Renewing your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online at dps.ms.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office takes a few minutes but requires a trip to your local office during business hours.
Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. You can renew up to one year after expiration, but an expired license cannot be used for identification or voting purposes in the meantime. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dps.ms.gov is available if your license is current and your address has not changed.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the DPS address provided on the form.
- In-person renewal at any DPS office takes about 15 minutes and requires a valid form of identification and proof of residency.
- Standard renewal licenses are valid for four years; you will receive your new license in the mail within two weeks of approval.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead.
Online renewal through the DPS website
Go to dps.ms.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Mississippi driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information and show you whether you are within the renewal window.
Online renewal costs $24 for a four-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card at the time of submission. Once approved, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. If you have moved or need to update your address, you must renew in person or by mail instead of online.
Mail renewal with a paper form
Request a renewal form by calling the DPS at 601-987-1212 or read it from dps.ms.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Mail the form and license to the address printed on the form along with a check or money order for $24.
The DPS processes mail renewals in the order received. Expect your new license to arrive in the mail within two to three weeks of the DPS receiving your envelope. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records. If you need your license sooner, use online or in-person renewal instead.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit any DPS Driver's License Examination Station during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, one form of valid identification (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You do not need an appointment.
The DPS office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $24 in cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks. You can find office locations and hours at dps.ms.gov or by calling 601-987-1212.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired fewer than 365 days ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods above. An expired license cannot be used for identification at banks, airports, or voting locations, but the renewal process itself is the same.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to visit a DPS office in person, pass a vision test, and provide proof of residency and identity. Contact the DPS at 601-987-1212 to confirm what documents you need before you go.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your visit or mailing date.
If you need to change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Renewal fees and what to expect in the mail
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24 in Mississippi. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The DPS does not offer refunds if you change your mind after paying.
Your new license will arrive in a plain envelope within two weeks of approval. The license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Check the expiration date on the back of your new license when it arrives. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, call the DPS at 601-987-1212 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online if your license is current and your address has not changed. If you have moved out of state, you must renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person to update your address. Mail renewal is usually the easiest option for out-of-state residents.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew without your current license in hand for mail renewal. For online renewal, you need your license number. If you have lost your license, you must explore for a replacement first by visiting a DPS office in person, then renew once you receive the replacement.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DPS office in person.
How long is my license valid after renewal?
A renewed Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. The expiration date will be printed on the back of your new license. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 180 days before it expires.
What if the DPS rejects my online renewal?
The system will tell you why your online renewal was not approved — usually because your address has changed, your license is expired, or your information does not match DPS records. You can then renew by mail or in person instead. Call 601-987-1212 if you need help understanding the rejection.