What You Need to Renew in Mississippi
Mississippi renews driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and you can renew in person at any Driver Services office or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal is free but takes longer and has stricter requirements about who can use it.
You must renew before your license expires, though Mississippi gives you a grace period: you can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after the expiration date. After that 30-day window closes, you cannot legally drive and will need to renew before getting behind the wheel again.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal is free but only available if you have no medical conditions, no violations in the past three years, and your current license is not suspended or revoked.
- You can drive on an expired license for 30 days after it expires, but after that you cannot legally drive until you renew.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any Driver Services office to renew in person.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
Walk into any Driver Services office in Mississippi with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring cash, debit card, or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file, which typically arrives within one to two weeks.
If your address has changed, tell the staff member before they process your renewal. They can update it in the system so your new license is mailed to the correct location. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is only available if you meet all of these conditions: your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you have had no traffic violations in the past three years. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
To renew by mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 or visit their website to request a mail renewal form. Complete the form, include a copy of your current license and proof of residency, and mail everything to the address provided on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
Mail renewal is free, which makes it worth the longer wait if you meet the requirements. However, if you need your license quickly or if you have any violations or medical conditions, in-person renewal is your only option.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Mississippi law allows you to drive for 30 days after your license expires without penalty. During this grace period, your expired license is still valid for driving purposes. If you are stopped by law enforcement during these 30 days, show your expired license and explain that you are within the grace period.
Once the 30-day grace period ends, driving with an expired license becomes illegal. You can be cited, fined, and your vehicle can be impounded. At that point, you must renew your license before you can legally drive again. Renewing after expiration follows the same process as renewing before expiration — you still go to a Driver Services office or request a mail renewal form.
Finding a Driver Services Office Near You
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is located in Jackson, but you can renew at any location statewide. Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest location, hours of operation, and current wait times if available.
Some offices are busier than others. Rural offices typically have shorter waits than those in larger cities. If you have flexibility, visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.
Renewing a License That Has Been Suspended or Revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This might involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Once your license is restored, you can renew through the normal process. If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it after the suspension is lifted. The Department of Public Safety can tell you whether you need to renew or if your license can be reactivated without renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license online?
No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if you meet the requirements. In-person renewal is the fastest option and takes about 30 minutes.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to get a replacement before you can renew. Visit a Driver Services office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $10, and you will receive a temporary paper license while your plastic card is mailed.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?
No, standard renewal does not require a written or driving test. However, if you are over 79 years old, Mississippi requires you to pass a vision test. If you have medical conditions or violations, the Department of Public Safety may require additional testing.
How long is a renewed Mississippi license valid?
You can choose a four-year license for $24.50 or an eight-year license for $36.75 when you renew. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
Tell the staff member at the Driver Services office before they process your renewal, and they will update your address in the system. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you are renewing by mail, include your new address on the form you send in.