What You Need Before You Start
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license meets certain conditions. You can renew online if your current license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and you have not changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal.
Before you begin, gather your current Mississippi driver's license number and your Social Security number. You will also need a valid payment method — Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $31.00 for a four-year license or $49.00 for an eight-year license. Have these details ready when you log in.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical suspension, or any of your personal information has changed, you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person instead. The same applies if you need to update your photo or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical suspensions or address changes.
- The renewal fee is $31.00 for four years or $49.00 for eight years, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is where you start the renewal — go to dps.ms.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you cannot renew online because of an expired license, suspension, or personal information change, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
Steps to Complete Your Renewal Online
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website at dps.ms.gov. Look for the driver's license services section and select the option to renew your license online. You will be taken to a find portal where you log in using your driver's license number and Social Security number.
Review the information displayed on your screen. This includes your name, date of birth, address, and current license expiration date. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If you notice an error in your name or address, stop here — you cannot fix these online and will need to visit a driver's license office instead.
Answer the questions about your health and driving record. Mississippi asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, whether you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses since your last renewal, and whether your vision has changed. Answer honestly. If you answer yes to any of these questions, the system may not allow you to complete the renewal online.
Enter your payment information and submit your renewal. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal status.
What Happens After You Submit
Mississippi processes online renewals within one to two business days. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time it ships, though delivery times can vary depending on your location.
You can continue to drive using your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until it expires, even after you have renewed online. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a driver's license office if you prefer.
If you do not receive your new license within 14 business days, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Have your confirmation number ready. You can reach them by phone or visit their website to check the status of your renewal.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The online system will not allow you to proceed past the initial login if your license is too old. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form).
Medical suspensions also prevent online renewal. If your license has been suspended for medical reasons, you will need to visit an office and may need to provide a medical evaluation or clearance from a doctor before you can renew. The driver's license office staff can tell you what documents are required.
Changes to your name, address, or vision correction needs require an in-person visit. If you have moved since your last renewal, changed your name through marriage or legal process, or if you now need glasses or contacts but did not before, you cannot complete the renewal online. The same applies if you are changing from a regular license to a commercial license or vice versa.
Finding a Driver's License Office Near You
Mississippi has driver's license offices in most counties. Visit dps.ms.gov and use the office locator tool to find the one closest to you. The website shows the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours.
Call ahead before you visit. Wait times vary by location and time of day, and some offices may have temporary closures or schedule changes. Having your documents ready and knowing what you need to bring will speed up your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. If you have moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
What if I get an error message during the online renewal?
Error messages usually mean you do not meet the conditions for online renewal — most commonly because your license is expired by more than one year, you have a medical suspension, or your personal information has changed. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety by phone or visit an office to renew in person.
How long does my new license take to arrive?
Processing takes one to two business days, and mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Total time is usually 10 to 14 business days from the date you submit your renewal online. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a driver's license office. You will need to bring your current commercial license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.