Where to renew and what you'll need

In Mississippi, you renew your driver's license at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Bureau office. You cannot renew by mail or online — you must appear in person. The state has DPS offices in most counties; the main office is in Jackson, but you can visit any location regardless of where you live or where your license was originally issued.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Mississippi 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.

The fee for a standard four-year renewal is $24. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the cost is $29. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety office; there is no mail or online renewal option.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • A standard four-year renewal costs $24; a Real ID license costs $29.
  • Processing typically takes a few minutes, and you receive your new license on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks depending on the office.

How long the renewal takes

The time you spend at the DPS office is usually short — typically 15 to 30 minutes if you arrive with all required documents and the office is not busy. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices tend to be less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.

After you complete the renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Some DPS offices can issue your new license on the spot, but this depends on the location and their equipment; call ahead if you need your license when ready.

When your license expires and renewal windows

Your driver's license expiration date is printed on the front. Mississippi allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Many people renew a few months early to avoid the rush and may support they have their new license before travel or other plans.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — there is no penalty or additional fee for renewing after expiration. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as you can.

Real ID requirements and what changes

A Real ID is a federal standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight. If you want to renew as a Real ID license, the process is the same as a standard renewal, but the fee is $5 higher ($29 instead of $24).

To get a Real ID, you still bring the same documents — your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The DPS office will verify your information against federal databases. Your new Real ID license looks similar to a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not need Real ID yet, you can renew as a standard license and upgrade later.

Finding your nearest DPS office and hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver License Bureau offices on its official website, including addresses and phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the website before you go.

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

What happens if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring the same documents you would for a renewal — your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The replacement fee is typically $10 to $15, depending on the reason (loss, theft, or damage). You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent replacement by mail within one to two weeks.

A replacement does not extend your expiration date; your new license will still expire on the same date as your original license. When that date arrives, you renew as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at the DPS office to renew your driver's license. You cannot send someone else or renew by mail or online. If you have a disability or mobility issue that makes it difficult to visit an office, contact your local DPS office to ask about accommodations or alternative arrangements.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Mississippi license?

You should renew your license in the state where you now live. However, if you still have a valid Mississippi address or family there, you can renew your Mississippi license by visiting a DPS office in person during a visit home. Once you establish residency in your new state, you will eventually need to switch to that state's license.

Do I need an appointment to renew?

Most Mississippi DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may offer appointments during busy times. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available or recommended.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change along with your other renewal documents. The DPS office will update your name in the system, and your new license will reflect the change. There is no additional fee for a name change during renewal.

Can I renew if my Social Security card is lost?

Yes. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. The DPS office will accept any of these as proof of your number.