What documents to bring to the DPS office
Mississippi requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current driver's license to renew in person. Your current license serves as your identity document if it is still valid or expired less than five years ago. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate instead.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Mississippi address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You do not need multiple documents—one current proof of residency is enough.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (if your license expired more than five years ago), and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days to your local DPS office.
- Mississippi allows you to renew online if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or medical information since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew in person, or within 10 to 14 business days if you renew online.
- Renewal fees vary depending on how long your new license is valid for—a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
Renewing online through the Mississippi DPS website
You can renew online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your current license is still valid and you meet certain conditions. Your address, name, and medical information must not have changed since your last renewal. You also cannot have any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions on your license. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days.
Online renewal does not issue a temporary license. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you will need to renew in person instead so you can get a paper temporary license on the spot.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Find your nearest DPS Driver's License office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. You can search by county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Check the specific office's hours before you go.
Bring all required documents and arrive during a time when the office is less busy—early morning or mid-week visits typically have shorter wait times. You will fill out form DL-44 (process for Driver's License) at the office. The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
You will pay the renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card, depending on the location. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Mississippi offers driver's licenses valid for four years or eight years. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The exact fee depends on which validity period you choose. You can select either option when you renew, whether online or in person.
If you are over 65 years old, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost. Ask the DPS office staff about senior renewal options when you visit, or check the Mississippi DPS website for current rates.
Fees do not change based on whether you renew online or in person. The cost is the same either way.
What happens if your license is expired more than five years
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use it as proof of identity for renewal. You will need to bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate instead. You must renew in person at a DPS office—online renewal is not an option for you.
The rest of the renewal process is the same: bring proof of residency, fill out the process, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. You will still receive a temporary paper license and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing if you have medical restrictions or suspensions
If your license has any medical restrictions, suspensions, or revocations, you cannot renew online. You must go to a DPS office in person. The office staff will review your driving record and determine whether the restriction or suspension can be lifted or whether it will carry over to your new license.
If you have a medical restriction (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), the restriction will appear on your new license unless you have had it removed by a doctor or the DPS. Bring any medical documentation that shows the restriction no longer applies if you want it removed.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Mississippi DPS to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. Mississippi does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet the conditions, or you must visit a DPS office in person. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
What if I moved to Mississippi from another state?
If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you can use it as proof of identity. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Mississippi residency, and any name-change documents if applicable. You must renew in person at a DPS office. Your new Mississippi license will be issued the same day.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a DPS office?
Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check your local DPS office's website or call ahead to see if appointments are available in your area.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DPS office if your address has changed. You cannot use online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new Mississippi address, and any other required documents. The office will update your address during the renewal process.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license covers the gap. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you renewed.