What you need before you start

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — the fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid.

Before you begin, gather your current driver's license, a valid email address, and a payment method. You will also need to know your Social Security number and date of birth. If your address has changed since your last renewal, have your new address ready. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm you meet the renewal requirements. Some drivers cannot renew online — for example, if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. The website has a tool that tells you whether online renewal is an option for you before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
  • The online process takes about 10 minutes and uses the same fee structure as in-person renewal, which varies based on license validity period.
  • You will need your current license, Social Security number, email address, and a payment method to complete the renewal.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a driver's license office in person or use the mail-in renewal option if you are may be able to access.

Step-by-step process on the Mississippi DPS website

Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Click the link for online renewal and select "Renew Your Driver's License." You will be taken to a find portal where you create or log into an account using your email address.

Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that all details are correct — name, address, height, eye color, and other identifying information. If anything has changed, you can update it at this step. Review everything carefully because errors now will appear on your new license.

Answer the security questions that appear next. These questions are based on your driving history and personal records and are designed to verify your identity. Answer honestly; if you do not know an answer, select "I don't know" rather than guessing. After you pass the identity verification, you will see a summary of your renewal details and the fee amount.

Payment and confirmation

The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Enter your payment information and review the total cost. Once you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. The confirmation email will include tracking information if the state offers it. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number.

While you wait for your new license to arrive, you can use your old license for identification. If you need to drive before the new one arrives and your old license has expired, you may want to print your confirmation email to carry with you, though it is not an official document — some law enforcement officers will accept it as proof of renewal, but this is not may provide.

When you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The same applies if you have an active medical suspension, a commercial driver's license, or if you need to update your photo. You also cannot renew online if you have had certain violations — the website will tell you which ones disqualify online renewal.

If you are not sure whether you are may be able to access, use the may be able to access checker on the Mississippi DPS website before you attempt to renew. It asks a few questions about your license status and tells you right away whether online renewal is an option. If it is not, the tool will direct you to the in-person or mail renewal process.

Some drivers renew by mail instead of going to an office. Mail renewal is slower — it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks — but it works if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. You can request a mail renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling their customer service line.

Fees and license validity periods

Mississippi driver's licenses can be renewed for 4, 6, or 8 years. The fee increases with the length of validity — a 4-year renewal costs less than an 8-year renewal. During online renewal, you choose how long you want your new license to be valid, and the system shows you the cost before you pay. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.

If you are over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost. Check the Mississippi DPS website for senior renewal rates. Military members stationed outside Mississippi may also have different fee options — contact the department directly to ask about your situation.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the system rejects your identity verification, try again with different answers to the security questions. If you fail verification a second time, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number.

If your payment is declined, check that your card information is entered correctly and that your card has not expired. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or contact your bank to make sure the transaction is not being blocked. If you still cannot pay online, you can renew in person or by mail instead.

If you complete the renewal but never receive your new license, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can track your license and tell you whether it was mailed and where it is in the delivery process. If it was lost in the mail, they can reissue it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of approval. Delivery time depends on your address and the mail carrier, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you submit your renewal. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Can I renew online if my address has changed?

Yes. During the online renewal process, you can update your address before you submit payment. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. Make sure you enter it correctly because the license will go to that location.

What if my license has been suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation first, then renew in person at a driver's license office.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a driver's license office. You will need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test depending on your endorsements and violations.