Where to renew your Mississippi driver license in Jackson
In Jackson, you renew your driver license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau. The main office is located at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216. This is the only full-service location in the city where you can complete a renewal in person.
You can also renew by mail if you meet specific conditions, or online through the state's portal if your license qualifies. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials. Online renewal is when ready if approved, but not all license types are may be able to access.
The Jackson office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no appointment system — you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary but are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi driver licenses expire on your birthday and must be renewed in person, by mail, or online depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
- You need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency — the specific documents depend on whether you are renewing or replacing.
- In-person renewal at the Jackson Driver License Bureau takes 15 to 45 minutes and costs $24.00 for a four-year license or $36.00 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a violation or suspension in the past three years.
- Online renewal through MississippiLicenses.com works only for standard driver licenses that are not expired and meet other restrictions.
Documents you need to bring for in-person renewal
Bring your current Mississippi driver license or state ID card. If your license is lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed affidavit stating it was lost. If you do not have a current license, you will need to explore for a new one instead of renewing, which requires additional documents and a written test.
You must prove your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, or a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past two years. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also works.
Bring proof of Mississippi residency dated within the past 12 months. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you have moved recently and your driver license shows an old address, bring both the old proof and the new proof.
If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), bring your current CDL, proof of medical certification (MCSA-5871 form), and your Social Security card or equivalent. CDL renewals have additional requirements and take longer.
Steps to renew in person at the Jackson office
- Arrive at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue with all required documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
- Take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. Check the digital display to see how many people are ahead of you.
- When your number is called, go to the window and hand the clerk your documents. Tell them you are renewing, not explore for a new license.
- Answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you have had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal.
- Pay the renewal fee: $24.00 for a four-year license or $36.00 for an eight-year license. Cash, debit card, and credit card are accepted.
- Have your photograph taken. Wear clothing that contrasts with the background and remove hats or sunglasses unless for medical or religious reasons.
- Sign the digital pad or signature pad provided by the clerk.
- Receive your temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal: when it works and what to send
You can renew by mail only if your current license is not expired, you have not had any traffic violations or license suspensions in the past three years, and you are not changing your name or address. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person.
Complete the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form 78-009). You can read it from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone at 601-987-1500. Do not use an old form — the version must be current.
Include your current driver license, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for $24.00 (four-year) or $36.00 (eight-year). Do not send cash. Mail everything to Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205.
The office will process your renewal and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your materials. Your current license remains valid until it expires. Keep track of when you mailed your renewal — if you do not receive your new license within two weeks, call 601-987-1500 to confirm receipt.
Online renewal through MississippiLicenses.com
Mississippi offers online renewal for standard driver licenses only — not commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or ID cards. Your license must not be expired, and you must not have had any violations, suspensions, or address changes since your last renewal.
Go to MississippiLicenses.com and select "Renew License Online." You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against the state database.
If approved, you pay $24.00 or $36.00 by debit or credit card. Your new license is issued when ready, and you can print a temporary license valid for 45 days. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the system denies your renewal, you will see the reason on screen — usually because your license is expired, you have a violation on record, or you changed your address.
Fees, expiration dates, and license validity periods
A four-year Mississippi driver license costs $24.00. An eight-year license costs $36.00. These are the only two options for standard licenses. You choose which length you want when you renew — the state does not assign one automatically.
Your license expires on your birthday. If your birthday is January 15, your license expires on January 15 of the expiration year. You can renew up to 30 days before your license expires without penalty. If you renew after your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other conditions, but in-person renewal may require additional steps.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This requires a written test, vision test, and all documents needed for a first-time applicant. Contact the Jackson office to confirm whether your situation requires a new process or a standard renewal.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card or residency proof. The Driver License Bureau accepts only originals or certified copies. A photocopy will delay your renewal and you may have to return another day.
Do not assume your old address on your license is acceptable. If you have moved, bring proof of your new address. The clerk will update your address during renewal, and your new license will show the correct one.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renewing within 30 days before expiration is fastest and avoids complications. If your license is already expired and has been for more than a year, call ahead to confirm whether you need a new process or can still renew.
Do not try to renew online if you have had any violations or suspensions. The system will reject you, and you will have wasted time. Go in person instead so the clerk can review your record and process your renewal correctly.
Do not send cash by mail. Use a check or money order only. Cash can be lost or stolen in transit, and the office cannot trace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for six months?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online if you meet the other conditions (no violations, no address change, no name change). If you want to renew in person, you can do that too. If your license has been expired for more than one year, contact the Jackson office first to confirm you do not need a new process instead.
What if I have moved out of Mississippi but still have a Mississippi license?
You cannot renew a Mississippi license if you no longer live in the state. You must obtain a driver license from your new state of residency. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Mississippi resident, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the conditions.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person at the Jackson office?
No. The Jackson Driver License Bureau does not use an appointment system. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Early morning or late afternoon typically has shorter waits than midday.
How long does the temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it. Your plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call 601-987-1500.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at the Jackson office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and all other required documents.