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 can be replaced the same day you explore, as long as you bring the right documents and go to a DPS office in person. You cannot replace it by mail or online — Mississippi requires you to appear in front of an examiner. The process takes about 30 minutes once you're at the counter, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
You will pay a replacement fee (the current fee is $24.50 for a standard license, though this can change). Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Mississippi residency. If you have an out-of-state license or no license at all, the process is slightly different and takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- Visit a Mississippi Department of Public Safety office in person with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement license the same day.
- Bring your Social Security number, a valid ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate), and a document showing your current Mississippi address.
- The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard driver's license, payable by cash, check, or debit card at most offices.
- If you have an out-of-state license, you may need to pass a vision test and provide additional documents before receiving your replacement.
- DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours; some locations offer limited Saturday hours.
Find the nearest DPS office and check its hours before you go
Mississippi has DPS offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson, but you can visit any location statewide. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool to find the one closest to you, or call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices offer Saturday hours, usually 8 a.m. to noon. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. If you cannot get to an office during the week, check whether your nearest location has Saturday service before planning your trip.
Gather proof of identity before you visit
You must bring one form of valid photo identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate instead, though this will slow down the process and may require additional verification.
Do not bring a copy of your lost license — the examiner needs to see a different form of ID to confirm you are who you say you are. If your passport or military ID is also lost, bring your birth certificate and be prepared to answer security questions about your identity.
Bring proof that you live in Mississippi
You need one document showing your current Mississippi address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works if it shows your address.
The document does not have to be in your name alone. If you live with a spouse or family member, a bill or statement in their name at your shared address is acceptable. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photocopy usually will not work. If you recently moved and your documents still show an old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement for your new place plus one document from your old address to explain the move.
Know what to expect if you have an out-of-state license
If your lost license was issued by another state, you will need to surrender it (or explain that it is lost) and provide all the same documents as someone replacing a Mississippi license. You will also have to pass a vision test and may need to provide your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
The examiner may ask you to take a written test on Mississippi traffic laws, depending on how long you have lived in the state and whether your out-of-state license is still valid. This can add 15 to 30 minutes to your visit. Bring your out-of-state license if you still have it; if it is lost along with your Mississippi license, tell the examiner when you arrive so they can note it in the system.
Pay the replacement fee and receive your new license
The replacement fee for a standard Mississippi driver's license is $24.50. Most DPS offices accept cash, checks, and debit cards. A few locations may accept credit cards, but call ahead to confirm. If you are replacing a license that was lost or stolen, you do not pay extra — the fee is the same as a regular renewal.
Once you pay and the examiner processes your process, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid for all purposes, including traffic stops and rental car pickups.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Mississippi does not allow mail-in replacements or online ordering for lost licenses. You must visit a DPS office yourself. However, if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from traveling, contact your nearest DPS office to ask about accommodations or whether a representative can help you.
If you live outside Mississippi temporarily but still hold a valid Mississippi license, you can request a replacement by mail in some cases — call the main DPS office in Jackson at the number on their website to ask about your specific situation. For most people, an in-person visit is the only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. The temporary paper license you receive at the DPS office is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes, including traffic stops. Keep it with you whenever you drive. Once your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail, the temporary one expires automatically.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
Bring your birth certificate and any other ID you have. The examiner can look up your Social Security number in the system using your name, date of birth, and birth certificate. This may add a few minutes to the process, but you can still get your replacement the same day.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most Mississippi DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Call your local office or check the DPS website to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my address on my proof of residency does not match my old license?
Bring both documents — your old license and your current proof of residency. The examiner will update your address in the system. If you recently moved, bring a lease or utility bill for your new address plus one document from your old address to show the move was recent.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to explore for a replacement. However, once your permanent license arrives in the mail, anyone can open the envelope. If you are concerned about mail theft, ask the DPS office whether they can hold your license for pickup instead of mailing it.