Mississippi lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $31.50, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than a year ago, you have a medical hold, or you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office instead. The same applies if you want to change your name or add a Real ID designation.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical suspensions or address changes pending.
- The online renewal fee is $31.50, paid by credit or debit card at the time you complete your transaction.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If you need a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office with proof of citizenship and residency.
- Medical suspensions, expired licenses older than one year, and address changes all require an in-person visit.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start. The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you pass the may be able to access check, you will review your current license information and confirm it is correct. You can update your phone number or email address during this step, but you cannot change your mailing address online. After you confirm your information, you will pay the $31.50 renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Save or print this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office or provide any documents in person.
Who cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the online system will reject your renewal request. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The in-person renewal takes longer and may cost more depending on how long your license has been expired.
Medical suspensions also block online renewal. If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a failed vision test or a doctor's report — you cannot renew online. You must visit an office, pass any required medical tests, and clear the suspension before a new license can be issued.
Address changes must be handled in person. If you have moved since your last renewal and your mailing address on file is no longer current, you cannot complete an online renewal. You will need to visit a Driver Services office with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
Real ID and online renewal
Mississippi's Real ID-compliant licenses require in-person renewal. If your current license does not have the gold star in the upper right corner, or if you want to add Real ID compliance to your renewed license, you must visit a Driver Services office. The online system cannot process Real ID applications.
For a Real ID renewal in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and two forms of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). The office will verify these documents and issue your Real ID license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office's procedures.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete payment, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes your renewal within one to two business days. You can use your confirmation number to check the status of your renewal on the department's website, though most people straightforward wait for the license to arrive.
Your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file in the system. If you moved recently and updated your address in person at a Driver Services office, that new address should be in the system. If you have not updated your address yet, your license will go to your old address, and you will need to pick it up there or contact the department to have it reissued to the correct address.
You can legally drive using your old license until the new one arrives. There is no gap in your driving privileges. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or return it to a Driver Services office if you prefer.
Fees and payment methods
Online renewal costs $31.50 for a standard four-year license. This is the same price as renewing in person. You must pay by credit card or debit card at the time you complete your renewal — cash and checks are not accepted online.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the renewal fee may be higher because Mississippi charges a late fee. In-person renewal is required in that case, and the office will tell you the exact amount due when you arrive.
Troubleshooting common online renewal problems
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, the most common reasons are an expired license older than one year, an active medical suspension, or an address change on file. You can call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to confirm which issue is blocking your renewal and what you need to do next.
If your payment is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to make sure the card is not being flagged for fraud. Some banks block out-of-state transactions by default. Once your bank clears the transaction, you can try the renewal again.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the department with your confirmation number. They can check whether the license was mailed and provide a tracking update. If the license was lost in the mail, the department can reissue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. The online system only accepts renewals for licenses expired within the last year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and may owe a late fee. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your mailing address during an online renewal. If you have moved, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. The office will update your address and issue your renewed license.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives. You cannot pick up an online-renewed license in person at an office.
Can I renew online if I have a medical suspension on my license?
No. Medical suspensions must be cleared in person at a Driver Services office. You may need to pass a vision test or provide a doctor's clearance before the suspension is lifted and your license can be renewed.