Renew in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet specific conditions

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current license is not damaged or lost. Most people renew in person because it takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less, but only works if your situation has not changed since your last renewal.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Mississippi sends no reminder notice, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which is useful if you know you will be out of state or busy when the expiration date arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less but has strict may be able to access rules.
  • You must bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to renew in person.
  • Mail renewal is only available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not damaged or lost.
  • Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and the state does not send renewal reminders, so you must track your own expiration date.
  • You can renew up to one year before expiration, which is useful if you want to avoid a last-minute trip to the office.

What documents you need to bring for in-person renewal

Bring your current Mississippi driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Mississippi address. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or tax return. For address proof, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address notice does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a license that is damaged, lost, or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal; you must go in person and pay the replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

How to renew by mail

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid and not suspended, you have no medical restrictions or endorsements that need updating, and your license is not damaged or lost. Complete the mail renewal form (available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website), include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, or if you do not meet the mail renewal conditions, go to a Driver Services office in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Find your nearest Driver Services office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Offices are located in most county seats and some larger towns. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days; check the website for your specific location.

Bring your documents, fill out the renewal form at the office, and pay the renewal fee. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them. The office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for an eight-year license is set by Mississippi law and does not vary by county or office. The exact amount depends on whether you are renewing a standard license, a commercial driver's license (CDL), or a license with special endorsements. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call your local office for the current fee, as it may change year to year.

In-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order only. If you are renewing a damaged, lost, or stolen license, you will pay both the renewal fee and a replacement fee.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired

You cannot renew a suspended license by mail or in person. If your license is suspended, you must first resolve the reason for suspension — usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI-related suspension. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you owe or what steps you must take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Mississippi may require you to retake the written and driving tests instead of straightforward renewing. Call your local Driver Services office to confirm whether you can renew by mail or must take the tests in person.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

CDL renewal follows the same basic process as standard license renewal, but you must renew in person — mail renewal is not available for CDLs. Bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus your current CDL. You will take a new photo, pass a vision test, and answer medical questions on the renewal form. If your medical certification has expired, you must provide a new one from a certified medical examiner before you can renew.

CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license fees. The exact amount depends on the class of CDL and any endorsements you hold. Ask your local Driver Services office for the current fee before you go in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license online?

No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. The mail option is the closest to remote renewal available.

What if I moved out of Mississippi but still have a valid license?

You cannot renew a Mississippi license if you no longer live in the state. You must obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. If you still own property in Mississippi or have other ties to the state, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to discuss your options.

How long does a temporary license last?

The temporary paper license issued at the office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Can I renew if my Social Security number is not on file with Mississippi?

No, you must provide proof of your Social Security number to renew. If your number is not on file, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number (W-2, tax return, or 1099) to the office. The office will add it to your record during renewal.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

If you have a medical condition that requires restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses only, or no highway driving), you cannot use mail renewal. Go to a Driver Services office in person so the examiner can assess your condition and update your license with the correct restrictions.