What you need to renew online in Mississippi

Mississippi allows you to renew your driver license online through the Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid, unexpired license; be a U.S. citizen; have a Social Security number on file; and not have any medical or legal holds on your record. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — currently $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your name or address, if you require a corrected vision prescription, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. In those cases, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.

The state will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your current license is valid and not suspended, and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued.
  • The online renewal process costs $31 for four years or $61 for eight years and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to update personal information, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
  • You will need a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check — to complete the online transaction.

Step-by-step process for renewing online

Start by visiting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services website and selecting the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and display it on screen for you to review.

Next, you will confirm or update your contact information — phone number and email address. You cannot change your mailing address online; if your address has changed since your license was issued, you must renew in person. After confirming your information, you will review the vision and medical questions on your license. If your answers have not changed, you can proceed. If they have changed, you will need to visit a Driver Services office instead.

Finally, you will enter payment information. Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and email receipt. Save this confirmation number in case you need to track your renewal or contact the department.

Who cannot renew online and what to do instead

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. The department can tell you the reason for the hold and what steps are needed to clear it.

If your license expired more than two years ago, online renewal is not an option. You will need to visit a Driver Services office and may be required to retake the written and vision tests. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).

If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change. The same applies if you need to correct information on your license, such as your vision prescription or medical conditions.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

Once your payment is processed, your renewal enters the mail queue. The state prints licenses in batches, so the exact timing depends on when your renewal is processed relative to the print schedule. Most licenses arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but processing can take up to two weeks during high-volume periods.

You can use your current license for driving and identification purposes until your new license arrives. There is no waiting period or temporary license issued for online renewals. If you need to verify that your renewal was submitted, use the confirmation number from your receipt to check the status on the Department of Public Safety website.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver Services customer service line or visit a Driver Services office with your confirmation number. Bring a photo ID so staff can look up your renewal in the system and investigate the delay.

Payment methods and fees for online renewal

Mississippi charges $31 for a four-year renewal and $61 for an eight-year renewal. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. The state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover cards, and electronic check payments online. You cannot pay with cash, check, or money order through the online system.

There are no additional processing fees for paying online. The amount you see quoted is the total amount charged to your card or bank account. If your payment is declined, the system will prompt you to try again with a different card or payment method before your renewal is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved to Mississippi?

No. If you are a new resident, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new Mississippi address. Online renewal is only for people renewing an existing Mississippi license without address changes.

What if my payment is declined during the online renewal?

The system will ask you to enter a different payment method before your renewal is submitted. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a Driver Services office instead. No charge is applied to your card if the transaction fails.

Do I need to print anything or bring anything to the mailbox?

No. The online renewal process is entirely digital. You do not need to print, sign, or mail anything. Your renewed license will be mailed to you automatically by the state.

Can I renew online if my license is about to expire but not yet expired?

Yes. You can renew online up to 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not affect the expiration date of your new license — it will still be valid for four or eight years from the date it is issued.

What if I need my license renewed before the mail arrives?

If you need a license when ready, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. In-person renewals are issued on the same day. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship.