Where to go and what to bring

You replace a Mississippi driver's license at your local Driver License Issuance Station, run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear in person with your documents.

Bring your current Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of your Mississippi residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name if it differs from your last license (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to police first, though you may want to for your own records.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. If you cannot produce a residency document dated within 60 days, bring two documents that together prove you live in Mississippi — an older utility bill plus a lease, for example.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Issuance Station in person with proof of your Social Security number, current Mississippi address, and legal name.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license valid for four years, or $49 for an eight-year license.
  • Processing takes about 15 minutes at the station, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; the temporary paper license is valid during that time.
  • If you need your license faster, some stations offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Finding your nearest Driver License Issuance Station

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a list of all Driver License Issuance Stations on its website. You can search by county or city to find the station closest to you, along with its hours and phone number.

Stations are typically located in county courthouses, sheriff's offices, or dedicated DMV buildings. Hours vary — some are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Walk-ins are usually accepted, but some busy stations recommend calling to schedule an appointment. If you live in a rural area far from any station, ask whether your county offers mobile license services or whether you can request an appointment at a less busy time.

What happens at the station and what you pay

When you arrive, you will check in and present your documents. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your replacement license. The entire visit typically takes 15 minutes or less.

The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You pay by cash, check, or debit card — accepted payment methods vary by station, so call ahead if you want to confirm. Some stations accept credit cards; others do not.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, identification, and most other purposes while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. Keep it with you until your new license arrives.

When your new license arrives and what to do if it does not

Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provided at the station. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. Some stations offer expedited mailing for an additional fee — typically $10 to $15 — which can reduce delivery time to 3 to 5 business days, though this varies by location.

Once your plastic license arrives, destroy your temporary paper license. Your new license is valid for four or eight years depending on which you purchased, and the expiration date will be printed on the card.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver License Issuance Station where you applied. Have your temporary license or process receipt number ready. The station can check the status of your order and reissue if needed. If your license was lost in the mail, the station can issue a replacement at no additional charge.

Replacing a license if you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you no longer need a Mississippi license and should obtain a license from your new state instead. However, if you still need a Mississippi license for work or other reasons, you can request a replacement by mail through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Contact the department directly to request a mail-in replacement form. You will need to submit your documents by mail along with the form and fee. Processing takes longer this way — typically 3 to 4 weeks — because your process must be reviewed and your license printed and mailed from the central office rather than issued at a local station.

Replacing a license if yours 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 typically means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the department.

Once you have satisfied the requirements, contact the department to confirm your suspension or revocation has been lifted. Only then can you visit a Driver License Issuance Station to replace your license. Bring proof that you have resolved the issue — a court document, receipt, or letter from the department — along with your other required documents.

Replacing a license with a different class or endorsement

If you want to replace your license with a different class (for example, upgrading to a commercial license) or add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you cannot do this at a straightforward replacement visit. You must take a written test, vision test, and road test for the new class or endorsement.

Contact a Driver License Issuance Station to schedule a testing appointment. You will need to bring the same documents as for a replacement, plus any additional documents required for the new class — such as a medical certificate for a commercial license. The fee for a new class or endorsement is separate from the replacement fee and varies depending on what you are adding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is expired?

Yes. A replacement is the same process whether your license is lost, stolen, or expired. Bring the same documents and pay the same fee. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to retake the vision test, so ask the station when you call.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

Bring two documents that together prove your address — an older utility bill plus a lease agreement, a bank statement plus a piece of mail from a government agency, or similar combinations. The station staff can tell you which pairs of documents they will accept.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your replacement license is mailed directly to the address you provide at the station. You cannot have it mailed to someone else or pick it up at the station later. If you need it at a different address, provide that address when you explore.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document proving your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The station will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name at no additional charge.

Is the temporary paper license valid for driving out of state?

Yes. Your temporary Mississippi license is valid for driving in all 50 states while you wait for your plastic card to arrive. However, some states may not recognize it for certain purposes like boarding a plane, so check with your airline or the relevant agency if you are unsure.