Mississippi driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age

Mississippi issues driver's licenses on a staggered schedule. If you are under 21, your license expires four years from the issue date. If you are 21 or older, your license is valid for eight years. You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date printed on the front, and you should plan to do it before that date arrives — an expired license is not valid for driving.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) handles all driver's license renewals. You can renew in person at any Driver License Examination Station across the state, or online through the MDPS website if you meet certain conditions. The online option is faster but not available to everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi driver's licenses expire every four years (under 21) or eight years (21 and older), and you can renew up to six months early.
  • Online renewal through the MDPS website takes minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Examination Station requires a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and a completed process form, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online and must go to an examination station in person.
  • The renewal fee is $24 for online renewal or $31 for in-person renewal, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on your location.

Renewing online through the MDPS website

Online renewal is the fastest route if your circumstances have not changed. You can renew online only if your current license is not expired, your address and name are still correct, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added to your record. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Visit the MDPS driver's license renewal page, enter your information, review the renewal notice, and pay the $24 fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal — for example, if your license has expired or you moved to a new address — you must renew in person at a Driver License Examination Station.

Renewing in person at a Driver License Examination Station

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you have changed your name or address, or you want to update your photo. Bring your current driver's license, a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License), which you can read from the MDPS website or fill out at the station. The fee for in-person renewal is $31 and can be paid by cash, check, or card depending on the station. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Your new license will be issued on the spot if you are renewing without a photo update. If you are updating your photo, the new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can request a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Finding a Driver License Examination Station near you

Mississippi has Driver License Examination Stations in most counties. The MDPS website has a station locator tool where you can search by county or city and see hours of operation. Many stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Stations in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or mid-week, you may wait less time.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license is expired, you cannot drive legally and you cannot renew online. You must go to a Driver License Examination Station in person. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, a valid form of ID, proof of address, and the completed Form DL-44.

There is no additional penalty fee for renewing an expired license in Mississippi — you pay the standard $31 in-person renewal fee. However, driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so do not delay.

Renewing your license if you have moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you cannot renew your Mississippi license. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. Most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license when you obtain a new one, so contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for their specific requirements and timeline.

If you are a Mississippi resident who moved temporarily (for work, school, or military service) and plan to return, contact the MDPS to ask about your options. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow you to maintain your home state license under certain conditions.

Renewing your license if you have a medical condition or restriction

If your license has a medical restriction or you have been medically suspended, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Driver License Examination Station. Bring all standard renewal documents plus any medical clearance letter or documentation from your doctor if the suspension has been lifted.

If you are unsure whether your license has a restriction or suspension, call the MDPS at 601-987-1500 before you go to the station. They can tell you what documents you need and whether you are cleared to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Mississippi allows you to renew up to six months before your expiration date. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years if you are under 21) from the renewal date.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

If you renew online or request a mailed license at an in-person renewal, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person without a photo update, you receive your license when ready at the station.

What if I lost my driver's license?

A lost license is not a renewal — it is a replacement. You must go to a Driver License Examination Station in person with a valid form of ID and proof of address. The replacement fee is $10, and you will receive a new license on the spot.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a Driver License Examination Station?

Most stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the MDPS website or call your local station to see if appointments are available in your area.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is the standard $31, and you will receive a new license with your updated name.