Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver's License Examining Station, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-44. By mail, you'll send the same documents to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, and the process takes roughly two to three weeks.

Your license can be renewed up to 180 days before it expires, which means you don't have to wait until the last moment. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail—you'll need to visit an examining station in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Driver's License Examining Station or by mail if your license expired less than two years ago.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and Form DL-44, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, which varies by license type and duration.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
  • You can renew up to 180 days before your expiration date, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.

Renewing in person at an examining station

Walk into any Driver's License Examining Station with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and a completed Form DL-44. You'll pay the renewal fee at the window—the amount depends on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. The examiner will take a new photo, verify your information, and hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Examining stations are located in most county seats and some larger towns. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. No appointment is required, but arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return, because the examiner will verify it against state records.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago. Send your current license, a completed Form DL-44, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your number. The bureau will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks.

This route works well if you live far from an examining station or have a schedule that makes in-person visits difficult. However, you won't receive a temporary license, so you'll be driving on an expired license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, visiting a station in person is faster.

License types and renewal costs

Mississippi offers four-year and eight-year driver's licenses. The four-year license costs less but requires renewal more often, while the eight-year license costs more upfront but covers a longer period. Your renewal fee depends on which type you choose. Both are available whether you renew in person or by mail, so you can switch from a four-year to an eight-year license (or vice versa) at renewal time.

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are stricter. CDLs cannot be renewed by mail and must be done in person at an examining station. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) if you drive a commercial vehicle. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than for a standard license.

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

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a Driver's License Examining Station in person, and you'll likely need to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening. You may also need to provide additional documents, such as proof of legal residency in Mississippi or a birth certificate, depending on how long it has been since your license was issued.

Contact your local examining station before you go to confirm what documents they'll need. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because of the additional testing, so plan for at least an hour. Bring the same documents you would for a new license process, including proof of residency and Social Security verification.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved or changed your name since your license was issued, you can update both during renewal. For an address change, bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. These documents are required whether you renew in person or by mail.

If you only need to change your address and your license is not yet expired, you can update it without renewing. Visit an examining station with your current license and proof of residency, and they'll issue you a new license with the updated address at no charge. This is faster than waiting for your renewal date if you've recently moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver's License Examining Station or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and gives you a temporary license when ready, while mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you'll need to explore for a replacement rather than a renewal. Visit an examining station with proof of identity and residency, and they'll issue a new license with the same expiration date as your original. You can renew at the same time if your license is also expired.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken at every renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. If you renew by mail, you'll need to include a recent passport-style photo (2x2 inches) with your process. In-person renewal includes a photo taken at the station.

How long is my temporary license good for?

The temporary paper license issued at an examining station is valid until your plastic license arrives by mail, which typically takes one to two weeks. You can drive on this temporary license during that time. If you renew by mail, you won't receive a temporary license, so you'll be driving on your expired license until the new one arrives.

What if my renewal is denied?

Renewal can be denied if you have unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or other issues flagged in the state system. The examining station will tell you why your renewal was denied and what you need to do to resolve it. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the relevant agency to address the issue before trying to renew again.