How to renew your Mississippi driver's license

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home, but an in-person visit is required if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you need a new photo.

Mississippi sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes instructions for each renewal method and a barcode you'll need for online or mail renewal. Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, so knowing your expiration date helps you plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option if your license is current and you do not need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice from the state, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes two to three weeks to process.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is necessary if your license expired more than a year ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
  • The renewal fee in Mississippi is $31 for an eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you are renewing early or requesting a duplicate.
  • You must bring proof of residency and a valid form of identification to any in-person renewal appointment.

Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Online renewal is available if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and answer security questions to verify your identity. The system then confirms your current information and allows you to pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not an option if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photo.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Mail renewal uses the notice the state sends you before expiration. You complete the form on the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $31, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible, though it is not required.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by calling the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to request a renewal form, though in-person or online renewal may be faster.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Visit a Driver Services office if your license expired more than a year ago, you need a new photo, you are changing your address, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your current license is expired. The office takes a new photo and processes your renewal on the spot.

You pay the $31 renewal fee at the office by cash, check, or card. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can find the Driver Services office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

What to bring and what documents you need

For any renewal method, you need your current driver's license or a copy of it. For in-person renewal, bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance bill all work. If your current license is expired, bring a second form of valid identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

For mail renewal, include your completed renewal notice and payment. For online renewal, you need only your driver's license number and date of birth. You do not need to bring documents to renew online, but you must have access to a debit or credit card to pay the fee.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The standard renewal fee for an eight-year driver's license in Mississippi is $31. You can pay by cash at a Driver Services office, by check or money order by mail, or by debit or credit card online. If you renew early — before your current license expires — you may pay a different fee depending on how much time remains on your current license; the state prorates the cost in some cases.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is separate and may be higher. Ask the Driver Services office or check the state website for the current duplicate fee if that applies to you.

Timeline: when to renew before your license expires

Start the renewal process at least three weeks before your license expires if you are renewing by mail, since processing takes two to three weeks. If you renew online or in person, you have more flexibility — online renewal takes 7 to 10 days for delivery, and in-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 days for mailing. You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, so there is no gap as long as you start before the expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew, but you must do so in person at a Driver Services office. Renewing an expired license takes the same 7 to 10 days for mailing, but you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a vision test or written test; call 601-987-1500 to confirm what the office requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online if it is already expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and a second form of ID if your license expired more than a year ago.

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

All renewal methods — online, mail, and in-person — result in your new license being mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives, as long as you renewed before the expiration date.

What if I moved and need to change my address on my license?

You must renew in person at a Driver Services office to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and a valid form of ID. The office updates your address and issues a new license with the correct information.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person at a Driver Services office?

Walk-ins are accepted at all Driver Services offices, but you can schedule an appointment online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to reduce your wait time. Check the office's hours before you visit, as some locations have limited hours on certain days.

What happens if I drive with an expired license in Mississippi?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Mississippi. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired recently and you have already started the renewal process, keep proof of your process with you while you drive — some officers will accept it as evidence that you are in the process of renewing.