What you need to do to renew your Mississippi driver's license
Mississippi lets you 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 portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before it expires, and whether you need to update information like your address or name. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you go in person, longer if you mail your documents.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore in person as if you were getting a license for the first time. Mississippi does not charge a penalty for renewing late, but an expired license is not valid for driving, so the sooner you renew, the sooner you can legally drive again.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office, but online and mail renewals only work if your license expired less than five years ago.
- Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety portal is the fastest option and costs $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed Form 79-R, and payment to the Jackson Driver Services office, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at any Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment.
- You will need to pass a vision test in person if you renew by mail or online, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Renewing online through the Mississippi portal
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
After you submit your process online, the state mails your new license to the address on file. The process usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number so you can track your process. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during this time.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access—your license must have expired less than five years ago—but it takes slightly longer because the state has to process your documents manually. You will need to fill out Form 79-R (process for Renewal of Driver's License), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Jackson Driver Services office.
The mailing address is Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a return address so the state can mail your new license back to you. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your envelope, so add time for mail delivery both ways. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. You can visit any Driver Services office in Mississippi during business hours. Bring your current license (or a valid ID if your license is expired), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The renewal fee is the same as online: $31 for four years or $61 for eight years.
The office will take a new photo, run a vision test, and process your process on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes or less. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while the state prints and mails your permanent license. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years
If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it through the mail or online. Instead, you must explore in person at a Driver Services office as though you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will need to bring more documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of residency.
You will also need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, not just the vision test. This process takes longer than a standard renewal—usually one to two hours—and you may need to schedule an appointment. Contact your local Driver Services office to find out what documents they accept and whether you need to book ahead.
Updating your address or name during renewal
If you are moving or have changed your name since your last license was issued, you can update this information during renewal. For an address change, straightforward provide your new address when you renew online, by mail, or in person. For a name change, you will need to bring proof of the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—when you renew in person. If you are renewing by mail or online, contact the Driver Services office first to ask whether you can submit a copy of the name-change document with your process.
If you only need to change your address and do not need to renew your license yet, you can update it separately at any Driver Services office or by mail without paying a renewal fee. This is useful if you move before your license expires.
Finding your nearest Driver Services office and hours
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, along with hours and phone numbers, on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. If you are planning to renew in person, it is a good idea to call ahead or check the website to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling a distance.
Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online or by phone, which can reduce your wait time. During busy seasons (late summer and early fall, when many people renew before expiration), walk-in wait times can be longer, so scheduling ahead is worth the extra step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
If you renewed in person, yes—you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. If you renewed online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can drive legally during the 7 to 10 business day wait. Once your old license has expired and you have not yet received your new one, you cannot drive legally.
What if I need my new license before the standard 7 to 10 days?
In-person renewal is your fastest option because you get a temporary license the same day. If you have already renewed by mail or online and need your permanent license sooner, contact the Driver Services office to ask whether they can expedite it. Some offices may be able to print a license on the spot if you visit in person with your confirmation number.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person, yes—a new photo is taken as part of the process. If you renew online or by mail, the state uses your photo from your current license unless it is more than eight years old, in which case you will be asked to provide a new one or visit an office to have one taken.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it through the normal process.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your own license in person, by mail, or online using your own information and signature. A family member or representative cannot submit a renewal process on your behalf, though they can help you gather documents or drive you to the office.