What you need to do to replace your Mississippi driver's license
To replace a lost or damaged Mississippi driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Mississippi does not issue replacements by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will pay a replacement fee at the time of your visit.
If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to local law enforcement before going to Driver Services — this creates a record in case someone tries to use it. Bring that police report number with you, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license and $31.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number to bring with you.
- Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; locations and hours are listed on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver Services office
Bring one form of valid photo identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.
You also need proof of your current Mississippi address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. The name on your address proof should match the name on your ID.
If you are replacing a license because it was damaged (not lost), bring the damaged license with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything except your ID and address proof.
Finding the nearest Driver Services office and hours
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson, but you can visit any location in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool to find the address, phone number, and hours for the location nearest you.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours or close for lunch. Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours vary by location and some offices occasionally close for training or maintenance.
You do not need an appointment for a replacement license. Walk-ins are accepted, though you may wait longer during peak times like lunch hours or late afternoon. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.
The replacement fee and payment methods
A standard Mississippi driver's license replacement costs $24.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal identification purposes like boarding a domestic flight), the fee is $31.50. You pay this fee at the Driver Services office when you submit your replacement request.
Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some locations may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you pay by check, make it out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
Once you complete your visit, the Driver Services office will give you a receipt. Your new license will be printed and mailed to the address currently on file with the state. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer during high-volume periods.
You cannot request that your license be mailed to a different address than what is registered with the state. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address yet, do that before you go to Driver Services. You can update your address online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or in person at any Driver Services office.
If your replacement license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you submitted your request. They can check the status of your order and reissue it if needed.
Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost
If your license was stolen, file a report with local law enforcement before going to Driver Services. You do not need the police report to get a replacement, but having the report number protects you in case someone tries to use your stolen license. When you visit Driver Services, mention that the license was stolen and provide the report number if you have it.
If your license was straightforward lost, you do not need a police report. Bring your ID and address proof, and the replacement process is the same. The fee is the same whether your license was lost or stolen.
Updating your address if you have moved
If you have moved since your current license was issued, update your address before or at the same time you request your replacement. You can update your address online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office, or you can do it in person when you submit your replacement request.
To update online, you will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The online system will ask you to confirm your identity and then let you change your address. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
If you update your address online and then visit Driver Services for your replacement, your new license will be mailed to your updated address. If you wait and update your address at the Driver Services office during your replacement visit, the same thing happens — your new license goes to the new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement to arrive?
No, Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses. Your receipt from the Driver Services office shows that you have a replacement in progress, but it is not a valid form of identification for driving. You should not drive until your new license arrives, unless you have another valid form of ID.
What if I need my license before 7 to 10 business days?
There is no way to expedite a replacement license in Mississippi. Standard mail delivery is the only option. If you need to prove your identity before your license arrives, you can use your receipt from Driver Services or request a duplicate ID from the state, though that also takes time to arrive.
Do I need a REAL ID license, or can I get a standard replacement?
A standard license works for driving in Mississippi. You only need a REAL ID if you plan to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you are unsure, a standard license is fine for most people. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later.
What if my name has changed since my current license was issued?
Bring documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will need to see this before they can issue a replacement with your new name. You may also need to update your name with the state before your replacement is processed.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No, your replacement license is mailed directly to your address on file. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at the Driver Services office. If you are moving before your license arrives, update your address with the state first so it goes to your new location.