Where to go for your Greenwood driver license

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Greenwood is located at 410 West Park Avenue, Greenwood, MS 38930. This is the physical location where you take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal. You cannot complete these steps online or by mail — you must visit in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at the Greenwood location or check the Mississippi DPS website before you go. Some offices close for lunch, and wait times can be long during mid-morning and early afternoon, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

If you cannot reach the Greenwood office by phone, you can also contact the main Mississippi Driver License Bureau line to confirm hours or ask about current wait times. Having your documents ready before you arrive will speed up the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Greenwood driver license office is at 410 West Park Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, with hours that vary by day.
  • You must appear in person to pass the vision and written tests and have your photo taken for a new license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and any required medical or vision documentation before you go.
  • First-time applicants must pass both a written test on traffic laws and a vision screening; renewal applicants may not need to retake the written test depending on their age and license type.
  • Mississippi charges different fees for different license types and durations, and fees vary based on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing.

Documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. Proof of Social Security number is typically your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. If you are renewing a license and your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change.

If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), bring them with you on test day. You will be asked to wear them during the vision test if that is how you normally drive. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, bring any required medical documentation — the office staff can tell you what forms your doctor needs to complete.

What happens during your first visit

When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (DL-44 for a new license or DL-43 for renewal). A staff member will verify your documents, check your information against state records, and collect any fees. You will then take a vision screening — this is not a full eye exam, but a quick test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail the vision test, you may be asked to have an eye doctor examine you and provide a form stating you are safe to drive.

Next, you will take the written test on Mississippi traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test is multiple choice and covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what to do at traffic signals. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is usually a small fee for each retake.

If you pass both the vision and written tests, a staff member will take your photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office's process. Ask before you leave whether you will receive your license when ready or by mail.

Fees and license types in Mississippi

Mississippi charges different fees based on the type of license and how long it is valid. A Class D license (the standard passenger vehicle license) costs less than a Class C license (for commercial vehicles). Fees also depend on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing, and whether you choose a 4-year or 8-year license.

First-time applicants typically pay more than people renewing because the fee includes the cost of the written and vision tests. Renewal fees are lower if you are straightforward extending a license you already hold. Some applicants may be charged an additional fee if they need to retake the written test or if they require a duplicate license.

The Greenwood office accepts cash, check, and card payments. Ask which payment methods they accept when you arrive, or check the Mississippi DPS website for current fee amounts, as fees can change.

Preparing for the written test

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Mississippi DPS website and also in print at the Greenwood office. The manual explains speed limits, traffic signals, parking rules, what to do in bad weather, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

Most people study the manual for a few days or a week before taking the test. There is no time limit on how long you can study — you do not have to take the test on the same day you visit the office. Some people visit the office, pick up the manual, study at home, and return a week or two later to take the test.

The test is given on a computer at the Greenwood office. You will have time to read each question and choose your answer. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

Renewing your license in Greenwood

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the Greenwood office. Renewal is simpler than getting a first-time license — you usually do not have to retake the written test if you are over 18 and your license is not suspended or revoked. You will still need to pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken.

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents showing a name change if your name is different from your last license. The renewal fee is lower than the fee for a new license. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may have to retake the written test — ask the staff when you arrive.

You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term (4 or 8 years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it at the Greenwood office. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the Mississippi DPS or the court that suspended your license to find out what you need to do to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, provide proof of insurance, or wait out a suspension period. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can visit the Greenwood office to renew or reissue your license.

If you are unsure why your license was suspended, call the Mississippi DPS main line or visit the office in person and ask a staff member to look up your record. They can tell you the reason and what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online from Greenwood?

No. Mississippi does not offer online or mail renewal for driver licenses. You must visit the Greenwood office in person to renew, even if your license is not expiring for several months. The only exception is if you are a member of the military stationed overseas — contact the Mississippi DPS to see if you may have access to for an extension.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision screening, the office will not issue a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, have them complete a vision form, and bring it back to the Greenwood office. Once your doctor confirms you can see well enough to drive safely, you can retake the vision test and continue with the license process.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the tests?

Some offices issue your license the same day you pass the tests. Others mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. Ask the staff at the Greenwood office before you leave whether your license will be ready when ready or mailed to your address.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Greenwood office?

Mississippi does not require appointments at most driver license offices, but some locations have started offering them to reduce wait times. Call the Greenwood office to ask whether appointments are available and whether one is recommended for the day you plan to visit.

What if I move out of Greenwood after I get my license?

Your Mississippi driver license is valid anywhere in the state and nationwide. You do not need to update it if you move within Mississippi. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state, but you can use your Mississippi license until it expires.