What You Need to Know Before You Start

Mississippi allows you to renew your driver license in person at any Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's virtual office system. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 10 to 15 business days by mail and are processed the same day if you renew in person.

Your current Mississippi driver license must not be expired by more than five years for you to use the mail or online renewal routes. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The renewal fee is $31.50 for a four-year license or $63.00 for an eight-year license, regardless of which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi offers three renewal methods: in-person at a Driver Services office, by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years, or online through the state's virtual office system.
  • You will need your current driver license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to renew, whether you choose mail, online, or in-person.
  • The renewal fee is $31.50 for a four-year license or $63.00 for an eight-year license, and payment method varies by renewal route.
  • If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or update your name, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
  • Mail renewals take 10 to 15 business days; online renewals are processed when ready but you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office

Renewing in person is the fastest way to receive your new license and the only option if your current license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add a Real ID endorsement. Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current Mississippi address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring your original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.

You will take a new photograph and pay the renewal fee at the office. If you are renewing for an eight-year license, you may be required to pass a vision screening. Your new license will be issued on the spot, though you may request a temporary paper license if you need to drive before your plastic card arrives. No appointment is required, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times.

Mail Renewal for Valid or Recently Expired Licenses

You may renew by mail if your current driver license is still valid or expired by no more than five years. Complete the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form 78-008), which you can read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request by phone at 601-987-1212. Do not sign the form until you are instructed to do so by mail staff.

Mail your completed form along with your current driver license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($31.50 for four years or $63.00 for eight years), and proof of your Social Security number and Mississippi residency to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. If you do not receive your license within 20 business days, contact the Driver Services office at 601-987-1212.

Online Renewal Through the Virtual Office

Mississippi's virtual office system allows you to renew online if your current license is valid or expired by no more than five years and you do not need to change your address, name, or other personal information. Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to log in.

Follow the prompts to review your information, choose your license term (four or eight years), and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The system will process your renewal when ready and provide a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to make changes to your address or personal information, you must renew in person instead.

Documents You Must Provide

Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you will need to provide proof of three things: your identity (your current driver license), your Social Security number, and your Mississippi residency. For proof of Social Security number, the state accepts a Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail dated within 60 days of your process.

If you are renewing in person, bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies will not be accepted. If you are renewing by mail, include copies of your documents with your process packet. Do not send original documents by mail unless absolutely necessary, as the state does not return them.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot use mail or online renewal if your current driver license has been expired for more than five years. You also must renew in person if you need to change your address, update your name due to marriage or legal change, add a Real ID endorsement, change your license class, or add or remove any restrictions or endorsements. If you are renewing an eight-year license for the first time, you may be required to appear in person for a vision screening, though this requirement varies by location.

If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. CDL renewals cannot be completed by mail or online under any circumstances.

Real ID Endorsement and Other Updates

Mississippi driver licenses are compliant with Real ID standards by default as of 2024. If your current license does not display the gold star in the upper right corner, you can add the Real ID endorsement during renewal. You must renew in person and bring your original birth certificate or certified copy, your Social Security card or proof of Social Security number, and two documents proving your current Mississippi address.

If you need to update your name, address, or license class during renewal, you must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your current license, the documents supporting your change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change), and the standard proof of Social Security number and residency. The renewal fee remains the same regardless of what information you update.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Mississippi requires proof of current residency in the state to renew. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a driver license from your new state of residence. If you are temporarily out of state but maintain a Mississippi address, you may renew by mail or online as long as your license is not expired by more than five years.

What happens if my license expires before my renewal arrives?

If you renew by mail and your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still legally permitted to drive as long as you can show proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of your mailed process packet. If you renew online, your confirmation number serves as proof of a pending renewal.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or child support obligation?

Mississippi may suspend or deny renewal of your driver license if you have unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or other court-ordered obligations. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212 before you attempt to renew to determine whether your license is may be able to access for renewal.

How long does an eight-year license last compared to a four-year license?

An eight-year license is valid for eight years from the date of issuance and costs $63.00, while a four-year license is valid for four years and costs $31.50. You choose which term you want when you renew. Both are standard driver licenses with the same privileges; the only difference is how long they remain valid.

What if I lost my current driver license and need to renew?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person to report the loss, explore for a replacement, and renew simultaneously. Bring proof of your Social Security number and Mississippi residency. The replacement fee is $10.00, plus the standard renewal fee of $31.50 or $63.00.