What you need to renew your Mississippi driver's license

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and what documents you have on hand.

If your license has not yet expired, you can renew it up to one year before the expiration date. If it has already expired, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office—you cannot use mail or online renewal once your license is past its expiration date. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license has not expired and you have a valid Social Security number on file with the state.
  • Online renewal through the Mississippi Driver Services website works for most people but requires a valid email address and the ability to pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card.
  • Renewal fees vary by license type and validity period; a standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal.
  • If your address has changed, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address.

Renewing in person at a Driver Services office

In-person renewal is the most straightforward method and the only option if your license has expired or your address has changed. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in your county. Bring your current driver's license, a completed process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44), and one document proving your current address—such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The office will take a new photograph, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. Processing typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check current wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards. The renewal fee depends on how long you want your license to be valid: a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If you need your license sooner than the standard mail delivery time, some offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your current license has not expired, your address has not changed, and you have a valid Social Security number already on file with Mississippi. You cannot renew by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, or correct any other information on your license.

To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44 and mail it to the Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license and the renewal fee. Include a check or money order—the state does not accept credit or debit cards by mail. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives your process, plus mail delivery time in both directions, so plan for four to six weeks total.

You will receive a temporary paper license in the mail confirming your renewal has been processed. Your permanent card will arrive separately. If your mail is lost or delayed, you can contact Driver Services to confirm whether your renewal was received and processed.

Renewing online through the state portal

Online renewal is the fastest method if you are may be able to access. Visit the Mississippi Driver Services online renewal portal on the state website. You will need your current driver's license number, the expiration date, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.

You can renew online only if your license has not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photograph. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person. The online system accepts debit and credit cards for the renewal fee. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation email with a temporary license number valid for 30 days. Your permanent card will be mailed within two to three weeks.

Keep your confirmation email until your new card arrives. If you do not receive your card within the expected timeframe, use the confirmation number to contact Driver Services and check the status of your order.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Mississippi offers driver licenses valid for four or eight years. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact fee depends on your age and license type. You choose the validity period when you renew—you do not have to match the length of your previous license.

If you are over 65 years old, you may be charged a different renewal fee. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for a different rate. Ask at the Driver Services office or check the state website for current fees, as they can change.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office; you cannot use mail or online renewal once your license has passed its expiration date. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and Form DL-44 to the office. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing after expiration, but you should not drive until your new license is in hand.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the Driver Services office about a temporary paper license. Some offices issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent card for driving purposes.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. You cannot change your address by mail or online renewal.

Bring your current license, the address proof, Form DL-44, and the renewal fee to a Driver Services office. The office will update your address in the state system and issue a new license with your current information. This is the same process as a standard in-person renewal, and it takes about 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if my address changed?

No. Online renewal works only if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person or online, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks. Expedited printing is available at some offices for an additional fee.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your address. The office will look up your record and issue a replacement license.

Do I have to renew my license in the county where I live?

No. You can renew at any Driver Services office in Mississippi, regardless of which county you live in. However, you must bring proof of your current address no matter which office you visit.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, a document proving your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of your address, and Form DL-44. The office will update your name in the state system and issue a new license.