Renewing Your Mississippi License: The Basic Steps

Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. You can renew in person at any Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Issuance Office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions. The process takes about 15 minutes in person; by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials.

Your renewal type depends on your current license status and how long it has been expired. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must appear in person. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail. If your license is still valid or expired within the past year, both options are open to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi lets you renew up to one year early, and you can do it by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago.
  • In-person renewal requires a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency; bring originals, not copies.
  • The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Mail renewal requires the same documents but you must include a completed process for Driver License or Instruction Permit (Form 78-R) and a check or money order.
  • If your address has changed, you must renew in person; the mail option is not available for address changes.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Valid ID includes a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Proof of address must show your name and current street address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days works.

You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts. The vision test is quick and happens during your appointment. If you fail, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a waiting period set by the office.

Bring originals of all documents. Copies are not accepted. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

You can renew by mail only if your license expired fewer than five years ago. read or request the process for Driver License or Instruction Permit (Form 78-R) from the Mississippi DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any changes to your name or address since your last renewal.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $24.50 (four-year) or $49 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license and a copy of proof of residency—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. Do not send cash. The office will process your renewal and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your materials.

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot use the mail option. You must renew in person so the office can verify your new address with proof of residency.

When Your License Has Been Expired More Than Five Years

If your Mississippi license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. The process is longer and more involved than a standard renewal.

Bring the same documents you would for a renewal: valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. You will also need to pass the vision test, the written exam, and the road test. The fee for a new license is higher than a renewal fee. Contact your local DPS office for the exact cost and to schedule your road test, as appointments may have a wait.

Finding Your Local DPS Driver License Office

Mississippi has DPS Driver License Issuance Offices in most counties. You can renew at any office in the state, not just the one in your county. To find the office nearest you, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool, or call 601-987-1500 to speak with someone who can direct you to the closest location and hours of operation.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DPS website to confirm whether you need an appointment. If an office is busy, you may be asked to return at a different time or visit another location.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send copies of your documents by mail. The DPS office needs copies for their records, but originals must be shown in person if you renew at an office. If you mail your renewal, send copies of your license and proof of residency, not originals.

Do not attempt to renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago or if your address has changed. Both situations require an in-person visit. Sending materials by mail when you do not meet the mail renewal conditions will delay your renewal and may result in your process being returned.

Do not send cash by mail. Use a check or money order only. If you pay in person, cash is accepted, but the office prefers checks or cards to reduce handling of cash.

Do not forget to bring proof of residency. Many people bring their license and ID but forget the address proof. Without it, the office cannot complete your renewal, and you will have to return another day.

What Happens After You Renew

Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your current license is still valid, you do not need a temporary permit.

If you do not receive your new license within 10 business days, contact the DPS office where you renewed. Have your process receipt or confirmation number ready. The office can check the status of your license and remail it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a DPS office or by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Phone and email renewal are not available.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not process a name change by mail. Bring your current license, the name change document, and the other standard renewal documents.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license will be used. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. You cannot use a photo from home or a previous license.

What if I move out of state before my renewal arrives?

Contact the DPS office where you renewed and provide your new out-of-state address. They can update your mailing address and remail your license. You may also pick up your license in person at the office if you are still in Mississippi when it is ready.

Can I renew if my license was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Once that is cleared, you can renew. Call 601-987-1500 to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it.