What You Need to Renew Online in Mississippi

Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license online through the MS Online Services portal if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You also cannot use the online system if you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photograph.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $31.00 for a four-year renewal or $49.00 for an eight-year renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction. You will receive a temporary digital license via email that you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card.

Before you start, have your current Mississippi driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) ready. You will also need an email address where you can receive your temporary license and confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi's online renewal system works only if your license is current and not expired by more than one year.
  • The renewal costs $31.00 for four years or $49.00 for eight years, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You receive a temporary digital license by email when ready after payment, which you can use right away.
  • Address changes, Real ID upgrades, and photo updates require an in-person visit to a Driver Services office.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Go to the MS Online Services website (onlineservices.ms.gov) and select "Driver License Renewal" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and confirm that you are may be able to access to renew online.

Review all the information displayed on your screen. If any details are incorrect—such as your name, address, or date of birth—stop and do not proceed. You will need to visit a Driver Services office in person to make corrections before you can renew online. Once you confirm that everything is accurate, proceed to the payment screen.

Select your renewal term (four years or eight years) and enter your payment information. Mississippi accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and an email with your temporary digital license. Save both of these. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When You Must Renew In Person Instead

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online system and must visit a Driver Services office. The same applies if your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason. You will also need to go in person if you want to change your address, add or upgrade to a Real ID, change your name, or update your photograph.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), online renewal is not available. CDL renewals must be completed at a Driver Services office with a written test and medical certification if required. Similarly, if you are adding or removing endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), you must renew in person.

What Happens After You Pay

Within minutes of completing your payment, you will receive an email containing your temporary digital license. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown on your phone to law enforcement or used for identification purposes. Print a copy if you prefer, though it is not required.

Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by U.S. mail within 7 to 10 business days. The card is mailed to the address on file in the Mississippi Driver Services system. If you have moved recently and updated your address online, make sure that change was processed before you renew, or your card will go to your old address. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Driver Services at 601-987-1212.

Payment Methods and Fees

Mississippi charges $31.00 for a four-year renewal and $49.00 for an eight-year renewal when you renew online. These are the only two options available through the online system. The fee is non-refundable once your payment is processed, even if you change your mind or encounter a technical issue.

The online system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It does not accept cash, check, or money order. A small processing fee may be added by the payment processor, which will be shown before you confirm your payment. Make sure you review the total amount due before you submit your card information.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, the most common reason is that your license has expired. Mississippi's online system only works for licenses that are current or expired by fewer than 30 days. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and may be required to pass a vision test and written exam.

If you receive an error message during payment, try refreshing the page and starting over. If the problem continues, close your browser completely and try again in a different browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari). If you still cannot complete the transaction, contact Driver Services at 601-987-1212 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) for information.

If you do not receive your temporary digital license email within 15 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, log back into the MS Online Services portal and look for a link to resend the email. If you still cannot find it, call Driver Services with your confirmation number and they can resend it manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?

No. Mississippi's online renewal system only works for licenses that are current or expired by fewer than 30 days. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You may be required to pass a vision test and written exam as part of the in-person renewal process.

What if I need to change my address when I renew?

Address changes cannot be made through the online renewal system. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to update your address. You can change your address separately before you renew online, but the change must be processed first. If you renew online with an old address on file, your new license will be mailed to that old address.

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

Your physical license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. Delivery time depends on your location and the U.S. Postal Service. You can use your temporary digital license when ready while you wait for the card to arrive.

What if I want to add Real ID to my license?

Real ID upgrades cannot be done online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency. The Real ID designation costs an additional fee beyond the standard renewal fee.

Can I renew a commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to pass a written test and provide medical certification if your CDL requires it. Contact your local Driver Services office to schedule an appointment.