How to Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License

Renew Your Mississippi License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in three ways: online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a driver's license office. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than visiting an office. You do not need to take a written or road test to renew — the state only requires those when you first get your license or if your license has been suspended.

Your license is valid for four years from the date it was issued. Mississippi sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you can renew up to one year early if you want to. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, though an expired license cannot be used to drive — you must renew before you get back on the road.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license; you receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the state sends you, a check or money order, and a completed process form; processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is fastest if you need your license the same day, but requires a valid ID and proof of residency.
You must renew in person if your name, address, or other information has changed since your last license, or if you want to change your photo.
Mississippi does not require a vision test to renew by mail or online, but you must pass one if you renew in person.

Online Renewal Through the Mississippi DPS Website

Online renewal is the fastest and most common way to renew in Mississippi. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm or update it. You will then pay the $24 renewal fee with a credit or debit card.

After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 days. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives. Online renewal is only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, your name and address have not changed, and you do not want to change your photo.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail from Mississippi, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. Fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, sign it, and mail it back to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for $24. Do not send cash. Include a copy of a valid ID and proof of your current address if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request an process form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety by phone at 601-987-1500 or by visiting a driver's license office in person.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office

You must renew in person if your name has changed, your address has changed and you do not have proof of the new address, you want to change your photo, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license. Bring your current driver's license, a valid ID (such as a passport), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision screening at the office.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary license to drive home with, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within two weeks. The renewal fee is $24. Mississippi has driver's license offices in most counties; you can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

What Information You Need to Renew

For online or mail renewal, you need your current driver's license number and date of birth. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, a valid ID, and proof of your address. If your address has changed since your last license, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — examples include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person and bring your current CDL, a valid ID, proof of address, and your medical certificate if your CDL requires one. You will also need to pass a vision test and may need to take a written test if your CDL class or endorsements have changed.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

A four-year driver's license renewal costs $24 in Mississippi. If you renew online, you pay by credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the Mississippi Department of Public Safety does not accept cash by mail. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on which office you visit.

There are no additional fees for changing your address or updating your information during renewal, as long as you renew before your license expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, some offices may charge a late fee; call 601-987-1500 to confirm the fee before you renew.

What Happens If Your License Expires

You cannot legally drive with an expired license in Mississippi. If your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process, but you must renew before you drive. If you are pulled over while driving with an expired license, you may receive a citation and a fine.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to renew in person and retake the written test and vision screening. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to find out whether you need to test before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Mississippi driver's license office, or you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to ask about renewing through a reciprocal office in your state — not all states have this option.

What do I do if I never received my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, go to the Mississippi DPS website and enter your license number and date of birth. For mail renewal, call 601-987-1500 to request an process form, or visit a driver's license office to pick one up in person.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewal take 10 to 14 days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you receive a temporary license to drive home with, and your permanent license arrives within two weeks.

Do I have to take a test to renew my license in Mississippi?

No. You do not take a written or road test when you renew. You only pass a vision screening if you renew in person. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written test — call 601-987-1500 to confirm.

Can I change my photo when I renew?

You can only change your photo if you renew in person at a driver's license office. If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same. If you want a new photo, visit an office and ask to renew in person.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.