What you need to renew in Mississippi

To renew your Mississippi driver's license, you will visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Mississippi does not offer online or mail renewal for standard licenses. You will need to show up, pass a vision test, and have a new photo taken. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is expired beyond that, you will need to go through the full process process rather than renewal. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until that status is cleared.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Vision testing and a new photo are required at every renewal, so you cannot send someone else to renew for you.
  • Your license is valid for four years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to six months before it expires.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license. If you have lost it or it was stolen, bring a police report or a statement from the office explaining what happened. You will also need one document proving your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional ID document like a passport or military ID. Some offices will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted — your Driver Services office can tell you what form that requires.

When and where to go

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours, but not all.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system to manage wait times. Check your local office's page to see whether you should reserve a time slot. If you show up without a reservation at an office that uses them, you may have a longer wait or be turned away.

If you cannot reach an office near you, or if you are out of state, some Driver Services offices offer limited services by mail for specific situations — but standard renewal is not one of them. Call your local office to ask whether your situation qualifies.

The renewal process step by step

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there. If something is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix before you can proceed.

Next, you will take a vision test. This is a straightforward screening — you look through a machine and read letters or numbers. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

Then you will have a new photo taken. You will sit in front of a camera, and the photo will be printed on your new license. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for four years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, and the background must be plain.

Finally, you will pay the renewal fee of $31 for a four-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at all offices, so bring cash or a debit card if possible. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is mailed to you.

How long the new license takes to arrive

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used to drive right away. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mail delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer depending on where you live and current mail delays.

If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Ask at your local office whether expedited renewal is available and what it costs. Expedited licenses are usually delivered within 3 to 5 business days.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact your local Driver Services office. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue a temporary license if needed.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or know you will be busy when your expiration date approaches. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If you renew early, your old license will no longer be valid once you receive your new one. Destroy the old license or turn it in at the Driver Services office. Do not carry both licenses at the same time.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI convictions. You will need to resolve the underlying issue first.

Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew your license. Bring proof that it has been cleared — usually a letter from the court or the Department of Public Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Mississippi requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at a Driver Services office. You must pass a vision test and have a new photo taken, which cannot be done remotely.

What if I have moved out of state since my last renewal?

You will need to renew in Mississippi in person if your license is still valid. If you have moved permanently to another state, you should get a license from that state instead. Contact your new state's driver licensing agency for their renewal process.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal requires only a vision test and a new photo. You do not take a written test or a driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a serious violation, in which case the Driver Services office will tell you what is required.

What if my name on my Social Security card does not match my current license?

Bring both documents and explain the situation to the staff member reviewing your paperwork. If you have legally changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. The office will help you update your records.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must be present for the vision test and photo. No one can renew on your behalf, even with a power of attorney.