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 — no new address, no name change, no medical conditions to report. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $31.50, and you pay by debit or credit card. Your renewed license arrives 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 have not renewed online before, you will need to go to a Driver Services office in person. The online option is only for straightforward renewals when nothing about your situation has changed since your last license was issued.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid and your personal information has not changed.
- The online process costs $31.50, takes about 10 minutes, and requires a debit or credit card for payment.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal.
- If your license is expired, you have moved, or your name has changed, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current Mississippi driver's license number and your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid debit or credit card to pay the $31.50 renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your date of birth and other information from your existing license record.
Make sure your mailing address on file is correct and current, because your new license will be sent to that address. If you have moved since your last renewal and need to update your address, you cannot do this online — you must go to a Driver Services office instead.
Steps to renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and find the Driver Services section. Look for the online renewal option, which is labeled for valid license holders. You will enter your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to pull up your record.
Review the information the system displays — your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed. The system will ask you to confirm that you have not had any changes to your medical status and that your information is still accurate. Once you confirm, you will pay the $31.50 fee with your debit or credit card.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
If your license has already expired, you must renew at a Driver Services office. The same applies if you have changed your name, moved to a new address, or if your medical status has changed since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online if this is your first time renewing a Mississippi license online — the system requires that you have renewed online at least once before.
If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and your prescription has changed significantly, you may be asked to provide an updated vision test or medical documentation. In those cases, an in-person visit is required. Contact your local Driver Services office to find out whether your specific situation requires an office visit.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office if you need to renew in person
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a list of Driver Services offices across the state on its website. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most Mississippi Driver Services offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter wait. Some offices post current wait times on the Department of Public Safety website.
What to bring if you renew in person
Bring your current driver's license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
Bring a valid form of identification — your passport, military ID, or birth certificate works. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license is valid for. The office will accept cash, check, or card payment. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, because you may be asked to take a vision test.
How long your renewed license is valid
A Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. When you renew online or in person, your new license will be valid for four years from the date you complete the renewal. Mark your calendar or set a reminder about four years out so you do not accidentally let your license expire.
If you are over 65 years old, your license may be valid for a shorter period — check with the Department of Public Safety about the specific term for your age group. Some military members stationed outside Mississippi may be able to renew for a longer period; ask at the office if this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office if your license has expired. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number or card. The office will process your renewal and issue a new license.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your new address before your license arrives. They may be able to redirect your mail or reissue the license to your new address. If the license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from the new resident or contact the department to request a replacement sent to your current address.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew online?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The office will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process.
How much does online renewal cost compared to renewing in person?
Online renewal costs $31.50. In-person renewal costs vary based on the length of validity you choose, but the fee is typically similar or slightly higher. Ask at your local Driver Services office for the exact fee if you need to renew in person.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to provide medical certification and pass any required tests. Contact the Department of Public Safety for the specific documents and steps required for CDL renewal.