Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The state does not offer online or mail renewal for standard licenses, so you will need to visit a location. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as 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 certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing under 21, you will also need to provide proof of a valid Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi requires in-person renewal at a Driver Services office; there is no online or mail option for standard licenses.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency from the last 60 days, and your Social Security card or number verification.
  • Standard renewals cost $31 for a five-year license or $61 for a ten-year license, depending on your age.
  • Processing usually takes a few minutes if you have all documents, and you can use your old license to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive by mail.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

The cost of renewal depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. If you are under 21, a five-year license costs $31. If you are 21 or older, a five-year license costs $31 and a ten-year license costs $61. You choose the length when you renew.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need the license sooner, ask at the Driver Services office whether expedited processing is available in your area.

When you need to retake the written test or vision screening

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew without retaking any tests. If it has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass the written test and vision screening again before you can renew. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Mississippi.

You can study for the written test using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available on the Department of Public Safety website. The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Renewing a license that is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once your license status is cleared, you can proceed with renewal at any Driver Services office. Bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted — usually a letter from the Department of Public Safety or a court document.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your renewal

Mississippi driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification. Your renewed license will automatically be Real ID compliant and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to do anything extra or pay an additional fee to get Real ID compliance.

If you prefer a non-Real ID license, you can request one, but it cannot be used for federal purposes. Most people renew with Real ID compliance because it costs the same and works for more situations.

Changing your address or name during renewal

You can update your address at the same time you renew your license. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The new address will appear on your renewed license at no extra cost.

If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it and follow the same renewal process. The new name will appear on your renewed license. If you need to change your address or name without renewing your license, you can do so at a Driver Services office, though there may be a small fee.

What to do if your renewal is delayed or your license arrives damaged

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check the status. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. If the license was lost in the mail, the department can reissue it.

If your license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, return to the Driver Services office with the damaged license and proof of the error. Corrections are usually made at no charge. Bring the same documents you brought for your original renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license if I live out of state?

No, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office in Mississippi. If you have moved out of state, you should transfer your license to your new state rather than renewing your Mississippi license. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for transfer procedures.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement. You do not have to have the physical card. If you do not have any document with your number, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you renew.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license?

Most Mississippi Driver Services offices operate on a walk-in basis, but some locations may accept appointments. Check the Department of Public Safety website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

What happens if I renew my license but it gets lost before it arrives?

Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety when ready and report it lost. They can cancel the original renewal and issue a replacement. You may need to pay a replacement fee. Bring your old license and proof of identity to a Driver Services office to complete the process.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes, you can renew up to six months before your current license expires. Early renewal does not extend the total time your license is valid — your new license will still expire five or ten years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.