Where the Hattiesburg Driver License Office Is Located and When It's Open

The Hattiesburg Driver License Office is located at 613 Main Street, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401. This is the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office serving Forrest County and the surrounding area.

The office is open 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. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (601) 582-4821 before you go, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

This office does not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Arrival time matters: the office typically processes customers more quickly in the morning, and wait times can exceed an hour during mid-afternoon on Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg office is at 613 Main Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
  • You do not need an appointment; arrive with your documents and take a number at the window.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the specific documents required for your transaction (renewal, new license, or address change).
  • Call (601) 582-4821 to confirm hours before you visit, because holiday closures and staffing changes can affect availability.
  • Morning visits typically have shorter wait times than afternoons, and Fridays are busier than other weekdays.

What Services This Office Provides

The Hattiesburg Driver License Office handles the full range of driver license transactions for Mississippi residents. You can renew a license that is expired or expiring within 90 days, obtain a new license if you are a first-time driver or moving to Mississippi, replace a lost or stolen license, and update your address or name on an existing license.

The office also issues REAL ID-compliant driver licenses, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 7, 2025. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can upgrade it at this office. The office does not issue commercial driver licenses (CDLs); those require a separate process process at a different location.

The office can also process certain medical certification updates, issue duplicate licenses, and handle corrections to your record if information on file is wrong. However, the office cannot issue motorcycle endorsements or hazmat endorsements; those require testing at a separate testing facility.

Documents You Must Bring

Every transaction requires a current, valid form of identification and proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable IDs include a current passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver license. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

For a license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.

For a new license, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security card, and proof of your date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or military ID). You will take a written test, vision test, and photo. If you are under 21, bring a parent or guardian.

For a REAL ID upgrade, bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security card, and one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency status. Acceptable documents include a U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa. The fee for a REAL ID license is the same as a standard renewal.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard driver license renewal costs $31.00 and is valid for four years. A new license for a first-time driver costs $31.00. A REAL ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license—$31.00 for a four-year renewal. A duplicate license (replacement for lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $10.00.

The Hattiesburg office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The office does not issue refunds if you change your mind after payment.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is arriving without proof of residency. Many people bring only their old license and assume that is enough. It is not. You must bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, the office will turn you away, and you will have to return another day.

A second mistake is not bringing your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. The office will not process your transaction without it. If you do not have your card, bring a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement.

A third mistake is arriving without your current license if you are renewing. Even though you are renewing, you must bring the license you are replacing. If it is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a statement from the office that you reported it missing.

A fourth mistake is not knowing whether you need a REAL ID. If you fly domestically or enter a federal building, you need REAL ID. If you only drive within Mississippi and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. Ask yourself before you go: will I need this for air travel or federal building access in the next four years? If yes, get REAL ID.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front window and state your transaction type. You will receive a number and a wait time estimate. The wait time is usually accurate within 15 minutes, but it can vary depending on staffing and how complex other customers' transactions are.

When your number is called, go to the assigned window. The clerk will review your documents, ask you to sign a form, and take your photo. If you are renewing and your vision is still good, you may not need to retake the vision test. If you are obtaining a new license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take a written test and vision test at the office.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent card. Keep this temporary license with you while driving.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

Mississippi does not allow online renewal for driver licenses. You must visit an office in person for a new license, REAL ID upgrade, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. However, if your license is expiring within 90 days and you have a valid license, you can renew by mail. Contact the Hattiesburg office at (601) 582-4821 to request a mail renewal form.

If you live out of state and need to renew a Mississippi license, you can still renew by mail if your license is not expired and is expiring within 90 days. If you need a REAL ID or your license is already expired, you must visit an office in person or contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau at (601) 987-1500 to ask about exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Hattiesburg office?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Appointments are not available at this location. Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You cannot complete your transaction without it. Proof of residency must be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If you do not have one, you will need to return another day after obtaining one.

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

Online renewal is not available in Mississippi. You must visit an office in person for a new license or REAL ID upgrade. If your license is expiring within 90 days and is still valid, you may be able to renew by mail—call the office to ask.

How long does it take to get my new license after I visit?

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card.

What if my address or name has changed?

Visit the office with your current license, proof of residency showing your new address, and any documents supporting the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee is $10.00 for an address change only, or $31.00 if you also renew your license at the same time.