Renewing Your Mississippi Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but not all license types may have access to.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew it. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person and take the written test and vision screening again. If your license is still valid or expired within the five-year window, you can proceed with renewal through any of the three methods.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website takes about 10 minutes and costs $31.50 for a four-year license or $47.25 for an eight-year license.
- You must renew in person if you need to change your address, update your photo, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the Jackson office.
- Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before your license expires; you do not have to wait until the expiration date to renew.
- Mississippi does not require a vision test or written exam for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Online Renewal Through the Mississippi DPS Website
Online renewal is available if your license is a standard Class R (regular) or Class D (commercial) license, your license is not suspended or revoked, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. Enter your license information and verify your current address. If your address is correct, proceed to payment. Once payment is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal costs $31.50 for a four-year license or $47.25 for an eight-year license. The fee is non-refundable. If you are age 65 or older, your renewal fee is reduced to $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works for most standard licenses and takes two to three weeks from the date the Mississippi DPS receives your materials. You will need to complete Form 78-R (process for Renewal of Driver's License) and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of proof of residency if you have moved since your last renewal.
Send your materials to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Do not send cash. Include a return address on your envelope so the DPS can contact you if there are questions. Your new license will be mailed to the address listed on your process.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online. The fee is the same as online renewal: $31.50 for four years or $47.25 for eight years (reduced rates explore if you are 65 or older).
In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office
You must renew in person if your address has changed, you want to update your photo, your license has been suspended or revoked, or you hold a commercial license with certain endorsements. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, because you will need to pass a vision screening and written test.
Locate your nearest Driver Services office on the Mississippi DPS website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment in cash, check, or card. If your address has changed, bring two forms of proof of residency. The office will take a new photo, process your payment, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
Wait times at Driver Services offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically busier on Fridays and at the end of the month. Call ahead or check the DPS website to see if your office offers appointment scheduling.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, valid payment method | 7–10 business days | $31.50 (4-year) or $47.25 (8-year) |
| Form 78-R, current license, payment, proof of residency if address changed | 2–3 weeks | $31.50 (4-year) or $47.25 (8-year) | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency (one or two forms depending on address change) | Same day or 7–10 business days | $31.50 (4-year) or $47.25 (8-year) |
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Driver Services office in person and reapply for a new license. This means you will take the written knowledge test, pass a vision screening, and have a new photo taken.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You will also need to provide proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license was issued. The cost is the same as renewal: $31.50 for four years or $47.25 for eight years. Your new license will be issued the same day or mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Mississippi sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you can renew at any time during that window. Renewing early avoids the rush and ensures you have a valid license on your expiration date.
Do not send cash by mail. The DPS will not accept it, and you risk losing your payment. Use a check, money order, or renew online with a credit or debit card.
Do not assume your address is on file correctly. If you have moved and do not update your address before renewing, your new license will be mailed to your old address. If you moved, renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address.
Do not forget that commercial licenses and certain endorsements (such as hazmat) may have different renewal rules. Check the DPS website or call your local Driver Services office if you hold a commercial license or special endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Mississippi DPS before you can renew. Contact your local Driver Services office or the DPS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required to clear it.
What if I moved and did not update my address before renewing?
If you renewed online or by mail with an old address, your new license will be mailed to that address. Contact the DPS when ready to report the address change. You may be able to have the license reissued to your correct address, though this may involve an additional fee or a trip to a Driver Services office.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. However, if you have submitted your renewal process before your license expired, you may be able to show proof of process to a law enforcement officer. Keep a copy of your online confirmation or mail receipt with you until your new license arrives.
Do I have to choose a four-year or eight-year license?
Yes. When you renew, you must select either a four-year or eight-year license. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer. You can choose either option regardless of what you had before.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.