Mississippi lets you renew online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website if your current license is still valid (not yet expired) and you have not had any major changes to your information since you got it. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $24.50, and you receive your renewed license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license has already expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead. The online option works only for straightforward renewals where nothing about you or your driving record has changed.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your current license has not expired and your personal information has not changed since you last renewed.
- The online renewal fee is $24.50, and you pay by debit or credit card during the process.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction.
- You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the online renewal.
- If you need a REAL ID license, want to change your address, or your license has expired, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather your current Mississippi driver's license, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a debit or credit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee. Have your license in front of you when you go to the Department of Public Safety website — you will need to enter your license number and other details from it.
Make sure your current address on file with the state is still correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online process and must go to a driver's license office instead to update your address at the same time.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. Enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct.
Review the information on the screen carefully. If any detail is wrong — your name, address, or date of birth — stop and do not proceed. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person to make corrections before you can renew. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen, enter your debit or credit card information, and submit the $24.50 fee.
After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
You must go to a driver's license office in person if your current license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license. You also cannot renew online if you have had any changes to your vision, medical conditions, or restrictions since your last renewal, or if you want to change your organ donor status.
If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies for online renewal, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 before you attempt the online process. It is faster to confirm by phone than to start online and find out partway through that you need to visit an office.
How long your renewed license takes to arrive
Standard mail delivery for a renewed license takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction. This timeline assumes normal mail service and does not include weekends or state holidays. If you need your license sooner, you cannot use the online renewal option — you must renew in person at a driver's license office, where you can receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within a few days.
If your renewed license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether your license is still in processing or if there was a problem with the mailing address.
What happens to your old license
When your renewed license arrives in the mail, your old license is no longer valid. You should destroy it by cutting it in half or shredding it — do not throw it away whole, since it contains your personal information. Some people keep the old license for a few weeks in case there is a mail delay, but once you have the new one in hand, discard the old one securely.
Your new license will have a new expiration date printed on it. In Mississippi, driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue for most drivers, though the exact expiration depends on your age and license type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office staff will process your renewal and may ask you to retake your photo.
What if I moved since my last renewal and my address is wrong?
You cannot use online renewal if your address needs to be updated. Visit a driver's license office with proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). They will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
Do I need a REAL ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not give you a REAL ID license. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must go to a driver's license office in person and bring a passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency. REAL ID licenses are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025.
What if the online system says I cannot renew?
The system will reject your renewal if your license has expired, if your information does not match what is on file, or if there is a problem with your driving record or license status. Call the Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to find out why you were blocked and what you need to do next.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Mississippi. You must visit a driver's license office in person with your CDL, medical certificate, and any other required documents for your class of license.