What you need to renew online in Mississippi
Mississippi lets you renew your driver license online through the Department of Public Safety website if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready after payment.
Not every driver can use the online route. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you are renewing for the first time, or if more than two years have passed since your license expired. If any of those explore to you, you will need to visit a Mississippi Driver License Station in person.
The renewal fee varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The state website shows the exact fee before you complete payment, so you will know the total before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is currently valid or expired within the last two years.
- The online process requires your license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card.
- You will receive a temporary digital license right after you pay, valid while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail.
- Address changes, suspensions, and first-time renewals must be handled in person at a Driver License Station.
- Your new physical license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of completing your online renewal.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by going to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and finding the online renewal portal. You will see a link labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online" on their main page. Click it and you will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your record appears, review all the information on screen — name, address, height, eye color, and any restrictions. If everything is correct, you can proceed. If your address has changed, you cannot finish the renewal online; you will need to visit a Driver License Station instead to update it.
Next, you will choose how long you want your new license to be valid: four years or eight years. The fee for each option will display on screen. Select your choice and enter your payment information. Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.
when ready after payment, the state will issue you a temporary digital license that you can use right away. This temporary license is valid while your physical license is being printed and mailed to you. Your new card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you pay
Your temporary digital license appears on screen as soon as your payment is processed. You can use this temporary license to drive legally in Mississippi and in other states while you wait for your physical card. The temporary license includes your license number, photo, and expiration date.
Your physical license will be mailed to the address on file with the Department of Public Safety. If you moved recently and updated your address before renewing, your new license will go to your new address. If you did not update your address yet, your license will go to your old address — this is why the system will not let you change your address during online renewal.
If your physical license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. They can check the status of your card and remail it if needed.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a Driver License Station in person and bring documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The state website lists all Driver License Stations and their hours.
A suspended or revoked license also requires an in-person visit. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, or add or remove restrictions like corrective lenses. If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), you must go in person as well.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check the status on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you try to renew. This takes less than a minute and will tell you whether online renewal is an option for you.
Temporary digital license and what it covers
The temporary digital license you receive when ready after paying is a real, legal license. You can use it to drive in Mississippi and in all other states. Police will recognize it as valid identification, and you can show it on your phone or print it out if you prefer a paper copy.
Your temporary license stays valid until your physical license arrives or until the expiration date printed on it, whichever comes first. Once your physical card arrives in the mail, you can start using that instead, though the temporary license remains valid until its printed expiration date.
If you lose your phone or need a backup copy of your temporary license, you can print it from the confirmation email the state sends you. The email will include a link to your temporary license that you can access anytime.
Fees and payment methods
Mississippi charges different fees depending on the length of your new license. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee appears on the renewal website before you enter your payment information, so you will see the total before you commit to paying.
The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. They do not accept cash, checks, or other payment methods online. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Station, where you may have additional payment options.
There are no additional fees for the temporary digital license — it is included in your renewal fee. You will not be charged again when your physical license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary digital license right away?
Yes. Your temporary digital license is valid when ready after you complete payment and is recognized by police and other states. You can drive legally with it while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address during online renewal. You will need to visit a Driver License Station in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Once you update your address, you can renew online if your license is still valid or expired within two years.
How long does it take to get my physical license in the mail?
Your new physical license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number and they can check the status or remail it.
What if my license has been suspended?
You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a Driver License Station in person. You can check your license status on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you try to renew.
Can I renew if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. Online renewal is only available if your license is currently valid or expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License Station and bring documents proving your identity and residency.