Renewing Your Mississippi Driver's License: The Basic Process
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's official portal. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you mail your documents, or you can walk out the same day if you renew in person.
Your current Mississippi driver's license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The state charges a renewal fee that varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically $24 for a four-year renewal or $36 for an eight-year renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew in person at any Mississippi Driver Services office, by mail if your license expired within the last five years, or online through the official state portal.
- Renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, and you must pay by check, money order, or debit/credit card depending on your renewal method.
- If you renew by mail, send your completed process, current license, and payment to the address on the form; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you will receive your new license the same day.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use mail or online renewal and must appear in person with the same documents required for a new license.
Renewing In Person at a Driver Services Office
Walk-in renewal is available at any of Mississippi's Driver Services offices without an appointment. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will take a new photograph, verify your information, collect your fee, and issue your renewed license on the spot. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You can find the location and hours of your nearest Driver Services office on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
If you are over 79 years old, Mississippi requires you to renew in person every four years instead of every eight years. You cannot renew by mail or online at any age.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You will need to complete Form 78-R (the renewal process), which you can read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request by phone. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to "Mississippi Department of Public Safety," and mail everything to the address printed on the form.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with your current license. If you need to change your address, you must do so in person at a Driver Services office or include a written request with your renewal packet and proof of your new address.
Do not send cash through the mail. If your renewal packet is lost or delayed, you can contact the Driver Services office to check the status using your driver's license number.
Renewing Online
Mississippi offers online renewal through the state's official portal for drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired no more than five years ago. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The online system will verify your identity and allow you to confirm or update your address before you submit payment.
After you complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number that you can use to track your renewal status. The online renewal portal is accessible through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
What to Do If Your License Has Been Expired More Than Five Years
If your Mississippi driver's license has been expired for longer than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services office. This process is more involved than a standard renewal because the state treats it as a new process rather than a renewal.
You will need to bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a vision test and provide a new photograph. The fee for a new license is the same as a renewal fee. The office will issue your license the same day.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Mississippi driver's license renewal fees depend on the license type and validity period you choose. A standard four-year renewal costs $24, and an eight-year renewal costs $36. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal fees are higher and vary by endorsement type — contact your local Driver Services office for the exact amount.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, you must send a check or money order. For online renewal, you must use a debit or credit card. Processing times are when ready for in-person renewal, 7 to 10 business days for mail, and 7 to 10 business days for online.
| Renewal Method | Payment Methods | Processing Time | When You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person | Cash, check, debit card, credit card | Same day | Same day at the office |
| By mail | Check or money order | 7–10 business days | Mailed to your address on file |
| Online | Debit card or credit card | 7–10 business days | Mailed to your address on file |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until your license has expired to start the renewal process. Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses or grace periods, so once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you know your license is expiring soon, begin the renewal process at least two weeks before the expiration date to allow time for mail delivery or office visits.
Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail for a renewal. The state will not accept it, and your packet may be returned or lost. Use a check or money order instead. If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, include a separate written request with proof of your new address — do not assume the office will update it automatically.
If you are renewing in person, bring your original current license, not a photocopy. The office staff will need to see the physical license to verify its validity and take it as part of the renewal process. If you have lost your license, you must explore for a replacement before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your current license expires.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and the office will update it. If you are renewing by mail, include a written request with your renewal packet and proof of your new address. If you are renewing online, you can update your address during the process before you submit payment.
Do I need a new photograph for my renewal?
If you renew in person, the office will take a new photograph. If you renew by mail or online, the state will use your existing photograph from your current license unless you request a new one. To request a new photograph by mail, include a note with your renewal packet.
What happens if my renewal check gets lost in the mail?
Contact the Mississippi Driver Services office with your driver's license number and the date you mailed your renewal. The office can check whether your packet was received and help you resubmit if needed. If your check was cashed, you will not need to pay again. If it was not received, you may need to send a new check or renew in person instead.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?
Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. You will need to pass a vision test and provide a new photograph. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and your Social Security number. CDL renewal fees vary by endorsement type, so contact your local office for the exact amount before you visit.