What you need to do to renew in Mississippi
Mississippi lets you renew your driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Examining Station. Which method works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license.
If your license is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll get a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed to you.
Mississippi charges $24.50 for a standard four-year renewal and $44.50 for a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You can pay by cash, check, or card at an examining station, or by card online or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid, but must visit a Driver License Examining Station if it has expired.
- A Real ID-compliant license costs $20 more than a standard renewal and requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency.
- Online renewal takes a few days; mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid email address or mailing address depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the Mississippi DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, select the renewal option, and enter your driver license number and Social Security number to verify your identity.
You will upload a new photo during the process unless you choose to keep your current photo. The system will ask whether you want a standard license or a Real ID. If you choose Real ID, you will need to upload proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
After you submit, the DPS will mail your new license to the address on file. Processing takes about five to seven business days. You can use your current license until the new one arrives.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. Request a renewal form from the Mississippi DPS website or call 601-987-1500. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Include your current license with your process. The DPS will mail your new license back to you within two to three weeks. During this time, your current license remains valid.
Mail renewal does not work for Real ID renewals because the DPS cannot verify your documents by mail. If you need Real ID, you must renew online or in person.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examining Station
Visit any Driver License Examining Station if your license has expired, you need a Real ID, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current license, Social Security number, and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing for Real ID, also bring proof of identity such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
The examiner will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Examining stations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find the station nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Real ID versus standard license: what's the difference
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard license will no longer work for these purposes.
Real ID renewal costs $44.50 instead of $24.50 and requires you to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Mississippi residency in person or by uploading documents online. A standard renewal costs less and can be done by mail if your license is still valid, but it will not meet federal requirements after May 7, 2025.
If you renew now with a standard license, you will need to renew again to get Real ID before the important date. Most people renewing now choose Real ID to avoid a second renewal trip.
What to bring to an examining station
| Document Type | Standard Renewal | Real ID Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Current driver license | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID) | No | Yes |
| Proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, tax return) | No | Yes |
| Proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement within 60 days) | Yes | Yes |
If your license has expired
You cannot renew by mail or online once your license has expired. You must visit a Driver License Examining Station in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license.
The examiner will process your renewal the same way as a non-expired renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. Driving with an expired license is illegal, so do not drive until you have the temporary license in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi driver license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to renew before the Real ID important date. Online and mail renewal both work for early renewals as long as your license is still valid.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I need to renew but I do not have proof of Mississippi residency?
You will need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Mississippi address. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. If you have recently moved and do not have a dated document yet, contact your local Driver License Examining Station to ask about alternatives.
Do I need a Real ID if I do not fly or visit federal buildings?
No. A standard license is still valid for driving and state identification. However, Real ID becomes required for federal building access and domestic flights on May 7, 2025. If you think you might need it in the future, renewing for Real ID now avoids a second renewal trip later.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes. When you renew online or in person, you can update your address. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the process form. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address you provide.