What You Need to Know About Mississippi Driver's License Renewal
In Mississippi, you can renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take about 10 business days if you go in person, and 2 to 3 weeks if you renew by mail.
Your Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to 180 days before your license expires, which gives you plenty of time to plan ahead. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot legally drive until the new license arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office, depending on your situation and how much time you have.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or other personal information in the past four years.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form, a check or money order, and a copy of your current license, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- If your license has expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
Renewing Online Through the Mississippi Website
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. You will need your current Mississippi driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and you will receive a confirmation email when ready.
To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will answer questions to confirm your identity and current information. Once you submit your process and payment, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you need to change your address, update your name, add or remove restrictions, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing by Mail in Mississippi
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need to make changes to your personal information. You will need to complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form 78-R), which you can read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or pick up at any Driver Services office.
Mail your completed process along with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of one document that proves your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). Send everything to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your materials.
Keep a record of when you mail your process. If you do not receive your new license within 4 weeks, contact the Driver Services office to confirm they received your materials. Do not drive after your license expires while waiting for your renewal by mail.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
In-person renewal is the best choice if you need to update your address, change your name, add restrictions, or if your license has expired. You will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, which is valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Bring your current driver's license, one document that proves your current address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the past 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office.
Driver Services offices are located throughout Mississippi. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Most offices do not require an appointment, but some locations may have wait times during busy hours. Your new permanent license will arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it using the same methods as a current license holder. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your renewal is processed.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to renew in person at a Driver Services office. You will be required to retake the written knowledge test and the vision screening. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal, plus your expired license if you still have it. The office will schedule you for the tests, which usually take place the same day or within a few days.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a four-year Mississippi driver's license is $24. If you renew online or by mail, you must pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Some Driver Services offices may charge an additional fee if you need to update your address, change your name, or add restrictions. Ask about the total cost when you contact the office or before you submit your process. Fees do not change based on how you renew, only on what changes you are making to your license.
What to Do If You Have a Commercial Driver's License
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Mississippi follow different renewal rules than standard licenses. CDLs are valid for four years, but you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail.
To renew your CDL, bring your current license, proof of residency, your medical certificate (if required), and payment. You will need to pass a vision screening and may be required to retake the written test depending on your specific CDL class and endorsements. Contact your local Driver Services office to confirm what documents and tests you need before you go in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different state?
No. You must renew your Mississippi license while you still live in Mississippi or within a reasonable time after moving. If you have moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety if you have questions about your specific situation.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You will need to get a replacement license first before you can renew. Visit a Driver Services office with proof of your identity and residency to request a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods. The replacement and renewal can sometimes be done in one visit if you go in person.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date you receive it at the Driver Services office. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 2 to 3 weeks. If it does not arrive within 4 weeks, contact the office to check the status.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license. Contact the Driver Services office for details on how to clear your record.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name on your new license at the time of renewal. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.