Get a replacement license at your county circuit clerk's office

When you lose your Mississippi driver's license, you replace it through your county circuit clerk, not through the Department of Public Safety. The circuit clerk's office handles all driver's license transactions in your county, including replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You will need to visit in person — you cannot do this by mail or online.

The process is straightforward: bring the required documents, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Most offices can issue your replacement the same day or within a few business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the same visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your county circuit clerk's office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of residency to request a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee in Mississippi is typically $24 for a standard license, though some counties may charge slightly different amounts.
  • You can request a temporary paper license at the time of replacement if you need to drive when ready.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as the circuit clerk will need to verify your identity in the system.
  • Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless you choose to renew it at the same time.

What documents to bring to the circuit clerk

You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof that you live in Mississippi. A valid passport, military ID, or state ID card all work as primary identification. If you do not have one of these, bring two documents that together prove your identity — such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a bank statement with your name on it.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your ID does not yet show your new address, bring a piece of mail from a government agency or utility company to your new address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring another document that shows it — such as a tax return or W-2 form. The circuit clerk will look up your information in the state system to confirm your driving record and any restrictions on your license.

The replacement fee and what it covers

Mississippi charges $24 for a standard replacement driver's license. Some counties may charge a small additional processing fee — typically $1 to $3 — so bring at least $30 to cover the total cost. The circuit clerk will accept cash, check, or debit card, though payment methods vary by county, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

The $24 fee covers a license valid for four years if you are under 60, or five years if you are 60 or older. Your replacement license will carry the same expiration date as your original license unless you choose to renew it at the same time. If your original license was set to expire soon, you can pay an additional renewal fee to extend it — this costs $24 as well.

Getting a temporary license while you wait

If you need to drive before your replacement license arrives, ask the circuit clerk for a temporary paper license at the time you submit your replacement request. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while the permanent card is being printed and mailed to you.

The temporary license is issued on the spot at no extra charge. Keep it with you whenever you drive, as it serves as your proof of a valid license. Once your permanent replacement arrives in the mail, the temporary license is no longer valid.

How long the replacement takes

Most Mississippi circuit clerk offices issue replacement licenses the same day you explore, or within two to three business days. You can either wait for your license to be printed while you are at the office, or the clerk can mail it to your address on file. Ask which option is available at your county office when you visit.

If you choose to have it mailed, the license typically arrives within five to seven business days. If you requested a temporary paper license, you can drive legally during this time. Once your permanent license arrives, check that all the information is correct — your name, address, license number, and expiration date.

Finding your county circuit clerk's office

Each of Mississippi's 82 counties has its own circuit clerk's office. To find the office nearest you, search online for "[your county name] circuit clerk driver's license" or visit the Mississippi Secretary of State website, which lists all county clerk contact information and addresses.

Call ahead before you visit to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment. Some offices accept walk-ins during regular business hours, while others require you to schedule a time slot. Asking about hours also lets you know whether the office will be open on the day you plan to go.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the replacement process is the same — you still visit your county circuit clerk with the same documents. However, you may want to take an extra step: contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to report the license stolen. This adds a note to your driving record that the license is no longer valid, which can protect you if someone tries to use it.

You can report a stolen license by calling the Department of Public Safety or visiting their office in Jackson. Reporting it does not change your replacement process or fee, but it does create a record that the old license should not be accepted as valid identification. This is especially important if your license contained your Social Security number or other personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. If you owe money on traffic violations or other court fines in Mississippi, the circuit clerk's office will not issue a replacement license until the debt is paid or a payment plan is set up. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it before you visit the clerk's office.

What if my address has changed since my original license was issued?

Bring proof of your new address to the circuit clerk's office. Your replacement license will show your current address. If you have moved very recently and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring mail from a government agency or bank to your new address as proof.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes. The circuit clerk will take a new photo when you request your replacement. Wear something you feel comfortable in, as you did for your original license photo. The photo will be taken at the office during your visit.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person to request the replacement and have your photo taken. However, once your license is mailed to your address, anyone at your home can receive it. If you are concerned about mail theft, ask the clerk whether you can pick up your license at the office instead of having it mailed.

What if I find my original license after I have already requested a replacement?

Contact your county circuit clerk's office right away to cancel the replacement request if possible. If the replacement has already been printed and mailed, you will receive two valid licenses in the mail. You can destroy the duplicate or keep it as a backup. Both will have the same number and expiration date.