Where to renew your license in Biloxi

In Biloxi, you renew your driver's license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Issuance Bureau. The main office is located at 1104 Magnolia Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530. This is the only location in Biloxi where you can renew in person.

You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. Mail renewal is slower but saves a trip — the process takes about two to three weeks from the time the bureau receives your process.

Online renewal is not available in Mississippi for standard driver's licenses, so you must choose between in-person or mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew in person at 1104 Magnolia Avenue in Biloxi, or by mail if your license is current or expired less than five years.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • Standard renewals cost $31 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; Real ID costs an additional $25.
  • Vision screening is required at every renewal; bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes in person; mail renewals take two to three weeks after the bureau receives your process.

Documents you need to bring

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a birth certificate), and proof of your current Mississippi address. Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address notice does not count.

If you are renewing by mail, send the same documents along with your completed process form (Form DL-44, available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website). Include a copy of your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Renewal fees and license types

A standard four-year driver's license costs $31. An eight-year license costs $60. Both are valid for driving in all 50 states.

A Real ID-compliant license costs an additional $25 on top of the standard fee, so $56 for four years or $85 for eight years. Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have a passport, Real ID is the easiest way to meet that requirement.

Payment in person can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, send a check or money order only.

Vision screening and medical requirements

Mississippi requires a vision screening at every renewal. You will read an eye chart during your in-person visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you must pass the screening while wearing the correction you normally use while driving.

If you fail the vision screening, you can retake it after 24 hours. If you fail a second time, you may be referred to an eye care professional for evaluation before the bureau will issue your license.

You do not need a medical certificate or doctor's note for a standard renewal unless you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. The bureau will tell you if additional documentation is needed.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew by mail or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test and driving skills test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Do not drive until your new license arrives.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps are needed to restore it before you can renew.

Real ID vs. standard license: what to choose

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. A standard license does not have the star and will not be accepted for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, unless you also have a passport or military ID.

If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, Real ID is worth the extra $25. If you do not travel by air and have a passport, a standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade to Real ID at any renewal without waiting for your current license to expire.

Both types are valid for driving. The only difference is federal identification purposes.

Processing time and when to renew

In-person renewals are processed on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewals take longer. After the bureau receives your process, processing takes two to three weeks. Your license is then mailed to the address you provided. Plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — a four-year license issued today will expire four years from today, regardless of when your old one expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered child support arrears. You must pay the outstanding amount first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the balance and payment options.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Mississippi license?

You should renew your license in your new state of residence. If you are renewing by mail from out of state, you can still use the mail process, but you must provide proof of your current out-of-state address. Call the Biloxi office at (601) 987-1500 to confirm whether mail renewal is possible in your situation.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. The office is typically less crowded on weekday mornings. Call ahead if you want to know current wait times.

What if my license was lost or stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal. You will need to report it to the Biloxi office and pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $15). Bring your Social Security card or birth certificate and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal.

Can I renew if my address on file is out of date?

Yes. Bring current proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and update it during your renewal. If renewing by mail, include the proof of address with your process.