How to Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Renew

Mississippi driver's licenses expire every four years on your birthday. You can renew in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The state does not offer online renewal. You will need your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee — which is $24 for a four-year license or $12 for a two-year license if you are over 65.

The key decision is whether you can renew by mail or must go in person. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes since your last renewal, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.

Key Takeaways

Mississippi licenses expire on your birthday every four years, and you can renew up to 30 days before expiration.
Mail renewal costs $24 for a four-year license and takes about two weeks, but only works if your address has not changed and your license is not yet expired.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee, and is completed the same day.
You must renew in person if your address has changed, your license is expired, or you need a new photo.
Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documents (birth certificate and proof of residency) and cost $24 for four years.

Renewing by Mail in Mississippi

Mail renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You can renew up to 30 days before your license expires. Send your current license, the renewal fee ($24 for four years), and the completed renewal form to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau. The address is on the back of your license or on the state website.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not send cash — use a check or money order made payable to the State of Mississippi. If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license by mail, you will need to include a photocopy of your birth certificate and proof of residency, which adds complexity; the state recommends in-person renewal for Real ID renewals.

Mail renewal fails silently if you do not meet the conditions. If your address changed since your last renewal, the office will reject your process and return it without processing. If your license is already expired, you cannot use the mail route. If you need a new photo (which is optional but allowed), you must go in person.

Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office

In-person renewal is required if your address has changed, your license is expired, or you want a new photo. Visit any Driver Services office during business hours. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or government mail with your current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.

If you are renewing a Real ID-compliant license in person, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) in addition to your current license and proof of residency. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025. The fee is the same ($24 for four years), but the document requirements are stricter.

Finding a Driver Services Office and Hours

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. The main office is in Jackson, but you can renew at any location statewide. Office hours vary by location — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have reduced hours or close for lunch. A few locations offer Saturday hours.

Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the office nearest you and its current hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others; early morning or mid-week visits typically mean shorter waits. If you live in a rural area far from an office, mail renewal (if you may have access to) may be worth the two-week wait.

Fees and What They Cover

A standard four-year driver's license renewal costs $24. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for two years instead at a cost of $12. Both fees cover the license itself and the processing. There are no additional fees for in-person renewal or for a new photo.

Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same ($24 for four years) but require more documents at the time of renewal. If you are upgrading from a standard license to Real ID, the fee is still $24. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order at Driver Services offices. Mail renewal requires check or money order only.

Timeline and When to Renew

You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires. Renewing early is a good idea if your birthday falls during a busy time or if you travel internationally and need time to update your passport. Your new license will be valid for four years from the date of renewal, not from your birthday.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must go in person. An expired license is still valid for identification purposes in Mississippi, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. Renewing in person takes one day (you get a temporary license when ready), while mail renewal takes about two weeks total.

Plan ahead if you need a Real ID-compliant license. Bring all required documents the first time to avoid a second trip. If you are missing documents, the office will tell you what you need and you can return with them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is attempting mail renewal when your address has changed. The office will reject your process without contacting you, and it will take extra time to resubmit in person. Update your address before you renew if possible — you can do this in person at any Driver Services office or by mail using a separate form.

Another mistake is sending cash in the mail. Mississippi Driver Services will not process applications with cash enclosed, and you risk losing the money. Use a check or money order instead, and keep a copy of your process for your records.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Once it is expired, you lose the mail renewal option and must take time off to visit an office in person. Renewing 15 to 20 days before expiration gives you a buffer and keeps your options open.

If you are renewing a Real ID license by mail, do not send original documents. Photocopy your birth certificate and proof of residency. Original documents can be lost in the mail, and the state will not return them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. An expired license does not prevent renewal, but it does prevent mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license when ready and your new license by mail in about two weeks.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person. Mail renewal will be rejected if your address on file does not match your current address. Visit a Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and the renewal fee. You can also update your address separately before renewing if you prefer.

Do I need a Real ID-compliant license?

Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting May 2025. If your license has a gold star, it is already Real ID-compliant. If not, you can upgrade at your next renewal by bringing your birth certificate (original or certified copy), current license, proof of residency, and the $24 fee. Real ID renewal must be done in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your plastic license arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your process. Plan accordingly if you need your license for travel.

Can I renew my license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions (unexpired license, no address change, no photo update needed), or in person at any Driver Services office. Mail is the closest option to online, but it requires mailing physical documents and a check or money order.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.