What You Can Renew Online in Mississippi
Mississippi lets you renew your driver license online if your license is still valid or expired no more than two years ago. You do not need to visit a driver's license office, take a new photo, or retake any tests — you straightforward complete the renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, pay the fee, and your new license arrives by mail.
The online renewal process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though mail delivery times can vary. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your Mississippi license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to complete the renewal online.
- The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for — check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the exact amount.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
- If you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
Steps to Renew Your License Online
Start by going to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and finding the driver license renewal section. You will create an account or log in if you already have one. Have your current driver license and Social Security number ready.
Enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. Review the information on your license — name, address, and other details — and confirm it is correct. If anything needs to change, stop here and renew in person instead, because the online system does not allow you to update personal information.
Answer the vision and medical questions that appear on the form. These are the same questions you would answer at an office renewal. Be honest about any changes to your health or vision since your last renewal. Once you finish the form, you will see the renewal fee and can pay by credit card or debit card. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number — you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes online renewals in the order they are received. You should receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though this can take longer depending on mail service in your area. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your renewal and tell you whether there is a problem. Keep your confirmation number until your new license arrives.
When You Must Renew in Person Instead
You cannot use the online system if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license. If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you must renew in person — the online system is for regular driver licenses only.
If you have a Real ID-compliant license and want to keep that designation, you can renew online and keep your Real ID status. However, if you want to add Real ID to a license that does not have it, you must go to an office in person and bring the required documents.
Payment and Renewal Fees
The renewal fee depends on how long you are renewing your license for — typically either four or eight years. The exact fee is shown on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you pay. You can pay only by credit card or debit card when you renew online; the office accepts cash, check, and card.
The fee is non-refundable once you submit your renewal. If your payment is declined, you will see an error message and can try again with a different card. Make sure your card has enough available credit before you start the renewal process.
Updating Your Address Before You Renew
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If you have moved, update your address before you renew online. You can update your address by renewing in person at a driver's license office, or in some cases through the online system before you start the renewal itself.
If you renew online and then move, contact the department with your confirmation number and new address. They may be able to redirect your license to your new address, though this is not always possible. It is safer to update your address first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety before you can renew. Contact the department directly to find out what steps you need to take.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
You can request a replacement at a driver's license office. Bring your confirmation number from your online renewal. The office can issue you a temporary license while you wait for your new one to arrive by mail.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.
How long does the online renewal take to process?
The renewal itself takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety then processes it and mails your new license, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days total. Mail delivery times vary by location.
Can I renew online if I changed my name?
No. Name changes must be done in person at a driver's license office. Bring your current license and a document that shows your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.