Where to go and what to bring

To replace a lost Mississippi driver's license, you go to your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in person. You cannot complete this by mail or online — Mississippi requires you to appear with your original documents.

Bring these documents: a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license valid for eight years. You pay this fee at the office when you submit your documents. If you need the license faster than the standard processing time, Mississippi offers a rush option for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in person with a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50, and you pay it at the office when you submit your documents.
  • Standard processing takes approximately 7 to 10 business days; rush processing is available for an additional fee at some locations.
  • Your replacement license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.

Finding your nearest driver license office

Mississippi has Driver License Bureau offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one nearest you is to visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, which shows addresses, hours, and phone numbers for each location.

Call ahead before you go. Office hours vary, and some locations have walk-in limits or require you to take a number when you arrive. A quick phone call tells you whether the office is currently accepting replacements and how long the wait typically is that day.

What happens when you arrive at the office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number or appointment confirmation. A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is present and matches their records. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Once your documents are approved, you will have a new photo taken for your license. You cannot use an old photo — Mississippi requires a new one at replacement. After the photo is taken, you pay the $24.50 fee and receive a receipt with a confirmation number.

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided. Do not expect to leave the office with a physical card in hand — the license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under standard processing.

Temporary license while you wait

Mississippi does not issue a temporary paper license at the office. Once you have paid and received your confirmation number, you have proof that you applied for a replacement, but this is not a valid form of identification for driving.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: carry your confirmation receipt and a copy of your original license if you still have it, or contact the Driver License Bureau to ask whether they can issue a temporary document in your specific situation. Policies on temporary credentials vary, so call your local office to ask what they can do.

If your documents don't match your records

Sometimes the name or information in the system does not match what you bring. This happens most often when someone has changed their name but the change was never recorded with the state, or when there is a typo in the original record.

If this occurs, the office staff will tell you what documents you need to bring to correct the record. For a name change, you will need the legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). For a data error, you may need to bring documents that show what the correct information should be. Ask the staff member for a list of what they need, and bring those documents back on your next visit.

Replacing a license that was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. This usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the state.

Contact the Driver License Bureau or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. Once that is resolved, you can then explore for a replacement license through the normal process described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my replacement license in the mail?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit your documents at the office. Rush processing is available at some locations for an additional fee and takes approximately 3 to 5 business days. Call your local office to ask whether rush processing is available and what the extra cost is.

Can I use my confirmation receipt to drive while I wait?

No. The confirmation receipt proves you applied, but it is not a valid form of identification for driving. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, contact your local Driver License Bureau office to ask what temporary options may be available in your situation.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Driver License Bureau with your new address before your license is mailed. Provide your confirmation number and new address, and they will update the mailing address in the system. If your license is already in the mail, you may need to file a change of address with the post office or contact the Driver License Bureau to request a reissue to your new address.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

This varies by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments or operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a number system. Call your local office before you go to find out their process and current wait times.

What if I lost my Social Security card and can't find proof of my number?

You can use other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, bank statement, or insurance document. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number, then return to the Driver License Bureau with that document.