Where to renew your Mississippi driver's license

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county or city. You do not have to renew at the office that issued your original license.

Mississippi also offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can start on the DPS website. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person, but it is only available if your license is not expired by more than a certain number of years and you meet other conditions the state sets. If you are not sure whether you can renew online, the DPS website has a tool that checks your may be able to access based on your license number and birth date.

If you cannot get to an office or prefer not to renew online, you can also renew by mail. You will need to send your current license, the renewal form, and the required documents to the address listed on the DPS website. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal, usually several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi Driver Services offices are located in most counties, and you can renew at any office, not just the one that issued your original license.
  • Online renewal is the fastest and least expensive option if your license meets the state's age and status requirements.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
  • Mail renewal is available but takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you choose this route.
  • Your new license will be mailed to you after you renew, whether you renew online, in person, or by mail.

Documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Mississippi driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance document also works if it shows your name and address.

You will also need to complete the Driver License process form (Form 78-002), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office. If you are renewing online, you will fill out the process on the DPS website instead. For mail renewal, you send the completed form along with your current license and proof of address to the address on the DPS website.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a Real ID compliant license and want to keep it, you do not need to bring extra documents — your current Real ID license counts as proof that you already met those requirements.

The cost and how long it takes

The renewal fee for a standard Mississippi driver's license is set by the state and varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The DPS website lists the current fees for each type of renewal.

Online renewal is usually the cheapest option and takes the least time. You can complete it in minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver Services office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you will receive your new license by mail within the same timeframe. Mail renewal takes the longest — usually three to four weeks from the time the DPS office receives your documents.

You can use your current license to drive while you wait for your new one to arrive, as long as your license has not already expired. If your license has expired, you should not drive until you receive your new license.

Renewing online through the DPS website

To renew online, go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, birth date, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start. The system will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your address.

Once you have entered your information, you will review the process, pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card, and submit it. The DPS will then mail your new license to the address on file. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit your process — keep this for your records.

If the online system tells you that you are not able to renew online, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead. This usually happens if your license has been expired for too long, if you have unpaid traffic violations or other holds on your record, or if you need to update information that cannot be changed online.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a certain number of years ago, you may not be able to use the online renewal process. The state sets a limit on how old an expired license can be and still be renewed — check the DPS website to see what that limit is currently. If your license is too old to renew, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test.

You should not drive with an expired license, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, an expired license can result in a ticket. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can ask the Driver Services office for a temporary permit that is valid for a short period.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office during business hours with your current license, proof of address, and the completed process form. You will take a number and wait your turn. When you are called, the staff member will check your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your renewal.

You will pay the renewal fee at the counter, usually by cash, check, or card depending on the office. The staff member will give you a receipt and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?

No. If you have unpaid traffic violations or other holds on your driving record, the DPS will not process your renewal until those are resolved. You will need to pay the tickets or handle the other issue first. Contact the court or the DPS to find out what is holding up your renewal.

What if I moved to a different address since my license was issued?

You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the process. If you are renewing in person or by mail, tell the staff member or include a note with your documents.

Do I need a Real ID compliant license, or can I renew my regular license?

You can renew either type. If your current license is Real ID compliant, you can keep that type when you renew. If your current license is not Real ID compliant and you want to upgrade, you will need to bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. The DPS website explains what documents are needed for Real ID.

How long is my new license valid after I renew?

Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which type you choose when you renew. You can pick the length that works best for you. The longer license costs more but means you will not have to renew as often.

What if my name changed since my license was issued?

Bring a document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your name on your new license. If you are renewing online, you may need to visit an office in person to show the name change document.