Renewing your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address. If any of those explore, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you are may be able to access; mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than a year, if you need to update your address, or if you have any holds on your record.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety runs the Driver Services program. You can check your may be able to access and start an online renewal at driverlicense.ms.gov, or call 601-987-1212 to confirm your status before you begin.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through driverlicense.ms.gov is available only if your license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your address.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but requires you to submit your current license and a completed form.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired by more than one year, suspended, or if you need to update your address or name.
  • Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for four years for most adults, and renewal fees vary based on license type and whether you add endorsements.
  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to any in-person renewal appointment.

Online renewal: fastest option if you are may be able to access

Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website takes about 15 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is charged at the time you complete the transaction.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than one year; if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your license; if you are changing your address or name; or if you are under 21. If any of these explore, you must renew in person or by mail.

After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewal, you must do that in person at a Driver Services office first.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

To renew by mail, you must request a mail renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can read the form from driverlicense.ms.gov or call 601-987-1212 to have one mailed to you. Complete the form, include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with your payment.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date the department receives your packet. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. You are not may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is suspended, if you are changing your address, or if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Keep a copy of your completed form and the tracking number if you mail it. If your packet does not arrive within six weeks, call the department to confirm receipt before resubmitting.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, expired by more than one year, if you are changing your address or legal name, or if you have medical restrictions. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options. Most Driver Services offices accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments. Check driverlicense.ms.gov to find the office nearest you and see whether that location takes appointments.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), your Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring the legal document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

In-person renewal usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. The fee is charged at the time you complete your renewal.

Renewal fees and license validity in Mississippi

Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for four years for most adults. The renewal fee depends on your license type and whether you add endorsements like a motorcycle endorsement or commercial driver's license (CDL) upgrade. Standard renewal costs vary; contact the department at 601-987-1212 or check driverlicense.ms.gov for the exact current fee for your license type.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test or medical examination depending on your endorsements. Hazmat endorsements require a federal background check and additional fees.

Payment is accepted by debit card, credit card, or check (by mail only). If you pay by check and mail your renewal, make the check payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

What to do if your license is suspended or has holds

If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a Driver Services office in person. Suspension can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or other violations. Before you renew, you need to resolve the reason for the suspension.

Call 601-987-1212 and ask why your license is suspended. The department can tell you what action is required — paying a fine, clearing a court hold, or contacting another agency. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any Driver Services office.

If you are unsure whether your license has a hold or suspension, check your status online at driverlicense.ms.gov or call the department before you attempt to renew. Attempting to renew while suspended will not process, and you may waste time and money.

Changing your address during renewal

If you are moving within Mississippi, you must update your address in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal. Bring your new proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and proof of identity.

If you are moving out of Mississippi, you do not need to renew your Mississippi license. Instead, you will need to obtain a license from your new state. Mississippi will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.

If you have already moved and your license still shows your old address, you can update it in person at a Driver Services office without waiting for your renewal date. This is separate from renewal and may have a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency. You may also be required to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.

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

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks. You will receive a temporary license at an in-person appointment that you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I need to renew before my current license expires?

You can renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. This extends your license validity by four more years from the expiration date of your current license, not from the date you renew. Check driverlicense.ms.gov or call 601-987-1212 to confirm your current expiration date.

Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license in Mississippi?

No, a Real ID is not required to renew a standard driver's license. However, if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, you must do so in person and bring additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. Real ID licenses cost more and are valid for eight years instead of four.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring the legal document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, the name change document, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency.