Renewing your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail for some renewals, or in person at a Driver Services office. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether you have an REAL ID-compliant license or a standard one. Most people can renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 60 days before your license expires and will tell you which method you can use. If you do not receive one, you can still renew — but checking your expiration date first saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Mississippi DPS website is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- Mail renewal is an option for some standard license renewals, but you must request the form from the DPS or use the one sent with your renewal notice.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, you are upgrading to REAL ID, or you are changing your address.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person visit; REAL ID upgrades also require proof of citizenship and date of birth.
- Renewal fees vary by license type and whether you are renewing early, so check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact amount.
Online renewal through the Mississippi DPS website
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety operates an online renewal system that works if your license is still valid, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card).
Go to the Mississippi DPS website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal and pay the fee online. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal will not work if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, if you are upgrading to REAL ID, or if you need a new photo for any reason. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Mail renewal for standard licenses
Some standard (non-REAL ID) license renewals can be completed by mail. Your renewal notice will include a mail-in form if you are may be able to access. If you did not receive a notice or lost the form, you can request one from the Mississippi DPS by calling your local Driver Services office or visiting the DPS website.
Fill out the form completely, include your current license, and mail both to the address shown on the form along with the renewal fee. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online renewal because of postal delays. You can continue driving on your current license while your renewal is being processed.
Mail renewal is not an option if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your address, or if you are renewing a REAL ID license. REAL ID renewals must be done in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you are upgrading to a REAL ID license, or if you are changing your address. Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties; you can find the nearest one and its hours on the DPS website.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are upgrading to REAL ID, also bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and proof of your date of birth if it is not on your citizenship document.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office's process. Some offices issue licenses when ready; others mail them within 7 to 10 business days. Ask at the counter which applies to your location.
REAL ID versus standard license renewal
Mississippi offers both REAL ID-compliant licenses and standard licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.
If your current license is standard and you want to upgrade to REAL ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and date of birth in addition to the usual documents. If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant, you can renew it online or by mail as long as you meet the other conditions (license not expired, no address change, no new photo needed).
The fee for a REAL ID license is higher than for a standard license. Check the DPS website or call your local office for current pricing, as fees change and may vary by county.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last 4 digits of SSN, payment method | License not expired, no address change, no new photo needed, standard or REAL ID |
| Current license, renewal form, payment | Standard license not expired, no address change, no new photo needed | |
| In-Person | Current license, SSN proof, residency proof, citizenship proof (for REAL ID upgrade) | License expired, need new photo, changing address, upgrading to REAL ID |
Renewal fees and how to pay
Renewal fees depend on your license type (standard or REAL ID), how long the license is valid for, and whether you are renewing early. Standard licenses are less expensive than REAL ID licenses. The Mississippi DPS website lists current fees, or you can call your local Driver Services office for an exact quote.
Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards. In-person renewals accept cash, check, and card depending on the office. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm what they take.
If you renew early (before your expiration date), you may pay a different fee than if you renew on or after the expiration date. The renewal notice you receive will show the fee for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. An expired license cannot be renewed online or by mail. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: current license, SSN proof, and residency proof. There may be an additional fee for renewing a license that has been expired for a long time; ask the office when you visit.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You must renew in person if you are changing your address. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), SSN proof, and residency proof. The office will update your address and issue a new license.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?
Online renewals are mailed to your address on file and usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on file. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you will need to visit an office instead.
What is the difference between a REAL ID and a standard license?
A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still drive with it. REAL ID licenses cost more and require proof of citizenship when you renew.