Where to renew and what documents you need

In Mississippi, you renew your driver's license at your local Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office. There are offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the Mississippi DPS website by entering your county. You do not have to renew in the county where you got your original license — any office in the state will handle it.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired card itself.

You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the examiner has reason to believe you cannot safely operate a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in your county with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security card.
  • Renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few business days.
  • Your renewed license is valid for four years from the date of issue if you are under 65, or two years if you are 65 or older.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test; call your local office to confirm before you go.

How long the renewal takes and when your new license arrives

The in-office process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photograph taken, pass the vision test, and sign your new license process. The examiner will process your paperwork on the spot.

Your new physical license card is typically ready the same day you explore, though some offices may take one or two business days. Ask the examiner before you leave whether you can pick it up the next day or if you need to wait. If you need to drive before your new card is ready, ask whether the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee in Mississippi is $24 for a four-year license if you are under 65. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $12 for a two-year license. These fees are set by state law and do not vary by county or office.

All Driver License Bureau offices accept cash and checks. Most also accept debit and credit cards, but payment methods can vary by location. Call your local office before you go if you want to confirm they take the payment method you plan to use.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

Mississippi does not offer mail-in renewal for standard driver's licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver License Bureau office. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside Mississippi, you may be able to renew by mail through a special process — contact your local office or the Mississippi DPS main office to ask about military renewal options.

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling to an office, call the Mississippi DPS at the number listed on their website and explain your situation. They may be able to direct you to an alternative process or arrange for an examiner to visit you, though this is not may provide and depends on your specific circumstances.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, Mississippi may require you to retake the written knowledge test before renewing. The state treats very old expired licenses differently from recently expired ones. Call your local Driver License Bureau office with your license number and ask whether you will need to test; they can tell you based on how long it has been expired.

If you do need to retake the test, you can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DPS website. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You take it at the same office where you renew, and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Renewing a license with a commercial endorsement or restrictions

If your current license has a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, renewal is more complex. You cannot renew a CDL by the standard process — you must visit a Driver License Bureau office that handles CDL renewals, and you will need to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security card, and your medical certificate.

If your license has restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only — those restrictions carry forward to your renewed license automatically. You do not need to do anything special, but the examiner will confirm them during your visit.

Changing your address or name during renewal

You can update your address or name at the same time you renew. Bring the documents that support the change: a utility bill or lease for a new address, or a marriage certificate or court order for a name change. The examiner will update your record and print your new license with the correct information. There is no additional fee for these changes.

If you have already moved but have not yet renewed your license, you can update your address at any Driver License Bureau office without renewing — just bring proof of your new address. However, if your license is expiring soon, it usually makes sense to renew and update your address at the same visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by phone?

No. Mississippi requires you to renew in person at a Driver License Bureau office. You must appear for a new photograph and vision test. There is no online or phone renewal option for standard driver's licenses.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

Bring another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you do not have any document with your number, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the Driver License Bureau.

Do I need an appointment to renew?

Most Mississippi Driver License Bureau offices operate on a walk-in basis and do not require appointments. However, some offices may accept appointments during busy times. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available and whether they are recommended for your area.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi DPS. Contact your local office or the DPS main office to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you attempt to renew.

How do I know if my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. Mississippi sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but do not rely on the reminder arriving — check your license directly. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires.