Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal is free but only available if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test.

To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the office.

To renew by mail, complete Form 78-104 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and costs $24 for four years or $36 for eight years.
  • Mail renewal is free but only works if your license is current, not suspended or revoked, and expired less than two years ago.
  • You must bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to renew in person.
  • Vision screening is required at the office but not for mail renewal, unless you have a medical condition affecting your sight.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson, but you can also renew at regional locations in Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and other cities. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers.

Some offices are busier than others, especially near the end of the month or before holidays. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip. A few offices offer online scheduling, though most operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Mississippi license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You'll still need your current (expired) license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency, plus you'll have to pass the vision screening and written test again.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, available free on the Department of Public Safety website. Most people pass on the first attempt if they review the manual beforehand.

Renewing with a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are needed to restore it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Once you've resolved the underlying issue—paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a required course—you can request reinstatement. After reinstatement is approved, you can then renew your license through the normal process.

Medical conditions and vision requirements

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as severe vision loss, seizures, or certain neurological conditions—the Driver Services office may require a medical report from your doctor before renewing. You don't need to report minor conditions, but if you've had a significant change in your health since your last renewal, tell the office staff when you arrive.

Vision screening at the office checks whether you can see well enough to drive. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you'll be asked to see an eye doctor and bring a report back to the office before your license can be renewed.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license up to six months before it expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you're planning a trip, starting a new job that requires a valid ID, or straightforward want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old one was set to expire.

If you renew early in person, you'll receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail, your new license will arrive in two to four weeks, so plan accordingly if you need it for a specific date.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot straightforward renew it—you must first report it as lost or stolen to the Driver Services office. You can do this in person or by phone. Once reported, you can then renew your license through the normal process. There is no additional fee for replacing a lost or stolen license; you pay only the standard renewal fee.

Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal: proof of Social Security number and proof of residency. If you're renewing in person, you'll receive your replacement license when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license right away.

What if I moved out of Mississippi but still have a valid Mississippi license?

You should renew your license in the state where you now live. If you still have a valid Mississippi license and want to keep it, you can renew it by mail as long as it hasn't been expired for more than two years. However, once you establish residency in another state, you should transfer your license to that state.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Mississippi Driver Services offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A few locations offer online scheduling. Call your local office to ask whether appointments are available or recommended.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to four weeks. Plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. In-person renewal is when ready.

What if I fail the vision screening at the office?

If you fail the vision screening, you'll be given information about seeing an eye doctor. Once you have a report from your eye doctor confirming you can drive safely, bring it back to the Driver Services office and your license can be renewed.