Where to renew your Mississippi driver's license

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 does not offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses, so you must visit a physical location. You can find the full list of Driver Services offices on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, organized by county.

Walk-in service is available at all offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office; online renewal is not available for standard licenses.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or card.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • Your new license is issued on the spot, so you leave with it the same day.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid the rush near your expiration date.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license to the Driver Services office. This is your primary form of identification for the renewal process. If your license is lost or damaged, you will need to bring an alternative form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead.

You also need proof of your current Mississippi address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address also works. The document must show your full name and current street address.

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you do not have your card with you, you can provide your number verbally, and the office will verify it through the Social Security Administration's database. You do not need to bring any other documents unless your name has changed since your last license was issued.

The renewal process at the office

When you arrive at the Driver Services office, check in at the front desk and let staff know you are renewing your license. You will be given a number or called when it is your turn. The staff member will review your current license, check your proof of residency, and verify your Social Security number.

You will be asked to confirm or update your address, emergency contact information, and organ donor status. If any of this information has changed, tell the staff member and they will update it in the system. You will also be asked whether you want to renew for four years or eight years; the eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for longer.

Next, you will have your photograph taken for the new license. Wear clear glasses if you normally do, and avoid wearing hats or sunglasses. The photo is taken against a plain background and must show your face clearly. After the photo, you will pay the renewal fee at the cashier window.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license. These are the standard fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change. Driver Services offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific location is wise.

If you are renewing because your license was lost or stolen, you may pay an additional replacement fee on top of the renewal fee. The staff member will let you know the total cost before you pay.

When your new license is ready

Your new Mississippi driver's license is printed and issued on the spot before you leave the office. You will receive it at the same window where you paid the fee. The new license is valid when ready and has the same number as your previous license.

Your old license becomes invalid once you receive the new one. You can destroy it or keep it as a record; there is no requirement to return it to the state. If you need to drive before you receive your license, your old license remains valid until you are handed the new one.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license up to six months before it expires. This means if your license expires on December 15, you can renew starting June 15. Renewing early is a smart way to avoid the rush of people who wait until the last minute, and it means you will not accidentally drive with an expired license.

If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date that is four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire. For example, if you renew three months early, your new license will expire three months later than it would have if you had waited.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at any Driver Services office using the same process described above. An expired license is still accepted as proof of identity for renewal purposes. However, you should not drive with an expired license, so plan to renew as soon as you can.

If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, Mississippi may require you to retake the written test or vision test as part of the renewal. Call your local Driver Services office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find out whether this applies to you before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No. Mississippi does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to renew.

What if I have changed my name since my last license?

Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your proof of residency. The staff member will update your name in the system during the renewal process.

Do I need to retake the written or vision test to renew?

For a standard renewal, you do not need to retake either test. However, if your license has been expired for an extended period or if the office flags your record, you may be asked to take a vision test. Call ahead if you are unsure.

How long does the renewal process take at the office?

The actual renewal process takes 10 to 20 minutes once you are called. Total time at the office depends on how busy it is; wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.

What if I move out of state after renewing?

Your Mississippi license remains valid for its full term even if you move. However, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law.