Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office across the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal is slower but works if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person visit, bring 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 address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address on your license is outdated, bring two proofs of your new address instead of one. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
If you're renewing by mail, request a renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call 601-987-1500. Mail your completed form, current license, and fee to the address provided on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks, and you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
- You need your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address for any renewal.
- Mail renewal works only if your license is not suspended and your address hasn't changed, and takes two to three weeks.
- Renewal fees are $31 for four years or $61 for eight years, and you can choose which length when you renew.
- Your new license is valid for four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you choose.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson at 1104 Southcrest Drive, but you can renew at any location statewide. Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 601-987-1500 to find the office closest to you and confirm their hours.
Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm the specific hours of the office you plan to visit, because hours vary by location and can change seasonally.
What happens during your in-person visit
When you arrive, you'll check in and submit your documents. A staff member will verify your proof of Social Security number and address, take a new photo, and confirm your signature. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes unless the office is very busy.
You'll pay your renewal fee by cash, check, or debit card — most offices do not accept credit cards. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you don't receive it within four weeks, call 601-987-1500 to check the status.
Renewing online is not available in Mississippi
Mississippi does not currently offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. If you prefer not to visit an office, the mail option is your only alternative, though it takes longer.
Some states have begun offering online renewal through third-party vendors, but Mississippi has not adopted this method. Check the official Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if online renewal becomes available in the future.
When your license expires and renewal important date
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which gives you time to plan your visit without rushing. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using the same process — there is no penalty for renewing after expiration, though you cannot legally drive on an expired license.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Contact a Driver Services office to confirm what you'll need to bring if your license has been expired for a long time.
Renewing a license with a different name or address
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need this document plus your standard renewal materials. The process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal.
If your address has changed, bring two proofs of your new address instead of one. The two documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill and a bank statement work well for this. You do not need to change your address before renewing; you can update it during the renewal process.
What to do if you've lost your license or it's damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement at any Driver Services office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $20, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.
A replacement is different from a renewal: it reissues your current license without extending the expiration date. If your license is expiring soon anyway, you may want to renew instead of replace, since renewal costs only slightly more and gives you a fresh four or eight years. Ask the staff member which option makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to resolve the suspension first. Once it's lifted, you can renew normally. Mail renewal is not an option for suspended licenses.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Most Mississippi Driver Services offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations may have started offering appointments during busy times. Call the office you plan to visit to ask whether appointments are available or recommended.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Mississippi license?
You should obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still have a valid Mississippi license and are visiting Mississippi, you can renew it in person at any Driver Services office. However, if you've established residency elsewhere, that state's license is what you should be using.
How long does the temporary license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your permanent license should arrive within two to three weeks, so the temporary usually covers you until the new one comes. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact the department to report it.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must appear in person to renew your license, except for mail renewal, which you must complete yourself. The office needs your signature and a new photo. Mail renewal is your only option if you cannot visit an office in person.