Get a replacement driver's license at your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office

When you lose your driver's license in Mississippi, you need to visit a Driver License Issuance Station run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS). You cannot order a replacement by mail or online — you must appear in person with the documents listed below. The process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit, and you will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement license has the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your license term.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Issuance Station in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your new license keeps the same expiration date as your original license, so you do not lose any validity period.
  • If you also lost your vehicle registration or other documents, you will need to handle those separately at the county tax assessor's office.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid photo identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card. You also need proof that you live in Mississippi, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number ready. You can bring your Social Security card, but the MDPS will accept the number alone if you know it. Bring your current vehicle registration if you have one, though this is not required for the license replacement itself.

Finding your nearest Driver License Issuance Station

The MDPS operates Driver License Issuance Stations in most Mississippi counties. You can search for the location nearest you on the MDPS website by entering your county or city name. Each station has different hours — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have limited weekend hours. Call ahead before you go, because some stations close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

If you live far from a station, you can visit any station in the state, not just the one in your county. Some people find it faster to visit a station in a nearby town with shorter wait times. The MDPS website lists wait times for many stations, updated throughout the day.

The fee and payment methods

A replacement driver's license costs $24.50. The MDPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most stations, though a few smaller locations may accept cash only. Call your local station ahead of time if you want to confirm payment methods.

If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you pay the standard replacement fee — there is no additional charge for a lost license versus a damaged one. Military members on active duty may be exempt from the fee; ask the clerk when you arrive.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you do not need to file a police report before getting a replacement — the MDPS will issue a new one based on your word alone. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you can file a report with your local police department and request a copy for your records. This does not speed up the license replacement, but it creates a paper trail if someone tries to use your stolen license.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if your license was stolen along with other documents. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name, though it does not prevent it entirely.

Your temporary license and what it covers

The temporary paper license you receive on the day of your visit is valid for 45 days and works for all the same purposes as your permanent card — driving, proving your identity, and boarding domestic flights. Keep it in your wallet or purse at all times, because police will accept it as proof of a valid license if you are stopped.

Do not laminate the temporary license or write on it. If it tears or becomes illegible before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the Driver License Issuance Station for a replacement temporary license, which costs an additional $24.50.

If your permanent license does not arrive

Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. If more than two weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the MDPS directly. Have your temporary license number ready when you call. The MDPS can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

If your address changed after you applied, your license may have been returned to the MDPS as undeliverable. Update your address at a Driver License Issuance Station and request that your card be reissued to your new address. This second issuance is free if it happened because of an address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license on the same day I report it lost?

Yes. You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the Driver License Issuance Station, valid for 45 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait or come back.

What if I do not have a Social Security card or number?

You must provide your Social Security number to get a replacement license. If you do not know it, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number. This step happens before you visit the MDPS.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No. If you lost your license, you will not have it to bring. If you still have it but want a replacement for any reason, bring it with you — the clerk will destroy it and issue a new one.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the Driver License Issuance Station. The MDPS does not issue licenses by proxy or allow someone to collect a license on your behalf.

What if my address on the old license is no longer correct?

Tell the clerk at the Driver License Issuance Station that your address has changed. They will update it in the system, and your new license will be mailed to your current address. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.