Renewing Your Mississippi Driver's License
In Mississippi, you can renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's website. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most renewals take about 10 business days if you go in person, and several weeks if you mail your process.
Your Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid and you do not need to update your photo, address, or other information.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any documents showing name or address changes when you renew in person.
- The renewal fee in Mississippi is $24 for a four-year license, though the exact amount may vary depending on your situation.
Online Renewal Through the Mississippi DMV Website
The fastest way to renew is online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. You can renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), you do not need a new photo, and your license has not been suspended or revoked. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home.
To renew online, you will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). You will also need to answer security questions based on your driving record and personal history. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process, from submission to receiving your new license in the mail, usually takes two to three weeks.
Mail Renewal for Unchanged Information
If you prefer not to renew online and your address, name, and other personal information have not changed, you can renew by mail. Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You cannot use mail renewal if your license has already expired.
To renew by mail, wait for the renewal notice the state sends you about 60 days before your license expires. The notice will include a mail-in process form and instructions. Fill out the form, include the renewal fee (currently $24), and mail everything back to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash—use a check or money order. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the time the state receives your process.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you need a new photo, you are changing your name or address, or you want to update other information on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, which requires additional documentation and a new photo.
To renew in person, visit any Mississippi Driver Services office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address. Processing at the office usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two weeks.
What You Need to Bring to a Driver Services Office
| Document Type | What Counts | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Current Driver's License | Your valid Mississippi license | Proof of identity and current license number |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return | Required by federal law for all license transactions |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within 60 days | Confirms your current residence |
| Name Change Document (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Shows legal name change |
| Address Change Document (if applicable) | Any document showing your new address | Confirms new residence if not shown on other documents |
REAL ID Renewal and Upgrade
If you want a REAL ID-compliant license—which is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings—you must renew in person. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires additional proof of identity and citizenship beyond a standard renewal.
To get a REAL ID license, bring everything listed above plus one document proving citizenship or legal residency: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. You will also need to provide a new photo, which the Driver Services office will take. The REAL ID license costs the same as a standard renewal ($24 for four years), but the process takes slightly longer because of the additional verification steps.
Finding a Driver Services Office and Processing Times
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices offer Saturday hours—check the website for your location.
Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead or visit early in the morning or mid-week. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If you renew in person, you will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring all required documents, including proof of your Social Security number and current address. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.
What if I move to a new address before my license expires?
You can update your address online through the Mississippi DMV website without renewing your license, or you can wait and update it when you renew. If you update online, there is no fee. When you do renew, bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How much does it cost to renew in Mississippi?
A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. REAL ID licenses cost the same amount. Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept credit or debit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, you do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is damaged, you want to update it, or you are upgrading to a REAL ID license. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo will be used. If you want a new photo without upgrading to REAL ID, you must renew in person.
What happens if I renew before my license expires?
You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license was set to expire. This means your old license will expire before your new one arrives, so plan accordingly if you need your license for travel or identification.