Where to renew and what you need before you go

You renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at a Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license is still valid. You will need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for address proof.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew. Check the status of your license before you go by calling the Driver Services main line at 601-987-1500 or visiting a local office. Bring your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office; online and mail renewal are not available.
  • Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of address dated within 60 days.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you will retake the vision and written tests instead of renewing.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; you receive your new license by mail at the address you provide.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office and hours

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson at 1104 Woolfolk Building, 501 North West Street, but you can renew at any branch location. Hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have reduced hours or close for lunch. Call 601-987-1500 to confirm the hours of your nearest office before you go, or visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and search for "Driver Services locations" to see the full list with phone numbers.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile Driver Services units that visit smaller towns on a rotating schedule. Call your county sheriff's office to ask whether a mobile unit serves your area and when it will be in your town next.

What happens during your renewal visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and run a vision test — you will read letters on a chart from a set distance. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will then pay the renewal fee at the counter. A four-year license costs $31; an eight-year license costs $61. You can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. The office will give you a receipt and tell you your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than 12 months ago, Mississippi treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. You will need to retake the written test covering traffic laws and road signs, and you will retake the vision test. You do not need to take the driving test unless you are under 21 or your license was suspended or revoked.

Bring the same documents as a regular renewal — current license (even though it is expired), proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. Study materials for the written test are available free on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website under "Driver's License Test Study Guide." The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

What to do if you cannot find your Social Security card

If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring other documents that show your Social Security number instead. Acceptable documents include a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a birth certificate with your Social Security number printed on it, or a Medicare card. The document must be an original — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If you have none of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration. This takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you cannot renew your driver's license, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Renewing if your address has changed

When you renew, you will provide your current address and it will be printed on your new license. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved very recently and do not have a document yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a lease agreement will work.

If you moved out of state and are now a Mississippi resident, you will need to surrender your out-of-state license when you renew. Bring it with you to the Driver Services office.

Renewing if your name has changed

If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring proof of the name change along with your other documents. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring the court order. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

The Driver Services office will update your name in the system and print it on your new license. This does not change your name with Social Security or other agencies — you will need to update those separately if you have not already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Department of Public Safety. Call 601-987-1500 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension, then renew once it is lifted.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You will need to get a replacement license first, which costs $10 and requires the same documents as a renewal. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it at your next renewal date. If your replacement is close to expiring, you may be able to renew it when ready — ask the staff member at the office.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license?

Most Driver Services offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Call your local office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if I am out of state when my license expires?

You cannot renew by mail or online, so you will need to renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office when you return. If your license expires while you are away, you can still drive on it until you renew — there is no grace period, but you will not face penalties for renewing after expiration as long as you renew within a reasonable time.

How long does the new license stay valid?

A four-year license is valid for four years from the date of issue. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. You choose which one you want when you renew and pay the corresponding fee. Most people choose the four-year option because it is cheaper, but the eight-year option costs less per year if you plan to keep the license that long.