Where to go and what you need to bring

In Mississippi, you replace a driver license at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Bureau office. There are offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by searching for your county name. You do not need an appointment — you walk in during business hours, though arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.

Bring these documents: your Social Security number (or a Social Security card), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and one form of photo ID if you have it — a passport, military ID, or state ID all work. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, but if it was damaged, bring what remains of it.

The fee for a replacement license is $24.50 for a regular license or $44.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need for domestic air travel starting in 2025). You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your county's DPS Driver License Bureau office in person during business hours; no appointment is needed.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of address dated within 60 days, and a photo ID if you have one.
  • A standard replacement license costs $24.50; a REAL ID license costs $44.50 and is required for domestic air travel.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue before you can receive a replacement.

How long the process takes

The in-office part takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken and answer a few questions to confirm your identity and address. Once you finish, the office will give you a receipt.

Your actual license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can use your receipt as a temporary proof of license if you are stopped by police, though it is not valid for air travel or other federal ID purposes. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the receipt is your proof that you have a valid license on file.

What happens if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Mississippi license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic fines, DUI, or other violations — you cannot get a replacement license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DPS office will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your record.

To clear a suspension, you usually need to pay outstanding fines, complete a required course (such as a defensive driving course for certain violations), or wait out a mandatory suspension period. For a revocation, the process is more involved and may require a hearing. Contact the DPS directly or visit your county office to find out what steps explore to your situation.

Replacing a license that was damaged or defaced

If your license is torn, water-damaged, faded, or otherwise unreadable, bring what is left of it to your DPS office. You will still need to provide proof of address and photo ID. The office will take a new photo and issue a replacement at the same cost as a lost license.

If your license was damaged because it was in a vehicle accident or fire, you do not need documentation of the accident — just bring the damaged card itself. The staff will note the reason for replacement in their system.

Getting a REAL ID instead of a standard license

A REAL ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting in 2025, a standard Mississippi driver license will no longer be accepted for these purposes — you will need a REAL ID or a passport.

When you replace your license, you can choose to get a REAL ID at the same office. It costs $20 more ($44.50 instead of $24.50) and requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number (your card, a W-2, or a tax return) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). The process takes the same amount of time, and your REAL ID arrives by mail in the same 7 to 10 business days.

If you moved out of state or lost your Mississippi license long ago

If you no longer live in Mississippi but still have a valid Mississippi license, you can request a replacement by mail. Contact your nearest DPS office or the main DPS Driver License Bureau to request a mail-in form. You will need to provide the same documents (proof of address, photo ID, Social Security number) and pay the same fee, but you mail everything in rather than visiting in person.

If your license expired more than a few years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just get a replacement. Call your local DPS office to confirm whether your situation requires a full renewal or a straightforward replacement.

What to do if you never received your replacement license

If more than 10 business days have passed and your license has not arrived, contact the DPS office where you applied. Bring your receipt. The office can check the status of your order and, if there was a mailing error, reissue your license or investigate further.

Mail delays do happen, especially during busy periods. If your address was correct when you applied and you have checked your mailbox carefully, contact the office before assuming the license is lost in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security card?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you do not need the physical card. A W-2, tax return, or other document showing your SSN will work. If you do not have your number memorized and cannot find any documents with it, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DPS office.

What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?

Bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) to the DPS office. The staff will update your address in the system when they process your replacement. Your new license will be mailed to your current address.

Do I need to pass a vision or written test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement for a lost or damaged license does not require a test. You only take a new photo and confirm your information. If your license expired years ago, you may need to retake tests — ask the office when you call or visit.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license must be mailed to the address on file. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. If you need to change your mailing address, contact the DPS office before your license ships.

What if my name changed since I got my original license?

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS office will update your name in the system and issue a replacement license with your current name at no extra cost.