What You Can and Cannot Renew Online in Mississippi

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific conditions — but not all renewals work this way. You can renew online only if your license is still valid (not expired more than a year ago), you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and you're renewing for a standard five-year term. You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove restrictions, upgrade to a REAL ID, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $31. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If any of your circumstances fall outside these rules, you'll need to visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license is valid, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions.
  • The renewal costs $31 and you pay by debit or credit card during the online process.
  • You need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your old license until it arrives.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.

Gather Your Information Before You Start

Have these items ready before you go to the Mississippi Driver Services website. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity using this information, so have your license in front of you.

You should also have a debit or credit card ready to pay the $31 renewal fee. Mississippi does not accept checks, money orders, or cash for online renewals. The payment goes through when ready, so make sure the card you're using is active and has available funds.

Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal

Go to the Mississippi Driver Services website (mdps.ms.gov) and look for the online renewal option. Click on the link for driver's license renewal. You'll be taken to a form that asks for your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Enter these exactly as they appear on your license.

The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your new license. Review the name, address, and other details carefully. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot correct it online and will need to visit an office in person. If everything looks correct, proceed to the payment screen.

Enter your debit or credit card information and confirm the $31 charge. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

Once your payment processes, your renewal is complete. Mississippi will mail your new license to your current address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license during this time — there is no gap in your driving privileges.

If you don't receive your new license within 10 business days, contact Mississippi Driver Services at 601-987-1212. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether the license is still in processing or if there was a delivery issue.

When You Must Renew in Person Instead

Visit a Driver Services office if your license expired more than one year ago. Online renewal is not available for licenses that have been expired that long — Mississippi requires you to retake the written test and vision screening in person. You'll also need to bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

You must also go in person if you're changing your address, adding medical restrictions, removing restrictions, upgrading to a REAL ID, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the system rejects your driver's license number or Social Security number, double-check that you've entered them exactly as they appear on your license and Social Security card. Even a small typo will cause the system to reject your information. If you've tried multiple times and still can't get through, your license information may not be in the online system yet, or there may be a flag on your record that prevents online renewal.

If your payment is declined, make sure your debit or credit card is active and has available funds. Some banks flag out-of-state transactions as suspicious — if this happens, contact your bank to approve the charge, then try again. If you continue to have payment problems, you can renew in person at any Driver Services office instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended, revoked, or has any legal holds. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, where staff can address the suspension before processing a renewal.

What if I moved to a new address?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You'll need to visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you don't receive it within 10 business days, call Driver Services at 601-987-1212 with your confirmation number.

Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?

No. Licenses expired more than one year must be renewed in person. You'll need to retake the written test and vision screening at a Driver Services office and bring proof of residency.

What if I need a REAL ID?

REAL ID upgrades cannot be done online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring your passport, birth certificate, or other federal ID, plus proof of residency and Social Security number.