Mississippi driver's license renewal by mail or online
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license by mail or through the online portal at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, provided you meet basic requirements: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be between 21 and 70 years old, and your vision and medical status must not have changed since your last issuance. If you do not meet these conditions, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office.
The mail route takes longer but requires no trip. You submit your renewal form, proof of residency, and the renewal fee by post to the address listed on the Department of Public Safety website. Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your materials. The online route is faster — you can complete the entire transaction in minutes if you have a valid credit or debit card and a current email address.
Both routes renew your license for eight years. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state, so update your address before you submit if you have moved.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi allows mail and online renewal for drivers 21 to 70 whose license expired within the past five years and whose medical or vision status has not changed.
- Online renewal is faster and can be completed in minutes through the Department of Public Safety portal; mail renewal takes two to four weeks.
- You will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and the current renewal fee, which varies by license type.
- Your new license is mailed to your address on file, so update your address with the state before you submit your renewal.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if your vision or medical condition has changed, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What documents you need for mail renewal
For mail renewal, you will need the renewal form (DL-44 or DL-44A, available on the Department of Public Safety website), your current or expired Mississippi driver's license, and proof of residency. Proof of residency must be an original document dated within 60 days of the date you mail your renewal — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card statement or insurance bill does not count.
You will also need to include the renewal fee. The fee depends on your license type and how long you want it to be valid. Standard eight-year renewal fees are set by the state and do not change between renewal cycles, though the Department of Public Safety website lists the current amount. Include a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Do not send cash. Mail your complete packet to the address printed on the renewal form or listed on the Department of Public Safety website. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Online renewal through the Department of Public Safety portal
To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and locate the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will verify your identity against state records before allowing you to proceed.
Once you are logged in, review your personal information and update your address if it has changed. You will then pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided in the system within one to two weeks. You can use your confirmation number to track the status of your renewal on the Department of Public Safety website.
When you must renew in person at a driver's license office
You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. You also cannot renew by mail or online if your vision has changed significantly, if you have developed a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, or if you have had a name change since your last license was issued. In any of these cases, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
Drivers over 70 must also renew in person. The state requires an in-person vision test and medical review for this age group. You can find the nearest driver's license office and current hours on the Department of Public Safety website. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is usually issued on the spot, though some offices mail it instead — ask when you arrive.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address during the renewal process. For online renewal, change your address in the portal before you pay the fee. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the renewal form and include proof of residency at that new address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a driver's license office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same rule applies if you need to change your gender marker or correct other information on your license.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year Mississippi driver's license is set by state law and does not vary based on how you renew. The current fee is listed on the Department of Public Safety website. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order. If you are renewing online, use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
Some driver's license offices accept cash, check, or card in person, but payment methods vary by location. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call the office before you visit to confirm what they accept.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
For mail renewal, the Department of Public Safety typically processes your packet within two to four weeks of receiving it. The post office delivery time is not included in this estimate, so add several days on each end. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided.
For online renewal, your new license is usually mailed within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation email when ready after you pay, and you can check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number on the Department of Public Safety website.
If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Public Safety to verify that your renewal was received and processed. Have your confirmation number (for online renewal) or a copy of your mailed packet ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. The state requires an in-person review for licenses that have been expired for an extended period.
What if my address changed after I submitted my renewal?
Contact the Department of Public Safety when ready with your confirmation number and new address. They may be able to update your mailing address before your license is sent out. If your license is already mailed to the old address, you can file a change of address with the post office to have it forwarded.
Do I need a new photo for mail or online renewal?
No. Mail and online renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What happens if I move out of state before my renewal is processed?
Contact the Department of Public Safety with your new out-of-state address. They can update your mailing address so your new Mississippi license is sent to you. However, if you plan to establish residency in another state, you should renew your license in that state instead.
Can I renew online if I do not have a credit or debit card?
No. Online renewal requires payment by credit or debit card. Use mail renewal instead, and send a check or money order with your process.