How to renew your Mississippi driver's license
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail and online renewals are available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. The process takes about 10 business days by mail, a few minutes online, or same-day in person.
Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks of approval if you renew online or in person. Mail-in renewals take longer because the office must receive and process your materials first. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your current license is not suspended or revoked.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no medical restrictions, taking only a few minutes and costing $24.50.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes the same day and is required if your license expired more than two years ago.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, and you can drive on your current license until it arrives.
- If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew and must resolve the suspension or revocation first.
Online renewal through the Mississippi website
Online renewal is available at driverlicense.ms.gov if your license is current, you have no medical restrictions, and you have a valid email address. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The fee is $24.50, paid by credit or debit card. The process takes about five minutes.
After you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two weeks. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal with forms and payment
To renew by mail, read the Driver License process (Form 79-R) from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone at 601-987-1500. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. The renewal fee is $24.50, paid by check or money order made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Mail your process, license, and payment to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the office receives your materials. Keep a copy of everything you send. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver Services office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The renewal fee is $24.50, paid by cash, check, or card. You will receive your new license the same day.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago. You may also need to retake the written test if your license has been expired that long. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
When your license has been expired for more than two years
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
The office may require you to retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license. Ask the office when you call or visit whether you will need to test. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws and road signs.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your driver's license if it is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation by contacting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the court that issued it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions. Revocations are more serious and usually require court action to restore.
Call the Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1500 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew using any of the three methods above. Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked, as this is a criminal offense in Mississippi.
Fees and what to bring for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $24.50 | 2 weeks by mail | License number, SSN, date of birth |
| $24.50 | 10–15 business days | Current license, completed form, check or money order | |
| In Person | $24.50 | Same day | Current license, proof of SSN, proof of address |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my new license to arrive?
Yes, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, as long as your license is not suspended or revoked. Your new license will arrive within two weeks of approval. If you need to show proof of renewal before your new license arrives, you can print your online confirmation email or ask for a temporary paper license at a Driver Services office.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
If you moved, you can update your address during online or mail renewal. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to your updated address. You do not need to renew your license to change your address; you can update it separately at a Driver Services office.
Do I need to retake the written test to renew?
No, you do not retake the test for a standard renewal unless your license expired more than two years ago. If you are renewing after a long expiration, the office may require you to pass the written test before issuing a new license. Call ahead to confirm whether testing will be required.
What if my license was lost or stolen?
If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person to report it lost or stolen and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of address. The replacement fee is the same as renewal: $24.50. You will receive your new license the same day.
How long is a renewed Mississippi driver's license valid?
A renewed driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew again anytime within 90 days before expiration, which allows you to avoid a lapse in your license.