Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to submit your current license, a completed Form 40 (process for Driving Privilege), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail renewals are only available if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that have changed since your last renewal. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must go in person. The mail-in process typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Driver Services office receives your documents.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewals at a Driver Services office take about 30 minutes and require your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail renewals are faster to start but take two to three weeks to process, and only work if your license is not expired and your medical status hasn't changed.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically between $24 and $45 for a standard renewal.
  • You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check current wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Mississippi charges different renewal fees depending on whether you're renewing a standard driver's license or a commercial license, and the fee also depends on how long you want the license to remain valid. A standard four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. You'll pay by cash, check, or money order at an office location, or by check or money order if renewing by mail.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which option you choose at the time of renewal. If you're over 70 years old, your license will be valid for four years regardless of which option you select. Bring your current license with you so the office can process the renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Mississippi Driver Services office during business hours with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You don't need an appointment. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your temporary license on the spot — you can drive legally with that temporary document while your permanent license is being mailed to you.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. If you need your license faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm whether your nearest office offers expedited processing and what the extra cost is.

Mail renewal step by step

Start by downloading Form 40 from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or picking one up at a Driver Services office. Fill it out completely, including your current license number and your signature. Attach a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Mail the completed form, your current license, and your payment to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The office will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive using your current license — it remains valid until the new one arrives or until it expires, whichever comes first.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person to a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will treat this as a standard renewal, not a reinstatement, so you won't face additional penalties or fees beyond the normal renewal cost.

You can legally drive to the Driver Services office even with an expired license, as long as you're going directly there to renew it. Once you arrive, the process is the same as a standard in-person renewal: new photo, verification, and a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed to you.

Medical conditions and vision requirements

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain vision problems — you must renew in person so the office can assess whether any restrictions need to be added to your license. The same applies if your vision has changed significantly since your last renewal. You may be asked to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's statement.

If you already have restrictions on your current license (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), those restrictions will carry forward to your renewed license unless you provide documentation that the condition has improved. Bring any relevant medical records or letters from your doctor if you believe a restriction should be removed.

Driver Services office locations and hours

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, along with current hours and wait times, on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others — if you can, visit early in the morning or mid-week to avoid longer waits.

Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. A few locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the website or call your local office before you go to confirm they're open and to ask about current wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your medical status hasn't changed, or you can renew in person at any Driver Services office.

What if I've moved since my last renewal?

You'll need to update your address when you renew. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. If renewing by mail, include the proof of residency with your Form 40.

How long does a temporary license last?

Your temporary license is valid for seven to ten business days, which is how long it takes for your permanent license to arrive by mail. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within that window, contact the Driver Services office to check the status.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue your new license with the correct information.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No, you must appear in person at a Driver Services office to renew your license. The office needs to take a new photo and verify your identity. Mail renewal is the closest option if you cannot visit an office yourself, as long as your license is not expired.