Where the Starkville Drivers License Bureau is located

The Drivers License Bureau in Starkville is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. It is located at 1601 Russell Street, Starkville, MS 39759. This is the office where you go in person to take your written test, road test, or to renew or replace a driver's license.

The 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. The phone number is (662) 323-2371. If you are planning a trip, calling first saves you a wasted drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Starkville Drivers License Bureau is at 1601 Russell Street and handles written tests, road tests, and license renewals in person.
  • You must bring required documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — or your process will be rejected.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance; walk-ins are not taken for driving tests.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but hours vary, so call (662) 323-2371 to confirm before you go.
  • Written tests are offered during regular business hours without an appointment, but arriving early in the day means shorter waits.

What documents to bring to the Starkville office

Before you go, gather the documents the Mississippi Department of Public Safety requires. You will need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring originals, not copies.

If you are under 18, you also need a completed Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report or a signed statement that you lost it. The staff at the Starkville office will tell you when ready if a document is missing — do not assume you can come back later.

Taking your written test at the Starkville location

The written test (also called the knowledge test) covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You take it at the Starkville Drivers License Bureau without scheduling ahead. Arrive during business hours, bring your documents, and tell the staff you are there to take the test. You will be given a test booklet or, in some cases, a computer-based test.

The test has 30 questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi. Many people pass on the first try if they study the Mississippi Driver's Manual beforehand, which is free and available online from the Department of Public Safety website.

Scheduling and taking your road test in Starkville

The road test is different from the written test: you must schedule it in advance. Call the Starkville office at (662) 323-2371 to book a date and time. Road tests are typically offered during business hours on weekdays. When you arrive for your test, bring your valid learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving (it must be registered and in safe working condition).

The examiner will check that your vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work. Then you will drive for about 15 to 20 minutes while the examiner watches and scores your performance. You are tested on basic skills like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, but there is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before the next available slot.

Renewing or replacing your license in Starkville

If your license is expiring soon or has expired, you can renew it at the Starkville office. Bring your current license and your required documents (birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address). The staff will take a new photo, update your information if needed, and issue a replacement license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the type of renewal.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. Bring a police report (if it was stolen) or a signed statement that you lost it, along with your required documents. The process is the same as a renewal: new photo, updated information, and a new license issued when ready or mailed shortly after.

Wait times and what to expect on the day you visit

Wait times at the Starkville office vary depending on the day and time. Mornings, especially early in the week, tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Fridays. If you are taking a written test, expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. Bring a book or your phone to pass the time.

The staff will call you when it is your turn. Have your documents ready and organized before you reach the counter. If anything is missing, they will tell you then, and you will need to come back another day. Once your test or transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt or a temporary license (if you passed your road test). Keep this receipt until your permanent license arrives in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner gives you permission and that proof of insurance is in the vehicle or available to show the examiner.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another test by calling the Starkville office. There is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week before the next available appointment. You keep your learner's permit and can practice driving before your next attempt.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test?

No. The written test is offered walk-in during business hours. However, the road test must be scheduled ahead by phone. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait for the written test.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass my road test?

You may receive a temporary license on the spot, or the permanent license will be mailed to you within a few business days. Ask the staff which option applies to your situation when you finish your test.

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

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid anywhere in the state and nationwide. If you move to a different state, you will need to get a license from that state's DMV. If you stay in Mississippi but move to a different city, you do not need to update your license unless your address changes and you want to update it.