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 two years ago. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a way to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The state does not accept checks or money orders for online renewals.
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 your address, you will need to do that first — either by mail or in person at a driver services office. The online system will not let you proceed if your address needs updating.
You also cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to renew a commercial driver's license (CDL). Those situations require an in-person visit to a driver services office.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last two years, and you have no suspensions or revocations on your record.
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety online renewal system accepts only credit or debit card payment and takes about 10 business days to process.
- Your address must be current in the system before you start; if you have moved, update it in person or by mail first.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure that address is where you want to receive it.
Step-by-Step: The Online Renewal Process
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will see a link to the online renewal system. Click it and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the menu.
Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it carefully — your name, date of birth, and address should all be correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and contact a driver services office to make corrections before you try again online.
Answer the vision and medical questions the system asks. These are the same questions you would answer in person. Answer honestly; if you have had any changes to your health or vision since your last renewal, report them. If you answer yes to any medical question, the system may require you to visit an office in person or provide a medical form from your doctor.
Review the renewal terms and check the box to confirm you agree. Then enter your payment information. The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically between $24 and $31 for a standard renewal. The system will show you the exact amount before you submit payment.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your payment goes through, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The system will also send a confirmation email to the address you provided.
Your process will be processed within 10 business days. During this time, the state is verifying your information and printing your new license. You do not need to do anything else while you wait. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file in your driver's record.
If there is a problem with your process — for example, if the system cannot verify your Social Security number or if your medical answers require follow-up — the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will contact you by phone or email. This is why it is important to provide a working phone number and email address.
If Your License Arrives Damaged or Does Not Arrive
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks of your online submission, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver services line. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether it has been mailed.
If your license arrives damaged, torn, or unreadable, you can request a replacement. Some driver services offices will issue a temporary paper license while you wait for a replacement to be printed. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers this service.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a driver services office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your current identification and proof of residency.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before you can renew. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. In most cases, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee and visit an office in person.
If you need to renew a commercial driver's license or if you want to add endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you must do that in person at a driver services office. The online system handles standard passenger vehicle licenses only.
Finding Your Nearest Driver Services Office
If you need to renew in person or if you have questions about your online renewal, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a list of driver services offices on its website. You can search by county or city to find the office nearest you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.
Call ahead before you visit. Many offices now require appointments or have limits on how many people can be served each day. Having an appointment will save you time and may support you are not turned away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my new license take to arrive in the mail?
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety typically processes online renewals within 10 business days, and your new license should arrive within two to three weeks after that. Delivery time depends on your location and the mail service. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the department with your confirmation number.
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a driver services office. You may also need to retake the written and vision tests. Contact your local office to find out what documents and tests you will need.
What if I move after I submit my online renewal?
Your new license will be mailed to the address that was on file when you submitted your renewal. If you move before it arrives, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number and ask them to hold your license at a driver services office for you to pick up, or you may be able to update your address and have it reissued to your new address — though this may delay delivery.
Do I need to bring anything with me if I renew online?
No. The entire process happens on the computer. You do not need to visit an office or bring any documents, as long as your information is already correct in the system and you have no medical or legal issues that require in-person review.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a driver services office. The online system is for standard passenger vehicle licenses only. Contact your local office to schedule an appointment for your CDL renewal.