Get a replacement license by visiting your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office with proof of identity and residency

A lost Mississippi driver's license requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need to bring specific documents and pay a replacement fee.

The fastest route is to find your nearest Driver Services office, gather your documents before you go, and arrive early in the day when wait times are shorter. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with a valid government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license, and you pay at the office when you submit your process.
  • Your new license is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office to use when ready.
  • Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized, as you will need it to complete the replacement form.

Locate your nearest Driver Services office

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is located in Jackson, but you can visit any location regardless of where you live or where your license was originally issued. Find the office nearest you by visiting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and searching their office locator tool, or call 601-987-1500 to confirm hours and current wait times.

Some offices have walk-in service only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Scheduling ahead can cut your wait time significantly, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon. If your local office is closed or has a long wait, you can travel to any other Driver Services location in the state.

Gather required documents before you visit

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents as proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID, a birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy of your passport or military ID is not acceptable — it must be the original document. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents, but calling ahead to confirm what the office will accept prevents a wasted trip.

You also need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement typically does not work, so bring a utility bill or lease if you have one.

Write down your Social Security number or bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. You will also need to know your current address and any previous addresses you have lived at in the past five years.

Complete the process at the office

When you arrive, tell the staff member at the counter that you are replacing a lost license. They will hand you form DL-44 or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill it out electronically. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and a description of any distinguishing marks (scars, tattoos, or birthmarks visible on your face or neck).

You will also be asked whether you want to register to vote or update your voter registration at the same time. This is optional. After you complete the form, a staff member will take a new photo for your license and verify your documents. The entire process at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Pay the replacement fee and choose delivery options

The replacement fee for a standard Mississippi driver's license is $24.50. You pay this fee at the office by cash, debit card, or credit card — most offices accept all three. If you are replacing a license that was lost or destroyed, you pay the standard replacement fee; there is no additional charge for a lost license versus a damaged one.

Ask the staff member whether you want your new license mailed to your address on file or to a different address. The new license is mailed automatically within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary paper license at the same time. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

What to do if you need to drive when ready

If you have a job that requires driving or you need to drive for other urgent reasons, ask for a temporary paper license before you leave the office. This temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 45 days. It serves as a legal driver's license during that time, though some rental car companies and law enforcement may be unfamiliar with it — carry your receipt from the office as backup documentation.

The temporary license covers you until your permanent license arrives in the mail. Once your new license arrives, the temporary license expires and you should destroy it. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the Driver Services office to confirm it was mailed and ask for a tracking update.

Handle special situations

If your license was lost in another state or country, you still follow the same process — visit a Mississippi Driver Services office with your documents and request a replacement. If your license was stolen and you suspect identity theft, report the theft to the Mississippi Attorney General's office and bring a copy of the police report to the Driver Services office. This flags your file and helps prevent someone else from using your license number.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) instead of a standard license, the replacement process is the same, but you must visit an office that handles CDL replacements. Not all Driver Services offices issue CDLs, so call ahead to confirm. The replacement fee for a CDL is higher than a standard license — ask the office for the current CDL replacement fee when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the office?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to your address on file, not held at the office for pickup. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it. If you are moving before your license arrives, update your address with the Driver Services office as soon as possible so the license is mailed to your new address instead.

What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?

You can still replace your license. Bring your birth certificate or passport as proof of identity and your address proof. You do not need your Social Security card — you can provide your number verbally or from memory. If you cannot remember your Social Security number, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm it before your office visit.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same duration as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement license will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Tell the staff member at the Driver Services office about your address change when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be printed with your current address and mailed to that address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your identity documents.

Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Yes. Outstanding tickets or fines do not prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before the replacement license can be issued. Call the Driver Services office to check your license status before you visit.