The cost of a replacement Mississippi driver's license

A replacement driver's license in Mississippi costs $24 for a regular license and $28 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You pay this fee when you visit a Driver Services office to get your replacement. The fee covers the cost of producing the new card and processing your request.

The difference between the two is what the license can be used for. A regular license works for driving and most everyday identification. A REAL ID license meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you are unsure which one you need, a REAL ID is the safer choice since it works everywhere a regular license does, plus those federal purposes.

Payment is cash or card at the Driver Services office. There are no online payment options or mail-in fees — you must pay in person when you submit your replacement request.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular replacement driver's license costs $24; a REAL ID replacement costs $28.
  • You pay the fee in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office when you submit your replacement request.
  • REAL ID licenses are required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025, so many people choose that option even though it costs $4 more.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to avoid delays or extra trips.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (memorized or on a card), one document proving your identity, and one document proving your current Mississippi address. The Driver Services office will not accept a replacement request without all three.

For identity, acceptable documents include a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or the expired license itself. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. A document does not have to be recent — a utility bill from several months ago works — but it must show your current address.

If you are explore for a REAL ID, you will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A regular replacement does not require this extra step.

Where to go and how long it takes

Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office. There are locations in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices have longer waits on weekday mornings and afternoons.

Processing time at the office is usually 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. Your replacement license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you leave the office. You cannot pick it up the same day.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the office for a temporary driving permit. This is a paper document they issue on the spot at no extra cost, and it is valid while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail.

Fees for expedited or duplicate licenses

If you need your replacement faster than the standard 7 to 10 business days, Mississippi does not offer expedited mail processing. The timeline is the same regardless of how much you pay — the $24 or $28 fee is the only option.

If you want a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license, not a replacement), that costs $10 and takes the same 7 to 10 business days to arrive. A duplicate is useful if you want a backup at home while you carry your main license, but it does not help if your license is lost or stolen.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee

Mississippi does not waive driver's license fees based on income or hardship. The $24 or $28 fee is required to process any replacement request. If you cannot pay at the time of your visit, you will need to return when you have the money.

Some Driver Services offices accept payment plans or allow you to pay by card if you do not have cash on hand. Call the office you plan to visit ahead of time to ask what payment methods they accept and whether they can hold your process while you arrange payment.

REAL ID versus a regular license: which one to choose

The main difference is federal acceptance. A REAL ID license meets Department of Homeland Security standards and is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting May 7, 2025. A regular license works for driving and state ID purposes but will not be accepted for those federal purposes after that date.

If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, get a REAL ID. If you do neither and do not plan to, a regular license is sufficient. The $4 difference is small enough that many people choose REAL ID straightforward to avoid having to replace their license again in a few years when they need it for travel.

Both licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will need to renew either one when it expires, and you can switch from a regular license to a REAL ID at that time if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office to replace a lost or stolen license. You cannot mail in a request or handle it through the website. You must bring your documents and pay the fee in person.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to visit a Mississippi Driver Services office to request a replacement. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Mississippi, or you can ask a family member to visit an office on your behalf if your state allows it. Call the Driver Services office to ask whether they accept requests from someone other than the license holder.

Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry, so you do not need a REAL ID license. However, many people carry both because a license is more convenient for everyday use. The choice is yours.

Will my replacement license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same license number as your lost or stolen license. The number stays with you for life in Mississippi unless you request a new number for privacy or safety reasons.

How much does it cost to change my address on my license?

Changing your address without replacing your license costs $10 and can be done at any Driver Services office. If you are replacing your license anyway, the new address is included in the $24 or $28 replacement fee at no extra charge.