Where to get your driver license in Greenwood

The Greenwood Driver License Office is located at 1016 West Park Avenue, Greenwood, MS 38930. This is the only Mississippi Department of Public Safety office in Leflore County where you can take your written test, road test, and receive your license in person. You cannot renew or obtain a license online in Mississippi, so you must visit this location or another DMV office in the state.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at the office directly or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something costs time and gas.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Greenwood Driver License Office in person to take your written test, road test, and receive your license; Mississippi does not issue licenses by mail or online.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the specific documents accepted are listed on the Mississippi DMV website before you go.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Mississippi Driver Manual available online.
  • Your road test appointment is scheduled after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection.
  • A standard driver license costs a set fee that varies based on how long you want it valid; Real ID licenses cost more but are required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.

Documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. Your identity document must be a passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. Your Social Security proof can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Your residency proof must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you also need a certified copy of your birth certificate and written consent from a parent or guardian. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The Greenwood office staff can tell you on the phone whether a specific document will work for your situation — it is worth calling to confirm before you make the trip.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Greenwood office, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Driver Manual, available free on the Department of Public Safety website, covers everything on the test. Study the sections on right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. Many people study for a few hours and pass on their first try. If you are nervous about the test, the manual also lists common mistakes people make, which is often more useful than reading the whole thing.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, the Greenwood office will schedule your road test appointment. The wait time for a road test appointment varies — it may be a few days or a few weeks depending on how busy the office is. You will be given a date and time before you leave.

For your road test, bring the vehicle you will be driving, your learner's permit or written test pass receipt, and proof of insurance. The vehicle must be registered in Mississippi, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will tell you what to do at each step. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period set by Mississippi — ask the office how long that is when you schedule.

Driver license types and costs

Mississippi offers a standard driver license and a Real ID driver license. The standard license is cheaper but cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. The Real ID license costs more but meets federal requirements and works for both driving and federal ID purposes. Both are valid for the same amount of time — you choose how long when you explore (typically 4 or 8 years).

The exact fee depends on how long you want your license valid and whether you choose Real ID. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists current fees. If you are under 21, your license will have different restrictions and may cost less. Ask the Greenwood office staff what the total cost will be for your situation before you pay.

Real ID requirements if you need federal ID

A Real ID driver license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document: either a certified birth certificate, passport, or military ID. If you already have a passport, bring it — it counts as both your identity document and your citizenship proof. The Real ID process takes a few minutes longer than a standard license, but you can do it all in one visit to the Greenwood office.

Real ID is not required for driving. It is only required if you want to use your driver license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is fine. If you travel by air or work in a federal building, Real ID is worth the extra cost because you will need it anyway.

What to expect on your first visit

Arrive at the Greenwood Driver License Office with all your documents and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour. You will check in at the front desk, show your documents, and pay the fee. Then you will take the written test on a computer. If you pass, staff will schedule your road test and give you a receipt that serves as a temporary permit until your license arrives by mail.

Your physical license card will be mailed to the address you provide — this usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, keep your receipt safe; it is your proof that you passed the test and are licensed to drive. If you move before your license arrives, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to update your address so the card goes to the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test if I do not have a learner's permit yet?

Yes. In Mississippi, you do not need a learner's permit to take the written test for a full driver license. You can walk into the Greenwood office with your documents and take the test the same day. However, if you fail the written test, you cannot take the road test until you pass, so some people get a learner's permit first to practice driving before attempting both tests.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after the waiting period set by Mississippi. The Greenwood office will tell you how long you must wait when you fail. You do not have to retake the written test — your passing score stays on file. Bring the same vehicle and documents when you come back for your second attempt.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Mississippi, have valid tags, current insurance, and pass a safety check (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). You cannot use the examiner's car or borrow one without insurance. If your vehicle does not pass the safety check, the test will be postponed until you fix it.

How long does a driver license last in Mississippi?

You choose when you explore: either 4 years or 8 years. The 8-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. Renewal is done by mail or online if you have not had any violations, so you do not have to return to the Greenwood office unless your license is suspended or you need to update your photo.

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 get a new one just because you moved. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get that state's license, but Mississippi does not require you to do so when ready.