What you need to do to renew in Mississippi
To renew your Mississippi driver's license, you can either renew by mail if you meet certain conditions, or visit a Driver Services office in person. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
The process itself is straightforward: gather your documents, submit them through your chosen method, pay the renewal fee, and wait for your new license to arrive. The fee and processing time depend on which route you take and whether you want your license to arrive by standard mail or expedited delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Mail renewal is only available if your current license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license.
- The standard renewal fee in Mississippi is $31 for a four-year license, though fees may vary if you add endorsements or request expedited processing.
- Standard mail delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval; expedited delivery is available for an additional fee.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check current wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Renewing by mail: when it works and what to send
Mail renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You will need to send your current driver's license, a completed process form (Form DL-44), and payment to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The process form is available on the state's website or at any Driver Services office.
Your payment should be a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return envelope with your mailing address so your new license can be sent back to you. Mail your renewal packet to the address listed on the process form.
Processing time for mail renewals is typically 7 to 10 business days after the department receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing, which reduces the timeline to 3 to 5 business days.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
If you do not meet the mail renewal requirements, or if you prefer to renew in person, visit any Mississippi Driver Services office. You will need to bring your current driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days).
The in-person process takes about 30 minutes from arrival to completion. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your medical history and driving record, and pay the renewal fee on the spot. Your temporary license is issued when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Driver Services offices are located in most counties across Mississippi. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment. Calling ahead is recommended to avoid long waits.
Documents and fees you will need
For mail renewal, you need only your current license, the completed process form, and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, a valid form of identification, and proof of address. Acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or state ID from another state. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
The standard renewal fee for a four-year license is $31. If you are renewing in person and want to add endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), additional fees explore. Expedited mail processing costs extra but reduces your wait time. Payment methods vary by location: in-person offices accept cash, check, and card, while mail renewals require check or money order.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the mail renewal process. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal, except you will need to bring all required documents and may be asked additional questions about why your license lapsed.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have submitted a renewal request. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.
If your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last renewal (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address.
If only your address has changed, you can update it during mail renewal by writing your new address on the process form. However, if your address change is recent and you have not yet received mail at the new address, you may need to bring proof of the change when you renew in person instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Mississippi does not currently offer online driver's license renewal. You must renew either by mail (if you meet the requirements) or in person at a Driver Services office.
How long is a renewed license valid?
A standard renewed driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. Some drivers may be issued licenses with shorter validity periods based on medical restrictions or other factors.
What if I need my license before the standard mail delivery time?
You can request expedited processing when you renew by mail, which reduces the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days for an additional fee. Alternatively, renew in person to receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license within 7 to 10 days.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Some Mississippi Driver Services offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call your local office to find out their policy and current wait times.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to report the loss and renew your license at the same time. Bring your identification and proof of address.