What you can and cannot do online in Mississippi
Mississippi lets you renew your driver license online if you meet specific requirements, but the state does not offer online renewal for every situation. You can renew online if your current license is still valid, you have not had any suspensions or revocations, and you are renewing for a standard five-year term. You cannot renew online if your license has expired by more than one year, if you need to change your address or name, if you have an outstanding ticket or court order, or if you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL).
The online renewal system is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person — currently $31 for a five-year renewal, though this amount can change. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is currently valid and you have no suspensions, revocations, or outstanding court orders.
- The online renewal fee is $31 for a five-year license, and you pay by debit or credit card during the process.
- You will need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Driver License Examining Station in person to renew or update your information.
Step-by-step process for renewing online
Start by going to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and locating the online driver license renewal portal. You will need to enter your driver license number and date of birth to begin. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what is on file with the state.
Review all the information displayed — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online; you will need to visit a Driver License Examining Station in person instead. If everything is correct, proceed to confirm that you still meet the requirements (no suspensions, no name or address changes needed, no outstanding violations).
Enter your payment information. Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The system will charge your card $31 when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save this confirmation number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your payment processes, your renewal enters the state's system. You will receive an email confirmation with your confirmation number and the expected delivery date for your new license. The state mails licenses from a central facility, so delivery times are consistent but not when ready.
Your old license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for the new one. You do not need to stop driving or carry any temporary document. When your new license arrives, it will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renewed. Destroy your old license by cutting it in half or shredding it — do not throw it away intact, as it contains personal information.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Driver License Examining Station and provide proof that you have resolved the reason for the suspension — for example, paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or clearing an outstanding child support order. The specific documents you need depend on why your license was suspended.
If you need to change your name or address, you must renew in person. Bring a current government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person. The state treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, and you will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of identity and residency. You can find the nearest Driver License Examining Station and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Documents and information you need before you start
Have your current driver license in front of you when you begin the online renewal. You will need to enter your license number and date of birth exactly as they appear on the card. You will also need your Social Security number — the state uses this to verify your identity in its records.
Make sure you have a valid debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and know the card number, expiration date, and CVV. The payment is processed when ready, so use a card you have access to right now. If your card is declined, you will not be able to complete the renewal online and will need to visit a Driver License Examining Station instead.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it means one of the restrictions applies to you — your license is suspended, expired for more than a year, or flagged for another reason. The error message should tell you why. If it does not, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to ask what is blocking your online renewal. They can tell you what you need to do to become may be able to access or direct you to the nearest Driver License Examining Station.
If your payment is declined, check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly. If the card is correct and still declines, your bank may have flagged the transaction as suspicious. Call your bank to let them know you are making a purchase with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, then try again. If the problem continues, you will need to renew in person.
If you do not receive your new license within 14 business days, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. Delays can happen, especially during high-volume periods, but the state can track your license and tell you where it is in the mail process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is about to expire?
Yes. You can renew online as long as your license has not yet expired. In fact, renewing before your expiration date is the easiest route because you avoid the complications that come with an expired license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You cannot update your address through the online renewal system. You must visit a Driver License Examining Station in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current license and a government-issued ID as well.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Examining Station. The photo on your license will be updated at that time.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver license?
No. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Mississippi. You must visit a Driver License Examining Station in person. You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of your medical certification if your CDL requires one.
What if I lose my confirmation number?
Check your email — the confirmation was sent to the email address on file with the state. If you cannot find it, you can still track your renewal by calling the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 with your driver license number and date of birth. They can look up your renewal status and tell you when to expect your new license.