You can renew your Mississippi driver's license online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
Mississippi allows online renewal through its official website for most standard driver's licenses. You'll need a valid license that is not yet expired, a Social Security number, and a way to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not every license can be renewed online. If your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address since it was issued.
- You will need your Social Security number, current license number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid — typically between $24 and $31 for a standard license.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
- If your license expired more than one year ago or you need to change your address, you must go to a driver's license office in person.
Who can renew online and who must go in person
Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid — not expired. If your license expired more than one year ago, the online system will not let you complete the transaction and you must visit a driver's license office instead.
You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address. If you have moved since your license was issued, you must bring proof of your new address to a driver's license office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements cannot be renewed online under any circumstances. If you hold a CDL or need to add or renew a motorcycle endorsement, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on what you are renewing.
Steps to renew online through the Mississippi DPS website
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and confirm that you are may be able to access to renew online.
Review your personal information on the screen. If anything is incorrect — your name, date of birth, or address — stop and do not complete the online renewal. Instead, visit a driver's license office in person so the information can be corrected before your new license is printed.
Select how long you want your new license to be valid. Mississippi offers renewal periods of 4 years or 8 years. The longer the validity period, the higher the fee. Enter your credit or debit card information to pay the renewal fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license expires while you are waiting.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
The renewal fee depends on which validity period you choose. A 4-year renewal typically costs less than an 8-year renewal. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Mississippi DPS website for current fees before you begin the online process.
The fee covers only the license itself. If you are adding a new endorsement — such as a motorcycle endorsement — or if you need a duplicate license, those services have separate fees and must be handled in person at a driver's license office.
How long it takes to receive your renewed license
After you complete the online renewal, your new license is printed and mailed to you. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the transaction. This timeline assumes normal mail service and does not include weekends or holidays.
You are legal to drive on your current license during this waiting period, even if it expires before your new license arrives. Once your new license comes in the mail, your old license is no longer valid and you should destroy it or keep it for your records.
What to do if the online system rejects your renewal
If you start the online renewal and the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it is because you do not meet one of the requirements. The most common reasons are an expired license, an address change, or a commercial license. The system will usually tell you which requirement you do not meet.
If the reason is unclear, or if you believe the system made an error, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly. You can find the phone number and office locations on the DPS website. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
If you need to renew in person, you will need to visit a driver's license office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address if you have moved. Bring two forms of identification if you are changing your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired last month?
Yes, as long as it has not been expired for more than one year. The online system will accept your renewal request. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?
You cannot change your address through online renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. The office will issue a new license with the updated address.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit a driver's license office and request a new photo, which requires an in-person visit.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a driver's license office. You may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on what type of CDL you hold and what you are renewing.
What happens if my new license does not arrive after 10 business days?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and tell you where it is in the mail process. If it appears to be lost, they can issue a replacement.