Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in most counties; the main office is in Jackson, but you can find your nearest location on the DPS website. You do not have to renew at the office where you originally got your license.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the document requirements are the same, but you will mail copies instead of showing originals. The state does not accept faxed or emailed documents for mail renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi allows you to renew in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you meet age and status requirements.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security card or number document; bring originals if renewing in person.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, while mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your packet.
  • A standard license renewal costs $31 and is valid for four years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $35 and is also valid for four years.
  • You can renew online only if you are between 21 and 69, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your address or name.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Mississippi Driver Services office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have reduced hours on Fridays. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead can tell you whether the office is unusually busy that day.

The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and administer a vision test. You will sign a form confirming your information is correct. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it to you.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. You cannot renew by mail if you have changed your address or name since your last license, or if you need to update your photo.

Request a mail renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the main office at 601-987-1500. Fill out the form, include copies of your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security documentation, and mail the packet to the address on the form. Include a check or money order for $31 (standard license) or $35 (Real ID license). Do not send cash.

The office will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks after that. Mail the packet early enough that your current license does not expire while you are waiting.

Renewing online

Mississippi offers online renewal through its DPS website if you meet all of these conditions: you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your address or name, and your license has not been expired for more than two years.

Log into the DPS online portal with your driver's license number and date of birth. Review your information, confirm it is correct, and pay the renewal fee ($31 or $35) by credit or debit card. You will receive a temporary digital license on screen when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, because you do not have to travel to an office or wait for mail processing. However, you cannot change your photo, address, or name online, so if any of those need updating, you must renew in person.

Real ID versus standard license

Mississippi offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A standard license does not have the star and does not meet those federal standards.

If you fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted document. A standard Mississippi license alone will not work for those purposes as of May 7, 2025. The Real ID license costs $4 more ($35 instead of $31) and is valid for the same four years as a standard license.

When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you do not specify, the office will issue a standard license. If you are renewing by mail or online, the form will ask which type you prefer.

Renewal timing and expiration

Your Mississippi driver's license expires on your birthday four years after you receive it. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires, so plan to start the process at least a month early if you are renewing by mail.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it using the same methods, but only if it expired within the last two years. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires taking a written test and a road test.

If you are renewing in person, bring your expired license with you. The office will accept it as proof of identity even though it is no longer valid for driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once it is cleared, you can renew in person at a Driver Services office.

What if I have changed my name or address since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Mail and online renewal do not allow name or address changes. Bring the document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other required documents.

How much does a renewal cost?

A standard license renewal costs $31 and a Real ID renewal costs $35. Both are valid for four years. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order only. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires visiting a Driver Services office in person, passing a vision test, a written test, and a road test.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

In-person renewal is fastest: you receive your license on the spot or within a few days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for processing plus 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery. Plan for at least two weeks if you are not renewing in person.