How to renew your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license through three routes: online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Services office. The online option is fastest and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired or suspended. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes one visit and a few minutes, though you may wait in line.
Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires. You can renew during this window or up to one year after expiration, but driving with an expired license is illegal. Check your license for the expiration date printed on the front.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website works for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes if your address and name have not changed.
- You need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and takes roughly two weeks from the time the office receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you can walk in during business hours.
- A standard five-year license costs $31; a ten-year license costs $61 for drivers age 21 and older.
Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current (not expired) and you have not had a suspension or revocation. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, select the driver's license renewal option, and log in or create an account. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address.
During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, choose your license term (five years for $31 or ten years for $61), and pay by debit or credit card. You do not upload a new photo — the system uses your existing photo from your current license. Once approved, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal fails if your address or name has changed since your last license was issued. If either has changed, you must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of your new address or legal name change.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. You will need to request a renewal process from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety by calling their main line or visiting a Driver Services office in person. Some offices have applications available to take home.
Complete the process by hand, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($31 for five years or $61 for ten years), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the process.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Do not mail your process during the last two weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date, because delays can push processing past your expiration.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is the most direct route if you have a current license and can visit an office during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. You do not need an appointment.
The office will take a new photo, confirm your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If your address or name has changed, bring proof of the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change, and a new address document as described above.
Find the Driver Services office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations have extended hours on certain days.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired within the last year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, but you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privilege before a new license can be issued.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will not let you proceed if your address differs from what is on file. For mail or in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of address. All three renewal methods accept name changes, but in-person renewal is fastest because the office can verify the document when ready.
License types and costs
Mississippi offers two renewal terms: a five-year license for $31 and a ten-year license for $61 (for drivers age 21 and older). Drivers under 21 can renew for five years only. Choose your term when you renew online, by mail, or in person. The ten-year license costs more upfront but spreads the renewal fee over a longer period.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the cost is the same, but you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and your Social Security number. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if your current license is Real ID-compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Outstanding traffic fines do not block license renewal in Mississippi. However, if you have unpaid child support or certain criminal court fines, your license may be suspended, and you cannot renew until those are resolved. Check with the Driver Services office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety if you are unsure.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID) and proof of address. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after approval. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for mailing. Do not plan to drive before your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, ask the office for a temporary paper license (availability varies by location).
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should renew your Mississippi license before it expires, then transfer to your new state's license according to that state's rules.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
The office will contact you by mail or phone with the reason. Common reasons include a mismatch in your Social Security number, an active suspension or revocation, or a problem with your address proof. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to clarify what is needed and resubmit or visit in person.