Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county name. You do not have to go to the office in your home county — any location will process your renewal.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so bring any glasses or contacts you wear while driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew at any Mississippi Driver Services office in the state, not just the one in your county.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • You will take a vision test at the office, so wear your glasses or contacts if you use them while driving.
  • A standard renewal takes about 10 business days from the date you explore, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written driving test in addition to the vision test.

How long the renewal takes and when you get your new license

After you complete your process at the Driver Services office, the state mails your new license to the address you provide. Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you explore. During that time, you can drive with your old license as long as it has not expired.

If your license has already expired, you should not drive until your new one arrives. If you need to drive before the 10 days are up, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Not all offices issue these, so confirm before you leave.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24. A six-year renewal costs $36. The difference depends on which term you choose at the office — you can pick either length when you explore. Some people choose the longer term to avoid coming back as soon; others prefer the shorter term to keep the cost lower per year.

If you are 65 or older, a four-year renewal costs $12 and a six-year renewal costs $18. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate — ask the office staff to confirm your may be able to access based on your military ID.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by the standard process — bring your documents, pay the fee, and take the vision test. If your license has been expired for five years or longer, Mississippi requires you to retake the written driving test in addition to the vision test. You do not have to take the road test again, only the written exam.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website. Most people study for a few hours and take the test the same day they explore for renewal, though you can also schedule a separate appointment to take the test if you prefer.

Renewing by mail or online if you are out of state

Mississippi does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. If you are temporarily out of state but plan to return to Mississippi within a few months, you can wait until you are back and renew then — your license remains valid for 60 days after expiration for renewal purposes only.

If you have moved out of Mississippi permanently and need a license for identification purposes, you will need to renew in person during a visit back to the state, or you can contact the Driver Services office in your former home county to ask about exceptions. Some offices will work with you on a case-by-case basis if you have a documented reason you cannot return.

What to do if you have changed your name or address

If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. The office will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. If you have only changed your address, you do not need any extra documents; just tell the office staff your new address when you explore, and it will appear on your new license.

If you are renewing and your address on file is no longer correct, update it at the office before you leave. The state mails your new license to the address you provide during renewal, so if you do not update it, your license will go to your old address and you will have to pick it up or request it be reissued.

Replacing a lost or damaged license instead of renewing

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can replace it instead of waiting for a renewal. A replacement costs $15 and takes the same 10 business days to arrive by mail. You will still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and current address, and you will take a vision test. You do not need to bring your old license since it is lost or damaged.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can choose to replace it now or wait and renew it when it expires — either way costs money, so decide based on whether you need it sooner. If you replace it now and then renew later, you will pay both fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you prefer not to wait until the last minute. The new license will have a new expiration date six months or four years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the office with proof that you can now meet the vision standard. Bring your glasses or contacts and any documentation from your eye doctor. You will retake the vision test at no extra cost.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver Services office?

Most Mississippi Driver Services offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use an appointment system. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. If appointments are full, you can usually walk in, though you may wait longer.

What if I moved to Mississippi from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can drive in Mississippi on that license. When you are ready to get a Mississippi license, you will need to explore for a new one rather than renew — bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Mississippi address, and be prepared to take the vision test and written test. The process is similar to renewal but is technically a new license.