How to Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License

The Basic Steps to Renew in Mississippi

To renew your Mississippi driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Public Safety driver's license office, bring the required documents, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 30 minutes in person. You cannot renew online or by mail in Mississippi — you must appear in person at a driver's license office, even if your license is not yet expired.

Mississippi offers two renewal paths: standard renewal and Real ID renewal. A standard renewal gives you a regular driver's license valid for four years. A Real ID renewal gives you a license marked with a gold star that meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Most people renew as Real ID because the process is nearly identical and the document is more useful.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same process — there is no penalty for renewing after expiration in Mississippi.

Key Takeaways

You must renew in person at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office; online and mail renewal are not available.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Real ID renewal costs the same as standard renewal and requires one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency status.
The renewal fee is $31 for a four-year license, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
If your address has changed, you will need to update it during renewal; bring a current proof of residency document.

Documents You Need to Bring

For a standard renewal, bring three things: your current Mississippi driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

If you are renewing as Real ID, add one more document: proof of citizenship or legal residency. This can be your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card). The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have lost your current license, bring a police report of the loss or a statement signed by you saying it is lost.

Finding Your Local Driver's License Office

Mississippi has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Search for "Mississippi DPS driver's license office" and your county name, or call the main DPS number to ask which office serves your area.

Some offices are busier than others. If you can, visit early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid long waits. A few offices take appointments; check your local office's website to see if you can reserve a time slot.

What Happens During Your Renewal Visit

When you arrive, you will check in and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your information, check that your documents are in order, and ask you to sign a form. You will then have your photo taken for your new license. The entire process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You will receive your new license on the spot. It is valid when ready, even though it has a future expiration date printed on it. If you need to drive before your new license arrives by mail (which can take a few weeks), you can use your old license until the new one reaches you.

Real ID vs. Standard Renewal: What Is the Difference?

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID license, passport, or other federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Mississippi driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.

The renewal process for Real ID is the same as for standard renewal, except you must bring one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, green card, or naturalization certificate). The fee is the same: $31 for four years. Because the important date is approaching and the process is identical, most people renew as Real ID.

If you renew as standard now and later need Real ID, you can upgrade to Real ID at any driver's license office by bringing your citizenship document and paying a small fee. You do not have to wait for your license to expire.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

A four-year Mississippi driver's license costs $31 to renew. This is the standard renewal period for all drivers. You pay the fee at the driver's license office when you complete your renewal.

Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid the rush near your expiration date.

If Your Address Has Changed

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Bring a current proof of residency document dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail. The document must show your name and your new address.

You cannot change your address online or by phone in Mississippi. The address update happens at the same time as your renewal, in person at the driver's license office. If you need to change your address before your license expires (without renewing), you can visit a driver's license office and request an address change; some offices charge a small fee for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online or by mail?

No. Mississippi requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at a Department of Public Safety driver's license office. You cannot renew online, by mail, or by phone.

What if I have lost my current license?

You can still renew. Bring a police report documenting the loss, or bring a signed statement from you saying the license is lost. The staff will process your renewal and issue a new license. You may be charged a small fee for a replacement.

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

You receive your new license when ready when you finish your renewal visit at the driver's license office. It is valid right away. If you are concerned about the photo or information on the license, you can review it before you leave the office.

Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or visit federal buildings?

No. If you do not board domestic flights or enter federal buildings, a standard driver's license is sufficient. However, Real ID renewal costs the same and the important date is approaching, so many people choose Real ID for future flexibility.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring the document that proves your name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The driver's license office will update your name during renewal. You must bring an original or certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted.

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.