, you will complete the transaction on the state's official portal, pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card within the same timeframe.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi offers both online and in-person renewal; online works only if your license expired less than one year ago and has no medical restrictions or address changes.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and term length.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days whether you renew online or in person.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long it has been expired.
Documents and fees you will need
The renewal fee for a standard four-year Mississippi driver's license is $24. A six-year license costs $36, and an eight-year license costs $48. These fees are current but may change; confirm the exact amount before you go to the office or begin an online transaction.
You will need to bring your current driver's license and one form of proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved and your license shows an old address, bring proof of your new address.
If you are renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than one year, you may also need to pass a vision screening. Some offices require a written exam if your license has been expired for several years; the Driver Services office can tell you whether this applies to you when you call or arrive.
Online renewal step by step
To renew online, go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal.
If the system confirms you are may be able to access, you will enter your current address and review your license information. You can update your address at this time if needed, though some address changes may require an in-person visit. You will then pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save the email confirmation. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Arrive at your local Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments to reduce wait times. Check the office's website or call ahead to see whether appointments are available.
At the office, tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and conduct a vision screening. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being printed.
Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office to check the status.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. The office will require a vision test, and depending on how long your license has been expired, you may also need to pass a written exam on traffic laws and road signs.
The written exam is typically required if your license has been expired for more than three years. It covers basic traffic rules, right-of-way, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website. The exam is usually short — around 20 to 30 questions — and most people pass on their first attempt.
Bring the same documents as you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The office staff will let you know at the start of your visit whether you need to take the written exam.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved, you can update your address during renewal. When renewing online, you will enter your new address in the form before payment. When renewing in person, tell the staff member about your address change and bring proof of your new residency.
If you need to change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or update other information beyond your address, you may need to visit in person or contact the Driver Services office before you renew. Some changes cannot be made online. Call your local office or check the state website to confirm what can be updated during your renewal.
If you are renewing and your license shows medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), those restrictions will carry forward to your new license unless you visit in person and have them removed by the office staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes. If it expired less than one year ago, you can renew online. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam. Either way, you can renew at any time after expiration.
How long is a renewed Mississippi driver's license valid?
You can choose a four-year, six-year, or eight-year license when you renew. The longer the term, the higher the fee. The term you choose is up to you and does not depend on your age or driving record.
What if I move out of state before my renewed license arrives?
Your renewed Mississippi license will still be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you have moved, contact the Driver Services office with your new address and they can redirect your license or reissue it to your new state address if you are still in Mississippi.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken at every renewal, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew online, the system uses your previous photo temporarily until your new license is printed and mailed.
What if I lose my temporary paper license before my new card arrives?
Contact the Driver Services office where you renewed and report the loss. They can issue a replacement temporary license or expedite your plastic license if it has not yet been mailed. Bring your proof of identity and residency.