Mississippi driver's license renewal by mail or in person

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license through the mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at any Driver Services office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you fill out the renewal form, include your current license and a check, and mail it to the state. In-person renewal takes longer because you need an appointment, but it's your only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to update your address or name, or if you want to change your license class.

Your renewal timeline depends on which route you choose. Mail renewals typically process within two to three weeks from the date the state receives your packet. In-person renewals at a Driver Services office can be completed the same day, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you're renewing by mail and your license expires before the state processes your renewal, you can still drive legally while your process is pending — keep a copy of your mailed renewal receipt with you as proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal costs $24.50 and takes two to three weeks; you need your current license, the completed form, and a check sent to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
  • In-person renewal requires an appointment through the Mississippi Driver Services website and takes the same day, but you cannot renew by appointment if your license expired more than one year ago.
  • You must renew in person if you're changing your address, name, or license class, or if your license has been expired for longer than 12 months.
  • Your Mississippi license is valid for four years from the date of issue, so plan your renewal before the expiration date printed on the front.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, start with form DL-44, the Driver License process and Certification. You can read it from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or pick one up at any Driver Services office. Fill in your current information, sign and date the form, and include a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Mail your packet to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include your current driver's license in the envelope — the state will return it to you along with your new license. Do not send cash. If you're mailing from outside Mississippi, allow extra time for postal delivery in both directions. The state processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, so earlier submissions reach the front of the queue.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

To renew in person, you must first book an appointment through the Mississippi Driver Services website at dps.ms.gov. Walk-ins are not accepted at any location. Select your nearest office, choose an available time slot, and print or save your appointment confirmation. Bring your current driver's license, the completed DL-44 form, and your payment of $24.50 (cash, check, or card accepted at the office).

Driver Services offices are located in Jackson, Gulfport, Tupelo, and Meridian, plus satellite locations in some counties. If you live far from any office, the mail route may save you travel time and cost. At your appointment, staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and issue your license on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address on file.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

Mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than 12 months ago. Once you cross that threshold, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The state treats licenses expired longer than one year as a new process rather than a renewal, which requires your physical presence and a new photo.

You also cannot use mail renewal if you're changing your name, updating your address, or switching your license class (for example, from a regular Class D license to a commercial Class A or B license). Any of these changes requires an in-person appointment so staff can verify your identity documents and take a new photo that matches your updated information. If you've had a license suspension or revocation, you'll need to renew in person as well and may face additional requirements depending on the reason for the suspension.

Documents and fees for Mississippi renewal

For mail renewal, you need only your current license, the completed DL-44 form, and $24.50. For in-person renewal, bring the same items plus your appointment confirmation. If you're renewing in person and updating your address or name, bring a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill with your new address. If you're explore for a commercial license, bring your current medical certificate and any other documents required for your license class.

The renewal fee is $24.50 regardless of whether you renew by mail or in person. This fee covers a four-year license. If you lose your license before it expires, a replacement costs $10. If you need to change your photo before your renewal date, you can request a new photo for $10 at any Driver Services office.

What happens after you mail or submit your renewal

After you mail your renewal packet, the state sends you a confirmation letter within one to two weeks. This letter includes a temporary license number valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, keep this letter with you — it serves as proof of your pending renewal. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within two to three weeks of the state's receipt of your process.

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and can drive with it for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of your renewal date, contact the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1212 to check the status. Keep your temporary license until the permanent one arrives, because you'll need proof of a valid license if you're stopped by law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you complete the form at home and mail it in — and typically takes two to three weeks.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office, and you may need to complete additional steps such as paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance. Contact the Driver Services Bureau before your appointment to learn what documents to bring.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No, mail renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. You can also request a new photo at any Driver Services office for $10 without renewing your license.

How long is my Mississippi license valid?

Your driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to 30 days before expiration or any time after, but if you wait longer than 12 months past expiration, you must renew in person.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not need to renew your Mississippi license if you move to another state. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date. When you move, you'll need to obtain a driver's license from your new state according to their rules and timelines.