What to Expect at the Oxford Drivers License Office

Oxford DMV Office: Location, Hours, and Services

The Oxford Drivers License Office is a Mississippi Department of Public Safety facility that handles standard license transactions for residents in and around Oxford. The office issues new licenses, processes renewals, handles name changes, and manages commercial driver license (CDL) matters. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those go through the county tax assessor's office.

The office is located at 1638 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends. No appointment system is in place; service is first-come, first-served.

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Mid-morning on Tuesday through Thursday tends to be less crowded than Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. The office typically serves 40 to 60 customers per day during normal operations.

Key Takeaways

The Oxford office handles driver licenses, renewals, and CDL matters, but vehicle registration and title work must be done at the county tax assessor's office.
Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the office does not take appointments.
Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any transaction.
The office is located at 1638 University Avenue in Oxford and is closed on state holidays.
Mid-week mornings typically have shorter wait times than Monday or Friday.

What Documents to Bring

Every transaction at the Oxford office requires a primary form of identification. Acceptable documents include a current passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver license. If you do not have one of these, you will need to bring two secondary forms of ID such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID.

You must also bring proof of Mississippi residency. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency addressed to you at your current address is also acceptable. Post office boxes do not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you will need to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety before visiting the office to discuss your options. The office staff cannot process a license without one or the other.

For a renewal, bring your current license or a renewal notice if you received one by mail. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. For a CDL, bring your current license plus any medical certification documents required by federal law.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistake is arriving without proof of residency. Many people bring only a utility bill in someone else's name or a bill dated more than 60 days ago. Check the date and the name on every document before you go. If your name does not match your residency proof, bring a document that explains the change — a marriage certificate or lease showing both names, for example.

A second common problem is not bringing enough forms of ID. If your passport is expired, it still counts as a primary form of ID for license purposes, but an expired out-of-state license does not. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the office at (662) 234-7500 before you visit.

Do not assume the office can issue a license the same day. Standard processing takes one to two weeks. If you need a license for travel or work, ask the staff whether a temporary license or expedited service is available. Temporary licenses are sometimes issued on the spot but have limits on where they are valid.

Bring cash or a debit card. The office accepts both, but some staff report that card readers occasionally malfunction. Having cash as a backup prevents a wasted trip.

Renewal vs. New License: Which Route You Need

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it. Bring your current license and proof of residency. Renewals cost $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license instead. This requires the full set of documents: primary ID, proof of residency, Social Security number or ITIN, and a vision test. A new license costs $31.00 for a four-year license or $46.50 for an eight-year license. The vision test is performed on-site and takes about five minutes.

If you have never had a Mississippi license, you are explore for a new license. Bring all required documents plus any out-of-state license you currently hold. The office will not issue a Mississippi license until your out-of-state license is surrendered or expires.

CDL Transactions and Special Requirements

The Oxford office handles CDL renewals and some CDL upgrades, but not all CDL testing. If you need to take a CDL knowledge test or skills test, you may be referred to a third-party testing facility. Call ahead to confirm whether the Oxford office can handle your specific transaction.

For a CDL renewal, bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and your current medical certification (FMCSA form 649-F or equivalent). If your medical certification has expired, you must renew it with a certified medical examiner before the office can renew your CDL. The office does not perform medical exams.

If you are upgrading from a regular license to a CDL or adding an endorsement (such as hazmat or passenger), the process is more complex and may require testing. The office staff can explain what you need, but plan for multiple visits or referrals to testing sites.

What Happens After You Visit

Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within one to two weeks. Do not expect to leave with a physical license in hand unless you are issued a temporary license.

If your license does not arrive within three weeks, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 1-800-749-6882 to check the status. Have your receipt number ready. Do not return to the Oxford office; the state processing center handles all mail-out inquiries.

If you need to change your address after your visit, you can do so online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by returning to the Oxford office. Address changes do not require a new photo or vision test.

When to Contact the Office Directly

Call the Oxford office at (662) 234-7500 if you have questions about what documents to bring, whether your specific situation requires a new license or renewal, or if you need to confirm current hours. The staff can answer procedural questions but cannot process transactions over the phone.

If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency or primary ID, calling ahead saves a wasted trip. The same applies if you have a name mismatch between your ID and your residency proof, or if you are missing your Social Security card.

For statewide questions about license rules, fees, or policy changes, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 1-800-749-6882. They handle inquiries that go beyond the Oxford office's scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

Mississippi does not offer online or mail renewal for driver licenses. You must visit the Oxford office or another DMV location in person. However, if you are a military member stationed overseas, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to discuss options.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You will need to obtain a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. The Oxford DMV office cannot issue a license without a Social Security number or ITIN. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement card.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Oxford office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. Arriving mid-morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday typically means a shorter wait than other times.

How long does a new license take to arrive?

New licenses are mailed within one to two weeks of your visit. If yours has not arrived after three weeks, call the state processing center at 1-800-749-6882 with your receipt number to check the status.

Can the office issue a temporary license while I wait?

Temporary licenses are sometimes available on the spot, but availability depends on your specific transaction and current office workload. Ask the staff when you arrive whether a temporary license is an option for you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.