What you need to get a Mississippi driver's license
Mississippi issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and you'll explore in person at a Driver Services office in your county. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail — you must show up with documents and pass a vision and written test.
Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular ID card), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Mississippi residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you're under 21, you'll also need a parent or guardian's consent form and their ID. Bring the originals, not copies — the office will not accept photocopies of your identity documents.
The written test covers traffic laws and road signs. You can study the Mississippi Driver's Manual online at the Department of Public Safety website before you go. The vision test happens at the office. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Driver Services office with original identity documents, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 30 days.
- The written test and vision test both happen at the office, and you can study the official Mississippi Driver's Manual online before you go.
- A standard driver's license is valid for six years in Mississippi, and you can renew it by mail or in person before it expires.
- If you have a commercial driver's license or hazmat endorsement, renewal rules are stricter and you must renew in person.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost more and require additional documentation, but they are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025.
How long a Mississippi driver's license lasts and when to renew
A standard Mississippi driver's license is valid for six years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires.
If you have a standard license and you have not had any suspensions or revocations, you can renew by mail. The Department of Public Safety will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can also renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if you meet the requirements — no address change, no name change, and no medical conditions that would affect your driving.
If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of any name change (marriage certificate or court order). If you renew by mail, include your current license with your renewal form and mail it to the address on the notice. Processing takes about two weeks by mail.
Real ID versus standard Mississippi driver's license
Mississippi offers both a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will not accept a standard driver's license for domestic flights — you will need a Real ID license or a passport.
A Real ID license costs more than a standard license (the exact fee varies by county, but it is typically $5 to $10 more). To get one, you must provide additional documentation: an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency. The Real ID designation appears on the card itself.
If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID before May 2025, you can do so by visiting a Driver Services office with the extra documents. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire.
Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements in Mississippi
If you drive a commercial vehicle, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Mississippi issues CDLs through the same Driver Services offices, but the rules are stricter. You must renew a CDL in person every four years, not by mail. You cannot renew online.
To get a CDL, you must pass a written test specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive (Class A, B, or C), pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection and a road test, and pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate must be current and valid.
Hazmat endorsements require a federal background check and fingerprinting. If you have a hazmat endorsement, you must renew in person and you cannot renew by mail or online.
What happens if your Mississippi license is suspended or revoked
A suspension is temporary — your driving privilege is taken away for a set period, after which it is restored automatically if you meet any conditions (like paying a fine or completing a course). A revocation is permanent — you must reapply for a license and pass all tests again.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the Department of Public Safety, or too many points on your driving record. You can check your driving record status on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local Driver Services office.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, you face criminal charges and additional penalties. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you must resolve that issue before your license is restored.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Mississippi driver's license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver Services office. Bring your current license if you have it, or bring two forms of ID if it is lost or stolen. You do not need to retake the written or vision test.
A replacement license costs less than a new license. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you are not paying to extend your license term. Processing is when ready — you leave with your new license the same day.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the Driver Services office if you have one.
Changing your name or address on your Mississippi driver's license
If you change your name (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. You do not need to retake tests.
If you move to a new address within Mississippi, you can update your address by mail if you have not had any suspensions or violations. Send your current license with a form and proof of your new address to the Department of Public Safety. You do not need to visit an office.
If you move out of Mississippi, your Mississippi license remains valid until it expires, but you should get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Driving with an out-of-state license in your new state of residence is not legal long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary driver's license while I wait for my permanent one?
Mississippi does not issue temporary paper licenses. You receive your permanent license the same day you pass the tests and complete your process at the Driver Services office. If you need to drive before your appointment, you must use another form of ID like a passport.
What if I fail the written test or vision test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before returning.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver Services office?
Appointment policies vary by county. Some offices take walk-ins, and some require appointments. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call your local office before you go. Wait times are often shorter if you book ahead.
Can I renew my license if I live out of state?
If you are a Mississippi resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had violations. If you have moved permanently to another state, you should get a license from that state instead of renewing your Mississippi license.
What is the cost of a Mississippi driver's license?
Fees vary slightly by county, but a standard six-year driver's license typically costs between $25 and $35. A Real ID license costs a few dollars more. Replacement licenses cost less than new licenses. Check your local Driver Services office website for the exact fee in your county.