Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you've had any changes to your address or medical conditions since your last renewal.
Before you go anywhere, gather your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring the residency document showing your new address. If you're renewing after your license has expired, you may need additional documents depending on how long it's been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired and have not been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, and you can complete it through the Department of Public Safety website.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is current and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition change since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, or if your personal information has changed.
- A renewed license costs $31 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license in Mississippi, and you must choose the term length when you renew.
- If your license expired more than one year ago, you will likely need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee.
Online renewal through the Department of Public Safety
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or cancellations. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, select the driver's license renewal option, and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the process.
The system will ask you to confirm your address and medical information. If everything is correct and unchanged, you can pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This option does not include a new photo, so your current photo will be used on your renewed license.
Mail renewal if your information hasn't changed
If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice will include a form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice along with your current license.
Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department receives your materials. You cannot use mail renewal if your address has changed, if you have had a name change, if your medical condition has changed, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visit any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security card or document. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and pay the renewal fee. The office will issue you a temporary license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Driver Services offices are located in most county seats and some larger towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines. Bring all documents with you — if you're missing any required item, the office cannot process your renewal that day.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to pass the written test, the vision test, and the driving test. You will also need to provide proof of residency, your Social Security card, and proof of your legal presence in the United States.
Schedule a driving test appointment through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling the Driver Services office in your county. You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The written and vision tests are given on the same day as the driving test, so plan for the entire process to take several hours.
Renewal fees and license term lengths
A four-year driver's license costs $31, and an eight-year license costs $49 in Mississippi. When you renew, you choose which term you want. The eight-year license is a better value if you plan to keep your license for that long and do not expect your address or medical information to change. The four-year license is less expensive upfront and may be better if you think you will need to update your information sooner.
Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though some smaller offices may accept only cash — call ahead if you want to confirm.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Call the Driver Services office in your county or visit the Department of Public Safety website to learn the reason for the suspension or revocation and the requirements to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it using one of the methods described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Mississippi allows you to renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire. The new expiration date will be calculated from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. Bring the name-change document along with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Security card.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Your renewed license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the Department processes your renewal. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready that is valid until your permanent license arrives. If you renew by mail or online, you should not drive using an expired license while waiting for your new one.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
A new photo is taken only if you renew in person at a Driver Services office. If you renew online or by mail, your current photo is used on your renewed license. If you want a new photo but your license is not expired, you can visit a Driver Services office and request a photo update for a fee.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You will need to report your license as lost and request a replacement at the same time you renew. Visit a Driver Services office in person with your proof of residency and Social Security card. The office will issue you a replacement license with a new number and an updated expiration date. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.