What You Need Before You Start
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The state also requires you to have a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee, which is $31.50 for a four-year license or $49.50 for an eight-year license.
Before you begin, check that your address on file with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is correct. If you have moved recently and have not updated it, you should do that first — the state will mail your new license to the address they have on record. You cannot change your address during the online renewal process itself.
The online system works only if your vision, medical status, and other licensing restrictions have not changed since your last renewal. If you have had eye surgery, been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects driving, or need to update your name, you will need to renew in person at a Driver Services office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and your vision and medical status have not changed.
- The online renewal process takes place on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and requires your license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the state, so update your address before you start if you have moved.
- The renewal fee is $31.50 for a four-year license or $49.50 for an eight-year license, paid by card during the online transaction.
- Processing takes about two weeks from the time the state receives your payment, and you can drive on your expired license until your new one arrives.
Steps to Renew Online
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the Driver Services section. Find the link for online license renewal — it is usually labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online" or similar. Click that link to enter the renewal portal.
You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it carefully to make sure the name, address, and other details are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and contact a Driver Services office to make corrections before you renew online.
Next, you will confirm your Social Security number and answer a few security questions based on your driving record and personal history. These questions verify your identity. Answer them as they appear in the state's records — if you are unsure, do not guess, because too many wrong answers will lock you out of the system.
Once you pass the identity check, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee. Enter your debit or credit card information. The state does not store your card details after the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number by email — save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
What Happens After You Pay
After your payment goes through, the state will send you a confirmation email with your transaction number. This email is your proof that you have renewed. Keep it until your new license arrives.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety typically takes about two weeks to process your renewal and mail your new license. During this time, your expired license is still valid for driving — you do not need a temporary permit. If you have not received your new license within three weeks, you can contact Driver Services with your confirmation number to check the status.
Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you do not receive it after four weeks, or if it arrives damaged, contact a Driver Services office with your confirmation number and they can reissue it or investigate the delay.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online renewal system. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you need to change your name, address, or license class, or if your medical or vision status has changed, you must renew in person. The online system does not allow these changes. You can find the nearest Driver Services office and their hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or suspension on your record, the online system will reject your renewal. You will need to resolve these issues first, either by paying the fine or clearing the suspension, before you can renew online or in person.
Updating Your Address on File
If you have moved since your last license renewal, you need to update your address before you renew online. The state will mail your new license to whatever address is currently in their system, so if you do not update it first, your license will go to your old address.
You can update your address online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, or you can do it in person at any Driver Services office. If you update online, use the address change form on their website — it is separate from the renewal process. Allow a few business days for the address change to show up in the system before you start your renewal.
Paying the Renewal Fee
The renewal fee depends on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $31.50, and an eight-year license costs $49.50. You choose which one you want during the online renewal process, and the fee is charged to your debit or credit card when ready.
The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There are no additional processing fees — the amount you see is what you pay. If your card is declined, the system will tell you why and you can try a different card or contact your bank to resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid fines, traffic violations, or medical reasons — you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required courses, or clearing the medical issue. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number and let them know your new address. They can redirect your license to your new address if they have time before it ships. If it has already been mailed to your old address, you may be able to pick it up there or have the new resident forward it to you.
Do I need a new photo for 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 Services office. Most people renew online to avoid the trip and the photo requirement, so if a new photo matters to you, plan to visit an office instead.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you chose when you paid the fee. The expiration date will be printed on your new license when it arrives.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will tell you why — usually because your license is expired more than one year, suspended, or your medical status has changed. Read the message carefully. If you do not understand it, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visit a Driver Services office with your license and they can explain what you need to do next.