Where and how to renew your Mississippi driver's license

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number. If you renew by mail, you'll send your current license and a completed process form to the address provided by the state. Online renewal is the fastest option for those who may have access to—typically drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who don't need to change their address or photograph.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not yet expired and who don't need a new photograph or address change.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid, though processing takes longer than online or in-person methods.
  • Your renewed license will be valid for four years from the date of issuance, and you'll receive it by mail within two to three weeks of approval.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Online renewal is available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license has not yet expired, you don't need to change your photograph, and your address on file is current. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.

The process takes about 10 minutes. After you submit your process online, the state will mail your renewed license to the address on file. You should receive it within two to three weeks. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive legally.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Visiting a Driver Services office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your photograph, change your address, or correct other information on your license. You'll also need to renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, because the state may require you to retake the written knowledge test.

Bring your current license, a document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photograph and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

Mail renewal for valid licenses

If your license is still valid and you don't need to change your photograph or address, you can renew by mail. Request an process form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or read it from their website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person methods—typically four to six weeks from the time the state receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this period. Once approved, your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided on the process.

Renewal fees and license validity period

The renewal fee for a four-year Mississippi driver's license is set by the state and varies depending on your age and whether you're renewing in person or by mail. Online renewal may have a slightly different fee structure. You can find the current fee amount on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local Driver Services office.

Your renewed license will be valid for four years from the date it is issued. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, which gives you flexibility in timing your renewal.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Mississippi driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it through the mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The state may require you to retake the written knowledge test to may support you're still familiar with current traffic laws and road signs.

Bring all the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The office staff will let you know whether you need to take the test. If you do, you'll take it at the office during your visit. Once you pass, your new license will be processed and mailed to you.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the location, hours, and contact information for the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others may have extended hours or Saturday appointments. It's a good idea to call ahead or check online before you visit, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

If you live far from an office or have mobility challenges, calling ahead can help you understand whether mail or online renewal is an option for your situation. The staff can also tell you what documents you'll need to bring if you do visit in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and may need to retake the written test.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record. If you're stopped by law enforcement, you could face additional penalties. Renew your license before it expires to avoid these consequences.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

After your renewal is approved, your new license is typically mailed within two to three weeks. Mail renewal applications take longer to process—usually four to six weeks total from the time the state receives your process. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Do I need a new photograph when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photograph will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the Driver Services office will take a new photograph. You can also request a new photograph during in-person renewal even if you're not required to get one.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must update your address in person at a Driver Services office or through online renewal if that option is available to you. Bring proof of your new address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will show your updated address.