What you need to do to replace your Mississippi driver's license

To replace a lost or damaged Mississippi driver's license, you visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you explore. Your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mississippi does not offer online replacement or mail-in requests for lost or damaged licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office, which are located in most county courthouses and some standalone locations across the state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency to replace a lost or damaged license.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Driver Services offices are located in county courthouses and some standalone locations; you can find your nearest office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring one form of government-issued photo ID that is currently valid or expired no more than five years ago. A U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card all work. If you do not have a government photo ID, you can bring two non-photo IDs instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.

You also need proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your address and is dated within the last 12 months.

If your license was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged license itself. This speeds up the process because the office can verify your existing record without additional steps.

Where to find a Driver Services office near you

Mississippi operates Driver Services offices in 82 counties. Most are located inside county courthouses, but some standalone offices exist in larger cities. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website has a searchable map showing office locations, hours, and phone numbers for your county.

Call ahead before you go. Many offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some accept appointments or have walk-in hours that vary by day. A quick call tells you whether the office is busy and whether you should expect a wait.

If you live in a rural county far from an office, you may be able to request a mobile unit visit. Contact your county Driver Services office directly to ask whether a mobile unit serves your area and when it will be there next.

The replacement fee and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Mississippi driver's license is $24.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is $31.50. You pay at the time of your visit.

Driver Services offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office takes.

What happens after you explore

You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Write down the temporary license number for your records.

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at the Driver Services office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your temporary license number.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy the temporary license by tearing it up; do not attempt to use it after your permanent license arrives.

If you need a REAL ID-compliant license

A REAL ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Mississippi began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2009, and as of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID license or passport is required for domestic flights.

When you replace your license, you can request a REAL ID version for an additional $7. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard replacement, plus one document that proves your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and one document that proves your date of birth if it is not already on your ID.

If you already have a REAL ID license and it is lost or damaged, you can replace it with another REAL ID license without providing those extra documents again.

What to do if you cannot visit an office in person

Mississippi does not offer remote replacement for lost or damaged licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to travel, you can wait until you return to Mississippi to replace your license, but you cannot legally drive without a valid license in the meantime.

If you are disabled or have a medical condition that makes travel difficult, contact your county Driver Services office and ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange a mobile unit visit or other arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot replace a lost or damaged license by mail or online.

How long does the temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the waiting period and gives you extra time if mail is delayed.

What if my permanent license never arrives?

Contact the Driver Services office where you applied within two weeks of your visit. Provide your temporary license number. The office can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Do I need a new photo if my license was damaged but still readable?

Yes. When you replace your license for any reason, you must have a new photo taken at the Driver Services office. You cannot keep the photo from your old license.

Can I replace my license if it expired?

If your license expired and was also lost or damaged, you are replacing it, not renewing it. Bring the same documents as a standard replacement. If your license straightforward expired but you still have it, you would renew it instead, which is a different process.