Renewing your Mississippi driver's license in person or by mail

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on your situation. If you have a valid license that is not expired or suspended, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at a Driver Services location; by mail, it takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your process.

Your renewal type depends on whether you need a new photo. Standard renewals (keeping your current photo) can go by mail. If you want a new photo or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must go in person. Real ID-compliant licenses also require an in-person visit if you do not already have one.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo; otherwise you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or birth certificate to any in-person renewal.
  • The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $24.50; Real ID licenses cost $49.50 and require additional identity documents.
  • You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
  • Mail renewals take two to three weeks; in-person renewals are usually completed the same day.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Proof of identity should be your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport.

If you are renewing for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), you will need additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency. The Real ID license costs $49.50 instead of the standard $24.50.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

How to renew by mail

To renew by mail, you must have a valid (not expired) driver's license and not need a new photo. Request a mail renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call 601-987-1500. You can also pick up a form at any Driver Services office.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 (or $49.50 for Real ID) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency. The office will mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks of receiving your process. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

If your process is incomplete or the office cannot read your form, they will contact you by phone or mail. This can delay your renewal by several days or weeks, so fill out every field clearly and double-check before mailing.

How to renew in person at a Driver Services office

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. A few locations offer Saturday hours; check the website for your area.

Arrive with all required documents and your fee ($24.50 for standard, $49.50 for Real ID). You will fill out an process form at the office, have your photo taken, and pass a vision test. The vision test checks that you can read a chart from 20 feet away; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You do not need to retake the written driving test unless your license has been expired for more than a year or you have medical restrictions.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The website shows current wait times for many offices. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays. You will receive your new license the same day in most cases, though it may take a few days if the office is processing a high volume of renewals.

Renewing an expired license

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can renew it in person at any Driver Services office using the standard renewal process. You will not need to retake the written driving test, but you must pass the vision test and bring all required documents.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must take the written driving test in addition to the vision test. You will also need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate as proof of identity. The fee remains $24.50 for a standard license or $49.50 for Real ID.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have applied for renewal. Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical issues; revocations are more serious and usually result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.

Contact the Driver Services office or call 601-987-1500 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide medical clearance. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew either by mail (if your license is still valid) or in person at a Driver Services office. The mail option is the closest to an online process and takes two to three weeks.

What if I move to a different address before my renewal arrives?

Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your new address before your license arrives. If the license is already mailed, you can update your address at any Driver Services office once you receive it. You do not need to renew again; a straightforward address change is free.

Do I need a new photo if my license is still valid?

No, you can renew by mail and keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Photos are required to be updated every time you renew in person, but mail renewals keep your existing photo.

How long is a renewed license valid?

A standard Mississippi driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Real ID licenses are also valid for five years. Your renewal date will be printed on your new license.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail. You must go in person to a Driver Services office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The fee is $24.50 for a standard license or $49.50 for Real ID, the same as renewal.