Mississippi driver's license renewal is handled by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation and how much time you have.

The fastest route for most people is online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $31.50 for a five-year license. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added since your last renewal. If you do not meet those conditions, or if you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a driver's license office in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and instructions for online renewal. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online by going directly to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and entering your driver's license number and date of birth. Renewal by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you want to avoid a trip to an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option and costs $31.50 for a five-year license if you have no address changes or medical restrictions.
  • You can only renew online if your current license is not expired and your information has not changed since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the notice.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license is expired, you have had an address change, or you have medical restrictions on your license.
  • You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and payment when renewing in person.

Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website

To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and ask you to confirm your address and any medical conditions or restrictions. Once you complete the form, you pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card.

After you submit your online renewal, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time. Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have moved to a new address, or if you have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need to be reviewed in person.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, use the renewal notice that arrived in your mailbox. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include your payment. The notice will tell you where to send it and what payment method to use. Most mail renewals accept checks, money orders, or credit cards. Do not send cash through the mail.

Mail your renewal notice and payment to the address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the Mississippi Department of Public Safety receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or visiting their website. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and your information has not changed.

In-person renewal at a driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have moved to a new address since your last renewal, or if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your license. Visit any Mississippi driver's license office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and address.

Processing time at an office varies by location and how busy the office is. Some offices have walk-in service, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are required. Bring all documents with you — missing paperwork will delay your renewal. The renewal fee is $31.50 for a five-year license, and most offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Mississippi driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a driver's license office in person. An expired license means you cannot legally drive, so renewing in person is the only option. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment to any Mississippi driver's license office.

The renewal fee remains the same whether your license is current or expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety may require you to pass the written test or vision test again. Call ahead to the office you plan to visit to ask whether you will need to take a test, so you can prepare or bring the right documents.

Fees and payment methods

A five-year Mississippi driver's license renewal costs $31.50. This fee applies whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some offices may charge a small additional fee if you pay by credit card, so ask before you pay. Cash, check, debit card, and credit card are accepted at most locations, though payment methods may vary slightly by office or renewal method.

If you are renewing by mail and paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying online, you will enter your card information on the find renewal page. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your renewal or contact the office about your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 60 days before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early is useful if you are about to move or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What if I have moved since my last renewal?

You must renew in person at a driver's license office if you have changed your address. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and payment. You cannot use online or mail renewal when your address has changed.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed to you after you complete your online renewal. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online by visiting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and entering your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the department or visit an office to request a new renewal notice or to renew in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a driver's license office?

Some Mississippi driver's license offices require appointments, while others accept walk-ins. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find your nearest office and see whether you need to schedule ahead. Calling the office directly is the fastest way to find out.