Where to renew and what documents you need
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety operates Driver Services locations across the state — you can find the office nearest you on their website by entering your county or city.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
For mail renewal, you must have a license that is not expired or expired less than two years ago, and you cannot have any medical conditions or restrictions that need to be reviewed. You'll mail your current license and a completed process form to the address provided by Driver Services. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or document showing your number.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical conditions or license restrictions that need review.
- Driver Services offices are located throughout Mississippi; you can find your nearest location on the Department of Public Safety website.
- Bring a certified copy of any document that changed your name, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- In-person renewal is usually completed the same day; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
License renewal fees and what they cover
Mississippi charges a renewal fee based on the type of license you hold and the length of the renewal period. A standard driver's license renewal for four years costs a set amount; a six-year renewal costs more. The exact fee depends on whether you are renewing a Class D (regular passenger vehicle) license or a different class.
The fee covers the new license card itself and the background check that Driver Services performs. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process — Driver Services does not accept credit cards by mail.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must contact Driver Services directly to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.
How to renew online or by phone
Mississippi does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. There is no phone renewal option.
However, you can call Driver Services to ask questions about the renewal process, confirm what documents you need, or find the location and hours of your nearest office. The main Driver Services phone line is available during business hours. If you have questions about your specific situation — such as whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal — calling ahead can save you a trip.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Mississippi or any other state. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. The longer your license remains expired, the more complicated the renewal process may become.
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it through the standard process — either in person or by mail. If it has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, and you may need to provide additional documentation. Contact Driver Services to find out what is required in your case.
If you know your license is about to expire, renewing before the expiration date is simpler and faster than renewing after it expires. You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card.
Renewing a license with a medical condition or restriction
If your license has a medical restriction — such as corrective lenses required, or an automatic transmission only — you can renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot renew by mail if you have any medical condition or restriction that needs to be reviewed.
When you renew in person, Driver Services will ask about any changes to your health or medical status since your last license. If you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor, or to retake the vision or written test.
If your doctor has advised you that you should not drive, or if you have been diagnosed with a condition that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely, tell Driver Services before you renew. They can discuss what documentation they need and whether your license should be restricted or not renewed.
Replacing a lost or damaged license while renewing
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you can replace it at the same time you renew. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal — proof of residency, Social Security card or document, and any name-change documents if applicable. If your license was stolen, you do not need to bring a police report, but you can bring one if you have filed one.
The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. You will pay both the replacement cost and the renewal cost when you complete the transaction in person. By mail, include both fees with your process.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask Driver Services whether they can issue a temporary paper license that day. Temporary licenses are valid for a limited time and are not accepted in all situations, so confirm with your insurance company or employer that a temporary license will work for your needs.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra, and your new license will be valid for the full renewal period from the date you renew — not from the date your old license expired.
Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date, or because they know they will be out of state or unable to visit an office when their license is about to expire. If you are planning a move, a long trip, or know you will be busy during the months before your expiration date, renewing early can prevent you from driving with an expired license.
Check the expiration date on your current license to see when you become may be able to access to renew. You can renew in person or by mail (if you meet the mail renewal conditions) at any time after that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I live out of state?
If you have moved out of Mississippi but still hold a Mississippi license, you should transfer your license to your new state rather than renewing it in Mississippi. However, if you still live in Mississippi or maintain a Mississippi address, you can renew by mail or in person. Contact Driver Services to discuss your situation.
What if I don't have a Social Security card?
You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself — a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement. If you do not have your Social Security number available, contact Driver Services before you visit an office to find out what alternative documents they will accept.
How long does an in-person renewal take at the office?
In-person renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license card the same day. Arrive early or check the Driver Services website to see which offices have shorter wait times.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or back taxes?
Mississippi may suspend or deny renewal of your license if you owe child support or have unpaid tax debt. Contact Driver Services or the Mississippi Department of Human Services to find out whether your license is affected. You may need to resolve the debt or set up a payment plan before you can renew.
What if my name changed after my last renewal?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your other renewal documents. Driver Services will update your name on your new license. The certified copy must be an official document from the court or vital records office, not a photocopy.