Renewing your Mississippi driver's license in person at a DMV office

Mississippi requires you to renew your driver's license in person at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license is not yet expired. The state does not offer remote renewal options.

To renew, you will need to visit a DPS office with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. You will also need to pass a vision test at the office.

The renewal process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken, answer questions about your address and any medical conditions, and pay the renewal fee. Mississippi charges $31 for a standard five-year license renewal for drivers 21 and older.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a DPS office; mail and online renewal are not available.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The renewal fee is $31 for a standard five-year license for drivers 21 and older.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and you should plan to renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • DPS offices are located in each county; you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Mississippi DPS website.

When to renew and how long your new license lasts

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license up to one year before it expires. The state recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid any gaps in a valid license. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal if you are 21 or older.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a DPS office using the same process. However, driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, so you should not delay. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, the DPS may require additional documentation or a written test, so renewing before expiration is the simpler route.

Finding your nearest DPS office and what to expect

Mississippi has a DPS driver's license office in each county. You can find the address, phone number, and current wait times for your nearest office on the official Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter waits than those in larger cities.

Many DPS offices do not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often less crowded than Fridays and Mondays. Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait. If your local office is very busy, you may be able to visit a different county's office instead, though you should call ahead to confirm they will serve you.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license to your renewal appointment. If you have lost your license, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or military ID instead. The DPS will not renew without some form of current identification.

You also need proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document showing your current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number.

If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not process a name change without this proof.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $31 for drivers 21 and older. If you are a commercial driver (holding a CDL), the fee is higher. Senior drivers 65 and older pay a reduced fee of $11 for a five-year renewal. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though you should confirm payment methods when you call or visit.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the cost is the same as a standard renewal. Real ID is now the default for new and renewed licenses in Mississippi, so you will receive a Real ID-compliant license unless you specifically request a standard license instead.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

Mississippi now issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses by default when you renew. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. You will need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025, though that important date has been extended multiple times.

You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID license during renewal—the DPS will issue one automatically. If you do not want a Real ID license, you can request a standard license instead, but you will need an alternative form of ID (such as a passport) for air travel. Most drivers choose the Real ID option since it requires no extra steps or cost.

Renewing if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Mississippi driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at a DPS office. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Contact the Mississippi DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to lift it. Once the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can renew your license normally. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the Mississippi DPS website or call your local DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license online or by mail?

No. Mississippi requires all driver's license renewals to happen in person at a DPS office. There is no online or mail renewal option, even if your license is not yet expired.

How long does it take to get your renewed license?

You receive your renewed license when ready after you complete the renewal process at the DPS office. You will get a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to your renewal appointment. The DPS will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

Do I need to take a written test to renew my license in Mississippi?

No, you do not need to take a written test for a standard renewal. You will pass a vision test, but that is the only test required. If your license has been expired for an extended period, the DPS may require a written test, so renewing before expiration is simpler.

What if I wear glasses or contacts for driving?

You must wear your glasses or contacts during the vision test at the DPS office. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to renew until your vision meets the state standard. You can retake the test after correcting your vision with new glasses or contacts.