Renew Your License at the Hattiesburg DMV Office
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau handles all driver license renewals in Hattiesburg. You can renew in person at the Hattiesburg office, by mail, or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Most people renew before expiration to avoid the hassle of an expired license, but Mississippi allows renewals up to one year before your expiration date.
The Hattiesburg DMV office is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for most renewals, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
Your current license must not be suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If it is, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit the office in person to resolve the issue before renewal.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at the Hattiesburg office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition change since your last renewal.
- Online renewal through the Mississippi DMV website works for standard renewals but requires a valid email address and payment by credit or debit card.
- Mississippi driver licenses are valid for four years for most drivers, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license, and you must bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
In-Person Renewal at the Hattiesburg Office
Bring your current driver license, proof of Mississippi residency, and the $24 renewal fee. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. A copy is acceptable if the original is not available.
If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address has changed, the proof of residency document serves as your address verification. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor.
The office staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card.
Mail Renewal by Sending Your Documents
Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit. You can renew by mail only if your current license is valid (not expired), you have not changed your name or address, and you have no medical restrictions or changes. Complete the process for Driver License or Identification Card form (available on the Mississippi DMV website) and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $24 to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. If your mail is lost or delayed, contact the Jackson office at 601-987-1500 to check the status.
Online Renewal Through the Mississippi DMV Website
The Mississippi DMV website at driverlicense.ms.gov offers online renewal for standard license renewals. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. You can pay the $24 fee with a credit card or debit card. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit your process online, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will not receive a temporary license, so if you need to drive when ready, renew in person instead. Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have had a name or address change, or if you have medical restrictions.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to the Hattiesburg office, a written test, a driving test, and new photos. The fee for a new license is $24, the same as renewal, but the process takes longer and is more involved.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. Bring your expired license along with your current proof of residency. The office will accept the expired license as proof of your identity.
Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method
| Document Type | In-Person | By Mail | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current driver license | Yes | Yes | License number only |
| Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Yes | Yes | Not required |
| Renewal fee ($24) | Yes | Yes (check or money order) | Yes (card payment) |
| Name change document (if applicable) | Yes | Not may be able to access for mail renewal | Not may be able to access for online renewal |
| Address change proof (if applicable) | Yes | Not may be able to access for mail renewal | Not may be able to access for online renewal |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash by mail—use a check or money order only. Do not attempt to renew online if your address or name has changed; you must visit the office in person. Do not wait until your license expires to renew; renewal takes time, and an expired license can cause problems if you are stopped by police or need to verify your identity.
Do not assume your proof of residency is acceptable without checking the date. Bills and statements must be dated within the last 60 days. If your document is older, bring a second one or visit the office with a recent utility bill. Do not forget to bring your current license; without it, the office cannot process your renewal and you will have to return another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
In-person and online renewals both take 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Mississippi DMV at 601-987-1500 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it.
What if I have moved out of Mississippi since my last renewal?
You cannot renew a Mississippi license if you no longer live in the state. You must explore for a driver license in your new state instead. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Hattiesburg office?
No appointment is required for most renewals. Walk-in service is available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wait times vary, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines.
Can I renew my license if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. If you wear corrective lenses, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office. If you renew in person, wear your glasses or contacts when the office takes your photo. Your license will note that corrective lenses are required.