Where to renew and what you'll need

In Mississippi, you renew your driver's license through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau. You can renew in person at any Driver's License Bureau office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website for some renewal types.

Before you go, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of Mississippi residency dated within the last 12 months (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your address has changed, bring the residency document to that new address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Your license expires on your birthday. Mississippi sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any Driver's License Bureau office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you meet age and renewal-type requirements.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Mississippi address — all documents must be originals or certified copies.
  • A standard five-year license renewal costs $24.50 in Mississippi; eight-year licenses cost $39.50 and are available to drivers 65 and older.
  • Processing times vary: in-person renewals are usually completed the same day, mail renewals take two to three weeks, and online renewals take one to two weeks.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online and must resolve the suspension before renewing in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver's License Bureau office

Walk into any Driver's License Bureau office with your documents and you'll complete the renewal the same day in most cases. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license before you leave. Bring the documents listed above, plus your Social Security card or another document with your number on it.

Mississippi has Driver's License Bureau offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others — calling ahead or arriving early in the day can reduce your wait. You do not need an appointment for renewal, but some offices accept them.

The fee for a standard five-year license is $24.50. If you are 65 or older, you can get an eight-year license for $39.50, which costs less per year. Payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet these conditions: your license is not expired more than two years, you have no address changes to make, and your name has not changed since your last license. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed renewal form (DL-44, available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website), a check or money order for $24.50 (or $39.50 for the eight-year license if you are 65 or older), and a copy of your proof of residency to the Driver's License Bureau's mailing address. Include a return envelope with postage. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the bureau receives your packet.

Do not send cash through the mail. If your renewal is denied for any reason, the bureau will contact you and you'll need to renew in person instead.

Online renewal through the state website

Mississippi offers online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if you are between 21 and 64 years old, your license is not expired more than two years, you have no address changes, your name has not changed, and your license is not suspended or revoked. Drivers 65 and older cannot renew online.

Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The system will verify your information against state records. If everything matches, you'll pay the $24.50 fee and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.

If the online system cannot verify your information or flags any issues, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew your license by mail or online if it is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first, then renew in person at a Driver's License Bureau office.

Suspensions in Mississippi are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical conditions reported to the state. Revocations are more serious and result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. Contact the Driver's License Bureau or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to clear it. Once cleared, you can renew in person with your documents.

Renewing an expired license

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The process is the same, and you'll receive your new license the same day.

If your license expired more than five years ago, Mississippi may require you to pass the vision test again, even if you renewed in person before. The Driver's License Bureau will tell you if this applies when you arrive.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved or changed your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, your proof of residency at your new address, and — if your name changed — a certified copy of the document that changed it. The office will update your information and issue a new license with your current address and name the same day.

You cannot update your address or name by mail or online. If you need to change your address before your license expires, you can do so at any Driver's License Bureau office without renewing your license, though you'll need to bring the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renewed in person, your new license is issued the same day. If you renewed by mail or online, do not plan to drive until your new license arrives. Mail renewals take two to three weeks and online renewals take one to two weeks.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license. You must go in person to a Driver's License Bureau office and bring your other documents. The office will issue a replacement license, which functions as your renewal.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

Yes. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo. If you renew by mail or online, the bureau uses your photo from your current license. You cannot request a new photo by mail or online — if you want a new photo, renew in person.

How long is my new license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. If you are 65 or older and choose the eight-year license, it is valid for eight years. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license.

What if the bureau denies my renewal?

The bureau will contact you by mail if your renewal is denied and explain why. Common reasons include a suspension or revocation on your record, a name or address mismatch, or missing documents. You'll need to resolve the issue and renew in person at a Driver's License Bureau office.