Mississippi driver's license renewal steps and timelines
In Mississippi, you can renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process, and you must be a current license holder with no medical suspensions or violations on your record.
Your license expires on your birthday. Mississippi sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but an expired license cannot be used to drive legally.
The cost is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license. You pay at the time of renewal, whether you renew in person or by mail. If you renew in person, you can choose which term length you want. If you renew by mail, you must specify which term on your process.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi allows mail renewal only if your license is current, you have no medical suspensions, and you have no violations that require an in-person visit.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew up to one year before your birthday, and the cost is $31 for four years or $61 for eight years.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal.
Renewing in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office
To renew in person, visit any Driver Services office in Mississippi. You do not need an appointment. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Mississippi address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring the address proof. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
At the office, you will take a new photo and sign the process. You will be asked to pass a vision screening. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices closing for lunch. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations and hours.
Renewing by mail in Mississippi
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions that need updating, and you have no violations requiring an in-person appearance. You cannot renew by mail if you are over 79 years old or if your license has been expired for more than one year.
To renew by mail, request an process from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or read it from their website. Complete the process, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and a check or money order for $31 or $61 (depending on whether you want a four-year or eight-year license). Mail your packet to the address listed on the process form. Do not send cash.
The office processes mail applications in the order received. After they receive your process, processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait, as long as it has not expired. If your current license expires before your new one arrives, you will be driving on an expired license, which is not legal.
What to do if your Mississippi license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license holder — either in person or by mail. You will pay the standard renewal fee. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, so renew as soon as you notice the expiration date has passed.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will also take a new photo and pass a vision screening. The fee is still $31 or $61 depending on the term you choose.
If you have been driving on an expired license, you may be stopped by law enforcement. An expired license is a traffic violation in Mississippi, and you can be cited. Renewing when ready will prevent future citations, but it will not clear a citation you have already received.
Real ID compliance and Mississippi driver's licenses
Mississippi driver's licenses are not Real ID compliant. A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your license as identification for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you need a Real ID for air travel, you will need to obtain a passport or a passport card instead.
Mississippi does not currently issue Real ID driver's licenses. The state has not adopted the Real ID program. If you are planning domestic air travel, check with your airline about what forms of identification they accept. Most airlines accept a current passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS) in place of a Real ID driver's license.
If you need to fly domestically and do not have a passport, you can obtain one through the U.S. State Department. A passport book takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive in normal processing, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing. A passport card, which is smaller and valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, takes the same time.
Changing your name or address on your Mississippi license
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. You do not pay an additional fee if you are renewing at the same time.
If only your address has changed and your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address without renewing. Visit any Driver Services office with proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The office will issue you a new license with the updated address at no charge. This is called an address correction and does not extend your license expiration date.
If your address has changed and your license is expiring within the next 60 days, renew at the same time you update your address. Bring both your current license and proof of your new address. You will pay the renewal fee ($31 or $61) and receive a new license with both the updated address and a new expiration date.
Documents you need for Mississippi license renewal
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Current driver's license, passport, or military ID | Must be valid (not expired) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return | Original or certified copy |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance bill | Must be dated within 60 days and show your name and current address |
| Name Change Document | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Required only if your name has changed; must be certified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license online?
No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You must renew either in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need your license when ready, since you receive a temporary license the same day.
What happens if I renew before my license expires?
You can renew up to one year early. Your new expiration date will be four or eight years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This means you may lose a few months of validity if you renew very early, so most people wait until closer to their expiration date.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or road test. You will pass a vision screening and have a new photo taken, but you do not have to demonstrate your knowledge of traffic laws or your driving ability.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspension and revocation are different — a suspension is temporary, while a revocation may require you to reapply for a license.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew in person or submit your own mail process. The office will not accept a renewal process from someone else on your behalf, even a family member or attorney.