What you need to do to renew in Mississippi
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update information like your address or name.
Your Mississippi license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office — you cannot use the mail or online options once it lapses.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail only if your current license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions in the past four years.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has expired, you need to change your address or name, or you have had a suspension.
- Online renewal costs $24 and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal costs $20 and takes two to three weeks.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
- If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment; the fee is $24 and you receive your new license the same day.
Renewing online through the Mississippi website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have no active suspensions or restrictions. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
The online system will ask you to verify your personal information and confirm that your address and name have not changed. If either has changed, you must renew in person instead. Once you submit your information and pay the $24 fee with a credit or debit card, the system will mail your new license to the address on file. Most licenses arrive within 10 business days.
You can check the status of your online renewal by logging back into the same website with your license number and date of birth. If there is a problem with your process, the Department of Public Safety will contact you by phone or email.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you have no suspensions or restrictions. You will need to request a renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety by calling their main line or visiting a Driver Services office in person to pick one up. Some offices also mail forms upon request if you call ahead.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, a check or money order for $20, and a copy of your proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the past 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your packet.
Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process is incomplete or there is an issue, the Department will contact you, which can delay your renewal by several weeks.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you need to change your address or name, you have had a suspension or restriction, or you prefer to walk out with your new license the same day. Bring your current license (or an expired license if your current one is gone), proof of your current address, and payment of $24 in cash, check, or debit card.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the past 60 days. If you have changed your name, also bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need an appointment at most Mississippi Driver Services offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or check the Department of Public Safety website for office hours and locations near you. You will receive your new license when ready after your visit.
When you must renew in person instead of by mail or online
You cannot use mail or online renewal if your license has expired, if you have had any suspension or restriction in the past four years, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information. You also must renew in person if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) or if you want to add or remove endorsements.
If you are not sure whether you have had a suspension, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety before you attempt to renew by mail or online. Submitting an process when you are not may be able to access can delay your renewal and may require you to start over in person.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot drive legally in Mississippi. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with proof of residency and payment.
Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, show them proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a receipt from an online renewal or a certified mail receipt from a mail renewal), but understand that this may not prevent a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Mississippi, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew a Mississippi license by mail or online if your address has changed to another state, and you cannot renew in person if you are not in Mississippi. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to begin the process there.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will pay $24 for the renewal. If you also need a replacement for the lost license itself, there may be an additional fee — call ahead to confirm.
How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Public Safety receives your packet. This does not include the time it takes for your envelope to reach them or for your new license to be mailed back to you. Online renewal is faster — most licenses arrive within 10 business days.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Mississippi does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic tickets, so you can renew. However, if a court has ordered a suspension related to your ticket, you must clear that suspension before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket or call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check your driving record.
What if the Department of Public Safety rejects my renewal process?
The Department will contact you by phone or email to explain why your process was rejected and what you need to do next. Common reasons include incomplete information, an ineligible address, or an active suspension you were not aware of. Once you resolve the issue, you can resubmit your process or renew in person at a Driver Services office.