Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Mail renewal is faster for paperwork but takes longer overall — you send documents in, wait for processing, then receive your new license by mail.

Proof of residency means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a 1099 form. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had violations in the past three years — the form is available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license; you choose the term at renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks of approval if you renew by mail, or you can take it with you the same day if you renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office during business hours with your documents and you can renew the same day. Offices are located in each county; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website has a full list with hours and addresses. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have limited Saturday hours.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number. You will also take a new photo and pass a vision test. The fee is $31 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card depending on the office. You leave with your new license in hand.

Mail renewal if your license is still valid

You can renew by mail only if your current license has not expired, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have not had any traffic violations in the past three years. read the renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and the renewal fee ($31 or $49).

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks, then your new license is mailed to you — total time is roughly three to four weeks from the day you mail it. You cannot choose your photo by mail; the state uses your existing photo from your current license.

What happens if your license has expired

An expired license cannot be renewed by mail. You must go in person to a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents as above: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee is still $31 or $49 depending on the term you choose.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you may also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, depending on how long it has been. Call your local Driver Services office before you go to confirm whether a test is required.

Renewing if your name or address has changed

If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The name on your license must match the name on your proof of residency, so update your address with your utility company or bank before you renew if possible.

If you cannot get a matching address on your residency document, bring two documents that show your new address — for example, a utility bill and a lease agreement. The Driver Services office can work with multiple documents as long as they are recent and show your current name and address.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

At renewal, you choose how long your new license is valid: four years for $31 or eight years for $49. The eight-year license costs $18 more but means you renew half as often. If you plan to stay in Mississippi and keep the same address, the eight-year license saves you a trip in four years. If you expect to move or change your name, the four-year license lets you update sooner.

Your choice does not affect what you can do with your license — both are valid for driving, voting, and other identification purposes. The only difference is how long you wait before renewing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if you meet the mail renewal conditions. The mail option is the closest to remote renewal available.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew a lost license by mail. Go in person to a Driver Services office with proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee for the lost license. Bring a police report of the loss if you have one, though it is not required.

How long is my license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Driver Services offices do not require appointments for renewal. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. If your office is very busy, calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea, but you can show up without scheduling.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed?

Tell the Driver Services office staff when you renew. They will test your vision as part of the renewal process. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the office may add restrictions to your license or require a doctor's statement. Mail renewal is not available if you have medical restrictions.