Where to renew your license in Jackson

In Jackson, you renew your driver's license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau. The main office is located at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216. This is the primary location where you can walk in during business hours to renew in person.

The Jackson office 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 — renewals are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than late afternoon or Fridays.

If you cannot visit Jackson, Mississippi also has driver's license offices in other cities across the state. However, if you live in or near Jackson, the main office is your most direct option.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at the Jackson Driver's License Bureau on East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or birth certificate.
  • A standard renewal costs $31 for a four-year license or $49 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or debit card at the office.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew.
  • Online renewal is not available in Mississippi; all renewals must be done in person or by mail for certain situations.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license to the Jackson office. This is your primary identification and proves your current license number and status.

You also need one document showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or birth certificate. If you do not have your Social Security card, a birth certificate alone is acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents along with your birth certificate.

If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Renewal costs and payment methods

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $31. An eight-year renewal costs $49. You pay at the counter when you submit your paperwork at the Jackson office.

The Driver's License Bureau accepts cash, personal checks, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted. If you pay by check, write it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

If you are renewing after your license has expired, the fee is the same. There is no late fee or penalty added by the state for renewing an expired license, though you should not drive with an expired license.

When your license has been expired for more than two years

If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you will take the written knowledge test and the vision test at the Jackson office.

You will still need the same documents — current ID (if you have one), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or birth certificate. The cost is the same as a renewal. However, plan for a longer visit because the tests add time to the process.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew without retesting. The two-year window is strict; if you are unsure whether you fall within it, bring your expired license to the office and staff can tell you whether you renew or reapply.

Mail renewal for specific situations

Mississippi does allow mail renewal in limited cases. If you are a current member of the U.S. military stationed outside Mississippi, or if you are a Mississippi resident living temporarily outside the state, you may be able to renew by mail.

To renew by mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau at (601) 987-1212 to request a mail renewal form. You will need to provide your current license number, date of birth, and reason for requesting mail renewal. The bureau will send you the form and instructions.

Mail renewals take longer than in-person renewals — typically four to six weeks from the time the bureau receives your completed form and payment. If you need your license quickly, in-person renewal at the Jackson office is faster.

Real ID compliance and your Mississippi license

Mississippi driver's licenses issued after May 3, 2023 are compliant with the federal Real ID Act. If you are renewing now, your new license will be Real ID-compliant automatically — you do not need to request it or pay extra.

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. You will need this type of license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have the star, you can still use it for those purposes until that date, but renewing now gives you a license that will work for years to come.

The documents you bring for renewal are the same whether or not you are getting a Real ID license. The Real ID compliance is built into all new Mississippi licenses issued now.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive at the Jackson Driver's License Bureau with all your documents. Check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called.

When called, go to the counter and hand over your documents. The staff member will review them, verify your information in the system, and ask you to confirm your address and any other details. You will have your photo taken for the new license. The photo is taken at the counter; you cannot bring your own photo.

After your photo, you will pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a driver's license office or, in limited cases, by mail. The Jackson office is the main location and handles renewals during regular business hours.

What if I lost my current license?

If you lost your license, you still need to visit the Jackson office in person. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security card or birth certificate. Staff will look up your license record and issue a replacement. The process is similar to renewal but may take slightly longer because the system must confirm your lost license.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary is a backup in case the plastic is delayed. Do not rely on the temporary license for more than a month.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?

Mississippi may suspend or refuse to renew your license if you have unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or other court-ordered obligations. The Driver's License Bureau will tell you at the counter if there is a hold on your record. You will need to resolve the obligation before renewal is completed.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to the Jackson office. During renewal, you will confirm your new address with the staff member, and it will be printed on your new license. You do not need to notify the bureau in advance.