Documents and fees required for Mississippi license renewal

To renew your Mississippi driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety accepts a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The renewal fee is $31.50 for a standard five-year license or $63 for a ten-year license if you are 65 or older. You pay this fee at the time of renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will need to provide a new photo unless you are renewing online and your previous photo is still on file.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal process is different and requires additional medical certification and testing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, military ID, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax documents), and proof of residency (utility bill or bank statement from the last 60 days).
  • The renewal fee is $31.50 for a five-year license or $63 for a ten-year license if you are 65 or older, paid at the time of renewal.
  • You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver's License Issuance Station, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions.
  • If your name has changed, bring legal documentation of the change such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Commercial driver's licenses require medical certification and additional testing and cannot be renewed through all the same channels as standard licenses.

Renewing in person at a Driver's License Issuance Station

The fastest way to renew is to visit a Driver's License Issuance Station in person. Bring all required documents listed above, your current license, and the renewal fee. You will have a new photo taken at the station unless you are renewing a license that is not yet expired and you want to keep your current photo (this option is limited and varies by location).

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Stations in larger cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Many stations do not take appointments, so you may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on when you arrive. Some stations have posted wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Your new license will be issued on the spot if everything is in order. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your current license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. To renew by mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 or visit their website to request a renewal process packet. You will need to include a new photo (passport-style, 2x2 inches) along with copies of your proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

Mail your completed process, documents, photo, and check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided in the process packet. Processing by mail takes approximately three to four weeks from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If you are renewing by mail and your name has changed, you must include the original or certified copy of the legal document proving the name change. Photocopies of name-change documents are not accepted by mail.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Online renewal is available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, it must not be expired for more than two years, and you must have a valid email address on file. You will use your driver's license number and date of birth to log in.

During online renewal, you can use your existing photo from your current license if it is still acceptable. If you need a new photo, you will have to complete the renewal in person or by mail instead. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal ($31.50 for five years or $63 for ten years if you are 65 or older).

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Driver's License Issuance Station and may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to confirm what tests you will need to take.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions are often related to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain insurance.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check the status on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call 601-987-1500.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver's License Issuance Station. In addition to the standard documents required for all renewals, you must provide a valid medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) issued by a certified medical examiner within the last 24 months.

You may also need to retake the written test and skills test depending on the class of CDL you hold and whether you are renewing with the same endorsements. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than for a standard license and varies depending on the class and endorsements. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for current CDL renewal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must renew in person at a Driver's License Issuance Station. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the written and vision tests. Call 601-987-1500 to find out what tests explore to your situation.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number instead of the card itself. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety accepts any of these documents as proof of your Social Security number.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes three to four weeks from the date the department receives your packet. Online renewal follows the same mailing timeline as in-person renewal.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the station. If you renew online, you can keep your existing photo if it is still acceptable. If you renew by mail, you must provide a new passport-style photo (2x2 inches).

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you are renewing by mail, photocopies are not accepted — you must send the original or certified copy. If you are renewing in person or online, bring the document with you.