How to renew your Mississippi driver's license
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. 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. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you go in person.
Your license is due for renewal every four years from the date it was issued. Mississippi sends a renewal notice to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes the same day and is required if your license is expired, you are changing your address, or you want a Real ID.
- The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license, and you will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which requires an in-person visit and proof of identity and residency.
Online renewal through the Mississippi DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $24.
You can only renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, and you do not need a Real ID. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. Online renewal is processed within one business day, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Mail renewal with a paper process
To renew by mail, read and complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form 78R) from the Mississippi DPS website or use the renewal notice that was mailed to you. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $24 made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and mail everything to the address shown on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DPS receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Do not mail cash. If you are changing your address, mail renewal will process that change, but you cannot renew online if your address has changed.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and payment of $24 in cash, check, or debit/credit card. You will take a vision test and have your photo taken. Your new license is issued the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you are changing your address, you want to upgrade to a Real ID, or you need to correct information on your license. You can find office locations and hours on the Mississippi DPS website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check ahead to see what your local office offers.
Real ID upgrade during renewal
A Real ID is a federal standard for identification that allows you to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. Mississippi began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and you can request one when you renew your license. Real ID renewal must be done in person and costs the same as a standard renewal ($24).
To upgrade to Real ID, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and one document proving your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). The office will verify your information and issue your Real ID license the same day. Your new license will have a gold star in the upper right corner to show it meets federal standards.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above (online, mail, or in person). If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead. A new process requires an in-person visit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have a renewal process in progress. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show them your renewal notice or a receipt from the DPS if you have already submitted your process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. You must have a current Mississippi address to renew a Mississippi license. If you have moved to another state, you should explore for a driver's license in your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency for their requirements.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You will need to explore for a replacement license, not a renewal. A replacement requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office with proof of identity and your Social Security number. The fee is $24, the same as a renewal.
How long does it take to receive my license by mail?
The DPS processes mail renewals in 7 to 10 business days from the date they receive your process. Mailing time to and from the DPS office is not included in that estimate, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you drop your process in the mail.
Do I need a vision test to renew by mail or online?
No. Vision tests are only required for in-person renewals. If you renew by mail or online and your vision has changed significantly, you are responsible for knowing whether you can drive safely. Mississippi law does not require you to report vision changes unless they affect your ability to drive.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your Social Security number. Bring the same documents you would for a new process.