Where the Columbus driver license office is located

The Columbus driver license office is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. It is located at 1428 Main Street in Columbus, Mississippi 39701. This is the office that handles driver licenses, learner's permits, and ID cards for Lowndes County and the surrounding area.

The office sits on Main Street in downtown Columbus. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the full address: 1428 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701. Street parking is available nearby, though availability varies depending on the time of day.

Hours of operation and what to bring

The Columbus driver license office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm current hours, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The office is closed on state and federal holidays.

Bring your current ID or passport, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), your Social Security number, and any documents related to your transaction — such as a birth certificate for a first-time license or your current license if you are renewing. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. Bring the original documents, not copies, unless the office has told you otherwise.

Wait times vary. Early morning, mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to be less crowded than Monday or Friday. The office does not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbus driver license office is at 1428 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701, and serves Lowndes County.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call to confirm before you go.
  • Bring original documents including ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
  • The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments, so arrive early or visit mid-week to avoid longer waits.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you.

What you can do at this office

The Columbus office issues new driver licenses, renews existing ones, and issues learner's permits and ID cards. You can also request a duplicate license if yours is lost or stolen, or update your address if you have moved within Mississippi.

If you need to reinstate a suspended or revoked license, you will need to complete the reinstatement process first — which may involve paying fees, completing a driver improvement course, or obtaining an SR22 form from your insurance company. The Columbus office can tell you what your specific situation requires, but the reinstatement itself is handled through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's main office or online.

Renewing your license at the Columbus office

If your license is not suspended and you are renewing before it expires, you can renew in person at the Columbus office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Mississippi also allows online renewal for some drivers. If you are between 21 and 69 years old, your license is not suspended, and you have not changed your address, you may be able to renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Online renewal is faster and does not require a visit to the office, though you will still need to pay the renewal fee.

Getting a learner's permit at the Columbus office

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is given at the Columbus office. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a parent or guardian if you are under 18.

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available online or at the office. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at the Columbus office. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A duplicate costs less than a new license and is processed quickly — usually while you wait.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. Some banks and other institutions ask for proof that the license was stolen rather than straightforward lost. The Columbus office does not require a police report to issue a duplicate, but having one on file can help if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.

Address changes and other updates

If you have moved to a new address in Mississippi, you can update your license at the Columbus office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Address changes are processed quickly and do not require a new photo or test.

If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — such as a marriage certificate or court order. The Columbus office will issue a new license with your updated name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Columbus driver license office?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. Arrive early or visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to avoid longer waits.

What is the phone number for the Columbus driver license office?

You can reach the office at (662) 329-5800 to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or get information about what documents you need for your specific transaction.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if you are between 21 and 69, your license is not suspended, and you have not changed your address. You can renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. In-person renewal at the Columbus office is required if you need a new photo, have changed your address, or do not meet the online renewal criteria.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license at the Columbus office. You must complete the reinstatement process first, which may involve paying fees, completing a driver improvement course, or obtaining an SR22 form from your insurance company. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out what your reinstatement requires.

Can I get a Real ID at the Columbus office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal ID that meets security standards for air travel and federal building access. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documents, such as a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. Bring your current license, birth certificate, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document that shows your number.