What You Need to Renew in Mississippi
Mississippi driver's licenses expire every four years for most drivers. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office — the method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid and what documents you have on hand.
If your license is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test. Licenses that expired between one and two years ago can sometimes be renewed by mail, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.
Mississippi does not charge a separate renewal fee for standard licenses. The cost is built into your vehicle registration, which you renew at the same time through your county tax assessor's office or online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and your address has not changed since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and proof of address to the Driver Services office.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, and you will need to pass a vision test and bring proof of residency.
- Your vehicle registration and driver's license renewal are separate transactions — you renew registration through your county tax assessor, not through Driver Services.
Renewing Online
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is available if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you are between 21 and 79 years old. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. If anything has changed — including your name or address — you cannot complete the renewal online and must use the mail or in-person option instead. Once you submit the form and payment, your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal costs the same as mail or in-person renewal. There is no additional fee for using the online system, and you do not need to visit an office or mail anything.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You will need to complete Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request by calling the Driver Services office.
Send the completed form along with your current license and a document showing your current address — a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement all work. Mail everything to the Driver Services office address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope, so mail your renewal at least a month before your license expires.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. If your address has changed since your last renewal, include a second document proving your new address, such as a recent lease or utility bill in your name.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. You will also need to renew in person if you are changing your address, your name, or your gender marker on your license. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than two years), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord. You will also pass a vision test at the office, so you do not need to bring a separate vision test result.
Driver Services offices are located in most county seats. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online.
What Happens if Your License Expired More Than Two Years Ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring the documents listed above, and pass a vision test. The office will treat your renewal as a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means the process takes longer — usually 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
You will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you are changing your address, you must renew in person or by mail — you cannot change your address through online renewal. When you renew by mail, include two documents showing your new address: your current license and one additional document such as a utility bill or lease agreement. When you renew in person, bring your current license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. The office will issue your new license with your updated name on the same day.
Understanding Your License Expiration Date
Your Mississippi driver's license expires on your birthday four years after you received it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires — starting six months early — so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will have a new expiration date four years from the date you renew. This means renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license; you straightforward get a fresh four-year period from the renewal date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will not renew your license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or outstanding warrant. You must resolve the fine or warrant before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the balance owed and how to pay it.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license on the same day.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
After you submit your renewal — whether online, by mail, or in person — your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery to your home typically takes an additional 2 to 5 days depending on your location. If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while you wait.
Do I need to renew my vehicle registration at the same time as my driver's license?
No, they are separate. Your driver's license and vehicle registration have different expiration dates and are renewed through different offices. Renew your vehicle registration through your county tax assessor's office or online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue. You can renew either one independently of the other.
What if my address changed but I do not have a document showing my new address yet?
If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name at your new address, bring a lease agreement or rental contract signed by you and your landlord. A bank statement or government mail addressed to you at your new address also works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.