How to Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county name. You do not have to go to the office in your home county — any location will process your renewal.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver Services office in the state, not just your home county.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
You will take a vision test at the office, so wear your glasses or contacts if you use them while driving.
The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at the office.

How long the renewal takes and when you get your new license

The in-person appointment at a Driver Services office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will complete a form, have your photo taken, pass the vision test, and pay the renewal fee. The office will give you a temporary paper license that you can use when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your new plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the Driver Services office where you renewed to report the delay. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this waiting period.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Mississippi offers two renewal options: a four-year license for $31 or an eight-year license for $61. Both are valid for driving throughout the United States. You pay the fee at the time of your renewal appointment, and the office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your new card. You can renew anytime within 12 months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date to start the process. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for the full four or eight years from the date of renewal.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it in person at a Driver Services office using the same process and documents. There is no additional penalty or fee for renewing an expired license in Mississippi — you pay the standard renewal fee and follow the same steps as someone renewing before expiration.

However, you should not drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a citation. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Vision test requirements and what to expect

Every driver's license renewal in Mississippi includes a vision test at the Driver Services office. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, wear them during your appointment — the test will be performed with your correction in place.

If you fail the vision test, the office will not issue your license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrected prescription if needed, and return to the Driver Services office for another attempt. Bring documentation from your eye doctor showing your current prescription if you have had a recent eye exam.

Changing information on your license during renewal

You can update your address, name, or other information on your license during the renewal process. If you have moved, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the legal document that shows the change.

If you want to change your organ donor status or add a REAL ID endorsement, you can do that at the same appointment. REAL ID is a federal security standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Mississippi REAL ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and require the same documents, plus proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

What to do if you cannot go in person

Mississippi does not offer mail-in or online renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling to an office, contact the Driver Services office in your county to ask about accommodations or alternatives.

If you are deployed with the military or living outside Mississippi temporarily, you may be able to renew by mail under certain circumstances. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to ask whether your situation qualifies for an exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime within 12 months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten how long your new license is valid — it will still last the full four or eight years from the renewal date.

What if I lost my current license?

You will need to report it lost and request a replacement before you can renew. Contact your local Driver Services office for a replacement license, which costs $10. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using the standard renewal process.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services office?

Appointments are not required, but many offices accept them. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are available or recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times.

Will my temporary paper license work for flying or crossing state lines?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving within Mississippi and other states. It is not valid for domestic air travel or federal building entry — you need a REAL ID license or passport for those. If you need to fly before your permanent license arrives, bring your passport to the airport instead.

What if I moved out of state after my license was issued?

You can still renew your Mississippi license by mail if you are a resident of another state. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to ask about the process for out-of-state renewal, as requirements may differ from in-person renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.