Renewing your Mississippi driver's license in person or by mail

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if your license is not yet expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification.

The state does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses, though you can renew your vehicle registration online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
  • Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address, and takes two to three weeks.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at offices.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass the vision and written tests again.
  • Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, and you do not need an appointment for most renewals.

What you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license, one form of proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and your license still shows an old address, bring both your old and new proof of residency.

You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office — this is a quick test and does not require an eye exam from an optometrist. If your license has been expired for more than two years, bring the same documents but plan to spend more time at the office because you will retake the written test and vision screening.

How to renew by mail

To renew by mail, your current license must not be expired, you cannot have changed your name, and your address on file must still be correct. read the DL-44 form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call your local Driver Services office to request one by mail.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($31 for four years or $61 for eight years), and mail both to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to account for processing time. You will receive your new license in the mail; there is no temporary license issued for mail renewals.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

A four-year license costs $31 and an eight-year license costs $61. You choose which term you want when you renew. At Driver Services offices, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card — credit cards are not accepted. If you renew by mail, payment must be by check or money order only.

Your new license will be valid for either four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license validity period starts on the date you renew, not on the date your old license would have expired.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have different hours or limited days. A few offices close for lunch.

You do not need an appointment for a standard license renewal. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to check the current wait time before you go, call the office directly — the phone number is listed on the website for each location.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — either in person or by mail. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to retake the vision screening and the written knowledge test, which means you should budget extra time and bring study materials if you need to review.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but this does not prevent a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person — mail renewal is not an option. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee.

The Driver Services office will update your records and issue a new license with your current information. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal, about 30 minutes. If you have both a name change and an address change, bring documents for both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety before you can renew. Contact the department directly to find out what steps are required and whether you need to pay a reinstatement fee or complete other requirements.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to explore for a replacement license, not a renewal. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement process is similar to renewal but may have different fees — ask the office when you call or visit.

Do I need to retake the written test when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years. Standard renewals do not require the written test, only a vision screening. If your license is very old or expired for an extended period, the office will let you know what tests are required when you arrive.

How long does a mailed renewal license take to arrive?

Most mail renewals arrive within two to three weeks of the office receiving your process. Mail it at least three weeks before your license expires. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact your local Driver Services office with your process details.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at a Driver Services office to renew your license. The office will not accept applications from a family member or representative on your behalf, even with written permission.