What You Need to Renew in Mississippi
Mississippi renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot renew online. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk in and finish the same day at most locations. You will need your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail — you must appear in person at a Driver Services office. The office will require you to pass a vision test and may require a new photograph. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill.
The renewal fee is $31.50 for a four-year license or $63 for an eight-year license. Mississippi accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. By mail, you can pay by check or money order only.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is same-day and accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and will need to pass a vision test.
- Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, send your current driver's license, a completed process form (DL-44), proof of residency, and payment to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau. The mailing address is on the back of your license or on the MDPS website. Include a check or money order for $31.50 (four-year license) or $63 (eight-year license).
Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. During that time, your old license remains valid for driving. Keep a record of when you mailed your process in case you need to follow up. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1500.
You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name, or if you have a medical condition that requires a new vision test. In those cases, you must go to a Driver Services office in person.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
Walk into any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You will complete a short form, have your vision tested, and receive your new license the same day. The office will take a new photograph unless you request otherwise. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
Driver Services offices are located in most county seats. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the MDPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited weekend hours. You do not need an appointment; service is first-come, first-served.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, the in-person visit is required. The office staff will note this and may ask additional questions about why the license lapsed. Bring any documents related to the reason for the lapse if you have them, though this is not required.
What Happens If Your Address Changed
If you moved, bring a document showing your new address along with your current license and payment. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. The document must show your full name and current address.
You can update your address by mail or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. There is no separate address-change form. If you are renewing in person, tell the office staff that your address has changed so they can update their system while you wait.
What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must obtain a replacement. A replacement is different from a renewal and requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office. Bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency, and payment of $31.50 or $63 depending on the license length you want.
The replacement process is the same as renewing in person: you will complete a form, pass a vision test, and receive your new license the same day. If you suspect your lost license was stolen and used fraudulently, contact the Driver Services Bureau to report it.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed by mail in Mississippi. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, medical certification (CDLIS form), and payment of $63 for an eight-year license or $31.50 for a four-year license.
You will take a written test covering commercial driving rules, pass a vision test, and take a new photograph. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Some Driver Services offices have longer wait times for CDL renewals, so call ahead to ask about current wait times at your nearest office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, you can renew by mail if it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a Driver Services office in person and pass a vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
What counts as proof of residency?
A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and current address, dated within 60 days. Photocopies are not accepted — bring the original document. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your new name yet, contact the Driver Services Bureau about alternatives.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew by mail?
About two weeks from the date the Driver Services Bureau receives your process. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so allow three weeks total. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, call 601-987-1500 to check the status.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No. Driver Services offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week may mean a shorter wait.
Can I choose the length of my new license?
Yes. You can renew for four years ($31.50) or eight years ($63). Choose whichever length you prefer when you submit your process or visit the office. The choice is yours and does not depend on your age or driving record.