What you need to renew online in Mississippi
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired no more than two years ago. You'll need your current or expired license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit or credit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and you do it through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Not everyone can renew online. You cannot use the online system if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license, or if you're over 79 years old. You also cannot renew online if your vision has changed significantly or if you need to update your name or gender marker. In those cases, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license expired within the last two years and has no suspensions or restrictions.
- The online renewal costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- You'll receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment, and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Address changes, name changes, and vision updates require an in-person visit to a driver's license office, not an online renewal.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Start by going to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and finding the driver's license renewal section. You'll enter your license number and Social Security number to pull up your record. The system will show you your current information and ask you to confirm it's still correct — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.
After you confirm your information, you'll answer a few questions about your health and driving history. These are standard questions about whether you've been convicted of certain crimes, whether you have medical conditions that affect your driving, and whether you've had any license suspensions. Answer honestly; lying on these questions can result in your renewal being denied or your license being suspended later.
Next, you'll pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Mississippi charges the same fee whether you renew online or in person — the cost varies depending on how long you want your license to be valid (typically three, five, or eight years). After payment goes through, you'll when ready get a temporary digital license you can use on your phone while you wait for the physical card.
What happens after you pay
Your new physical driver's license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your renewal. If you need your license faster, some driver's license offices offer expedited printing, but that requires an in-person visit and costs extra.
While you're waiting for the physical card, you can use the temporary digital license. This temporary version shows the same information as your physical license and is valid for driving. You can take a screenshot of it or save it in your phone's wallet app if your phone supports that feature. Keep your old license until the new one arrives, in case you need to show a physical card for any reason.
When you cannot renew online
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will reject your renewal and tell you to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly. You cannot proceed online, and you'll need to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call the department's driver services line to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take.
If you want to change your address, you must do that in person at a driver's license office. The online system will not let you update your address during renewal. The same rule applies if you need to change your name, update your gender marker, or add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle endorsement. These changes all require a visit to an office and sometimes require additional documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
Drivers over 79 years old must renew in person every time. Mississippi law requires an in-person visit and a vision test for this age group, so the online option is not available to you. You'll need to schedule an appointment at your local driver's license office.
Cost and payment details
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid. A three-year renewal costs less than a five-year or eight-year renewal. Mississippi does not publish exact fees on their website, so call your local driver's license office or check the Department of Public Safety website for the current price. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
You can pay only with a debit or credit card — no cash, check, or money order. The payment is processed when ready, and you'll see a confirmation number on your screen. Keep that confirmation number in case you need to check on your renewal status later or if there's a problem with your payment.
Finding your driver's license office if you need in-person service
If you cannot renew online, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person. Mississippi has offices in most counties, and many of them take appointments. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool to find the office nearest you, their hours, and whether they take appointments.
Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your address (like a utility bill or lease). If you're changing your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating your vision prescription, bring your glasses or contacts and be prepared to take a vision test at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The online system only works for licenses that are still valid or expired within the last two years.
What if I don't 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 card and tell you where it is in the mail. If there's a delay, they may be able to print a replacement or issue a temporary license.
Can I use my temporary digital license to fly or cross state lines?
No. The temporary digital license is valid for driving within Mississippi, but it is not accepted as a federal ID for flying or crossing state borders. You'll need your physical license for those purposes.
What if my address changed since my last license?
You cannot change your address during an online renewal. You'll need to visit a driver's license office in person with proof of your new address, like a utility bill or lease. They can update your address and issue a new license at the same time.
Do I need an appointment to renew online?
No. The online renewal is available 24 hours a day and does not require an appointment. You can complete it from home on your computer or phone whenever it's convenient for you.