What you can and cannot renew online in Mississippi
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $31.50 for a five-year license or $63 for an eight-year license. You'll need a valid email address, your current Mississippi driver's license number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is valid, not suspended, and expired for five years or less.
- The online renewal costs $31.50 for five years or $63 for eight years and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
- You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Steps to renew your license online
Start by visiting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and locating the online renewal portal. You will enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and other details are correct. If anything has changed, you can update it during this step.
After confirming your information, you will review the vision and medical questions on the renewal form. Answer honestly about any changes to your health or vision since your last license was issued. If you answer yes to any medical or vision questions, the system may require you to renew in person instead. Once you've completed the form, you'll pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card and receive a confirmation number via email.
Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt. You do not need to print anything or visit an office. Your new license will be produced and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you must renew in person instead
If your license has been suspended or revoked, the online system will not allow you to renew. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, bring proof of why the suspension or revocation has been lifted, and complete the renewal there. The same applies if your license expired more than five years ago—the online portal will reject your request.
You also cannot renew online if you have medical or vision restrictions on your current license that have changed, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). Additionally, if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information that cannot be updated during the online process, you will need to visit an office. First-time license holders and anyone renewing after a suspension or revocation must also renew in person.
What to do if the online system rejects your renewal
If you attempt to renew online and the system tells you that you don't meet the conditions, write down the reason given. Common reasons include an active suspension, a medical restriction change, or an expired license. Do not try to renew again when ready—the system will give you the same result.
Instead, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1500 to ask what you need to do. They can tell you whether you need to clear a suspension, provide medical documentation, or visit an office in person. If you need to renew in person, you can find the nearest Driver Services office on the Department of Public Safety website and check its hours before you go.
Tracking your renewed license after you order it
After you complete your online renewal and receive your confirmation email, there is no tracking system to check the status of your license in the mail. The Department of Public Safety estimates 7 to 10 business days for delivery, but this can vary depending on your location and mail service.
If your license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1500. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check whether your license was produced and mailed, and they can reissue it if there was a problem. If your license is lost or damaged in the mail, the department can issue a replacement.
Differences between online and in-person renewal
Online renewal is faster and does not require you to visit an office, but it is only available to people whose licenses meet specific conditions. In-person renewal takes longer—you must schedule an appointment or wait in line—but it handles more situations, including suspensions, medical changes, and name changes. In-person renewal also allows you to get your new license the same day in some cases, though you may need to wait a few days.
The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person: $31.50 for five years or $63 for eight years. If you renew in person, you will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). Online renewal requires none of these documents because the system verifies your information against existing records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses expired five years or less. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during the online renewal process. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and allow you to change it if needed. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address you provide.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I pay online?
The Department of Public Safety estimates 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Delivery time may vary depending on your location. If your license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the Driver Services Bureau to check its status.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction on my license?
You can renew online only if your medical restrictions have not changed. During the online renewal, you will answer questions about your health and vision. If you answer yes to any of these questions, the system will require you to renew in person instead.
What should I do if the online system says I cannot renew?
Write down the reason the system gives you and contact the Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1500. They can explain why you are not may be able to access for online renewal and tell you what steps you need to take to renew in person or clear any issues with your license.