What you need to do to renew in Mississippi
To renew your Mississippi driver's license, you visit a Driver Services office in person, bring the documents they require, pay the renewal fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew by mail or online in Mississippi — every renewal requires you to show up. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Your license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Mississippi sends you a reminder postcard about 60 days before expiration, but that reminder is just a courtesy — you are responsible for renewing before the date on your card runs out. If your license has already expired, you can still renew at any Driver Services office, though you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office — mail and online renewal are not available.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the office will take a new photo.
- The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license, though fees may vary if you need a REAL ID or other endorsements.
- Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; hours vary by location, so check ahead to avoid a wasted trip.
- If your license is expired, you can still renew, but late fees may explore depending on how long it has been expired.
Documents to bring to the Driver Services office
Bring your current Mississippi driver's license or ID card. If you no longer have it, bring a birth certificate or passport instead. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work.
You must show proof of your current Mississippi address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new name yet, call the Driver Services office ahead of time to ask what they will accept — some offices have flexibility for people in transition.
Bring your current address proof even if you have not moved, because the office will ask for it. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a star), you may need additional documents — ask when you call to confirm what your specific office requires.
Where to go and how to find your nearest office
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county, though the closest one is usually the fastest option. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, phone numbers, and hours.
Call ahead before you go. Wait times change throughout the day and throughout the week, and some offices get backed up in the afternoon or on Fridays. A quick call tells you whether now is a good time to come in or whether you should plan for a different day. The office can also confirm that they have the specific documents you plan to bring, which saves a wasted trip if something is missing.
The renewal fee and payment methods
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24 in Mississippi. If you are renewing a REAL ID license (the one with the gold star), the fee is $27. Some offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, though payment methods vary by location — ask when you call.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Mississippi charges a late fee on top of the renewal fee. The amount depends on how long it has been expired, so ask the office what you will owe before you arrive. Paying the late fee does not prevent you from renewing; it just means the total cost is higher.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and matches. They will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If anything has changed — your name, address, or any medical conditions that affect your driving — tell them now.
You will have a new photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable in; the photo will be on your license for four years. After your photo is taken, you pay the fee, sign your new license, and you are done. Your new license is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
If your license is suspended or revoked
If your Mississippi license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. You can call the Driver Services office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find out whether your license has a hold on it.
If there is a hold, you will need to resolve the underlying issue first — pay the fine, resolve the child support matter, or complete the required DUI program — before you can renew. The office that handles your renewal can tell you what specific steps you need to take and which agency to contact.
Renewing a REAL ID license versus a standard license
A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. You need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Mississippi driver's license does not have the star and does not meet those federal standards.
If your current license has a star, your new license will have one too — you do not have to do anything extra. If your current license does not have a star and you want one, tell the office when you renew. You may need additional documents to prove citizenship, so ask ahead of time what you will need to bring. The REAL ID fee is $27 instead of $24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Mississippi allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will still expire four years from the date you renew it, not four years from when your old one would have expired.
What if I have changed my name since my last license?
Bring your current license, your name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your other required documents. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. The process is the same as a regular renewal.
Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?
Most Mississippi Driver Services offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations may offer appointments. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available and whether they are recommended for your area.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
Bring a birth certificate or passport instead of your current license, along with your other required documents. The office will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time. You pay one fee for the renewal.
How long is my new license valid?
Your renewed Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date you renew it. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your card.