Yes, you can renew online if you meet Mississippi's requirements
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You must have a valid license that has not expired more than one year ago, be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number on file, and not need to update your address, name, or other personal information. If your license expired more than a year ago or you need to change any details, you will have to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs less than renewing by mail or in person. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
- The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee, and you complete the entire process from home in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the online renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or identification.
- If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew online and must visit a driver's license office in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Mississippi's online renewal is available only to people whose licenses meet three conditions at the same time. First, your license must not be expired by more than one year. Second, you must be renewing the same type of license you currently hold — you cannot change from a regular license to a commercial license online, for example. Third, you cannot have any changes to make to your personal information: no address change, no name change, no corrections to your date of birth or other details.
If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a Mississippi driver's license office. This includes anyone whose license expired more than 12 months ago, anyone who needs to update their address or legal name, and anyone who needs to change their license class or add endorsements.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process. You will need your current Mississippi driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid payment method — Mississippi accepts credit cards and debit cards, but not checks or cash.
Have your license in front of you when you sit down to renew. The website will ask you to enter information exactly as it appears on your current license, and mismatches can delay your renewal. If you are not sure whether your address or name is correct on your current license, check it now rather than discovering the problem after you have paid.
The step-by-step process
Start by going to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and finding the driver's license renewal section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The website will ask you to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.
Next, you will review your current information and confirm that nothing has changed. This is your chance to catch any errors on your current license before they carry over to your new one. If you spot a mistake, stop here and renew in person instead, because the online system will not let you correct it.
Then you will answer questions about your health and driving record — for example, whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving ability. Answer honestly; these questions determine whether your license can be renewed or whether you need to visit an office for a vision test or medical review. Finally, you will pay the renewal fee and submit your process. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
How long it takes and what happens next
After you submit your online renewal, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes your process within 1 to 3 business days. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address on file. The entire delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are delays with the mail.
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even after you have submitted your online renewal. If you need your new license before it arrives — for example, for travel or a job — you will need to visit a driver's license office in person to get a temporary license or expedited service.
When you must renew in person instead
Visit a Mississippi driver's license office in person if your license expired more than one year ago. The online system will not accept applications from anyone in this situation, and there is no exception. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the office.
You must also renew in person if you need to change your address, legal name, or any other personal information. This includes corrections to your date of birth or Social Security number. Additionally, if you are changing your license class — for example, from a regular license to a commercial license — or adding endorsements like motorcycle or hazmat, you cannot do that online.
If you have medical conditions or vision problems that require a medical review or vision test, the online system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment. You will see this during the online process before you pay, so you will know whether you can complete your renewal online or need to visit an office.
Fees and payment
The online renewal fee in Mississippi is lower than the fee for renewing in person or by mail. The exact amount varies depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically 4 or 8 years — so check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current fee before you start. You will see the total cost before you enter your payment information, so there are no surprises.
Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online renewals. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your process. You will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number and a receipt showing the amount charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my address changed since my license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The online system will not let you proceed if you indicate that your information needs to be updated.
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. The online system checks your driving record before you can complete your renewal. If your license is suspended, revoked, or has any holds on it, the system will reject your process and direct you to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visit an office in person.
What if I do not receive my new license within 10 business days?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you where it is in the process. If there has been a delay, they may be able to issue a temporary license or arrange for expedited delivery, though this may require an additional fee.
Can I renew online if I lost my current license?
No. You need your current license number to start the online renewal process. If your license is lost or stolen, you must visit a driver's license office in person to report it and request a replacement or renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you visit an office in person and request a new one.