Mississippi lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical suspensions
Mississippi's online renewal system, called MS License Online, handles standard renewals through the Department of Public Safety website. You can renew without visiting an office if your current license expired within the past year, you have no active medical holds or suspensions, and you are renewing for the standard five-year term. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $31.50.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you have medical restrictions, or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The online system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible and direct you to the nearest office location.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the past year and you have no medical suspensions or active holds.
- The online renewal costs $31.50 and takes about 10 minutes; you pay by debit or credit card.
- You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
- If you need to change your address or have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
- You can check your renewal status and find office locations on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current Mississippi driver's license number and Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $31.50 renewal fee. The system does not accept checks, money orders, or cash.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person and bring the document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the MS License Online option. Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your current address and other information.
Review the information on screen carefully. If your address has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online — stop and visit a driver's license office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen and enter your debit or credit card information. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have a medical suspension or hold on your record, or if you need to change your address. You also cannot renew online if you are changing your name, if you want to add or remove the Real ID designation, or if you need to update your vision or medical information.
To find the nearest driver's license office, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use the office locator tool. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety reviews your submission within one to two business days. If there are no issues, your renewal is approved and your new license is printed and mailed. You will receive an email confirmation when your license ships.
If the system flags a problem — such as a medical hold you were not aware of, or a discrepancy in your information — you will receive an email asking you to contact the department or visit an office to resolve it. Check your email regularly after you renew online, including your spam folder, in case the notification goes there.
Renewing in person if online renewal is not an option
If you cannot renew online, visit a driver's license office with your current license and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days. If you are changing your name, bring the document that proves the change. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.
In-person renewals cost $31.50, the same as online. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days, though some offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my renewed license take to arrive?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is approved. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety mails licenses from a central location, so delivery time does not depend on which office you renewed through or where you live in the state.
Can I renew online if I have a suspended license?
No. If you have any active suspension — medical, financial, or administrative — the online system will reject your renewal and direct you to contact the department or visit an office. You must resolve the suspension before you can renew.
What if the online system says I am not may be able to access?
The system will tell you why you cannot renew online. Common reasons are that your license expired more than one year ago, you have a medical hold, or your address needs to be updated. Visit the nearest driver's license office with your current license and the required documents for your situation.
Can I renew online if I moved to a different state?
No. If you have moved out of Mississippi, you cannot renew your Mississippi license online or in person. You will need to obtain a license from your new state. If you still live in Mississippi but changed your address, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What if my credit card is declined during online renewal?
Try the payment again with the same card or use a different debit or credit card. If the payment continues to fail, renew in person at a driver's license office instead, where you can pay by cash or check. Contact your bank if you are unsure why the card was declined.