How to renew your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Online renewal is the fastest option when available — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or want to add or remove endorsements like a motorcycle or commercial license.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi offers online renewal for standard driver's licenses that are not expired by more than five years and do not require a new photo or address change.
- Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes 7 to 10 business days; you pay by debit or credit card during the process.
- Mail renewal is available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and costs the same as online, but takes longer and requires you to mail in your current license.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your name or endorsements.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file unless you update it during the renewal process.
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website
To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's driver services website and select the renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.
During the online process, you will confirm your address or update it if you have moved. You cannot upload a new photo online — your current photo from your license will be used on your new one. If you need a new photo for any reason, you must renew in person. The fee is $24.50, paid by debit or credit card at the end of the transaction. Once you complete the renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal and what to send
If you prefer to renew by mail, you can request a renewal form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or read it from their website. You will need to print the form, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $24.50 made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the address provided on the form — typically the Driver Services Bureau in Jackson. Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal, usually 3 to 4 weeks from the date the department receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license unless you write a new address clearly on the form.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, you are changing your name, or you want to add or remove endorsements. Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Bring a second form of identification if your current license is expired by more than five years. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $24.50, paid in cash, by check, or by card depending on the office. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have already started the renewal process. If your license expired recently and you are waiting for your new one to arrive, you can print your confirmation number from the online renewal or carry your temporary paper license from an in-person visit as proof that you have renewed.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot drive legally until you complete an in-person renewal and receive your new license. You will also need to pass a vision test at the Driver Services office. If you were cited for driving with an expired license, contact the court listed on your citation — the citation may be dismissed once you show proof of renewal.
Updating your address during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address during the renewal process. Online, you will be prompted to confirm or change your address before you pay the fee. By mail, write your new address clearly on the form or in a cover letter. In person, tell the office staff your new address and they will enter it into the system.
Your new license will be mailed to whichever address you provide during renewal. If you do not update your address and your license is mailed to an old address, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to request that it be reissued to your current address — this may involve an additional fee.
Renewing with a name change
If you have changed your name since your license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo and issue your license with your new name.
Bring the original or a certified copy of your name-change document. A photocopy may not be accepted. The fee is $24.50. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Mississippi allows you to renew your license up to 180 days before it expires. This is useful if you want to renew online or by mail and avoid a trip to an office. Your new license will have a new expiration date 5 years from the date you renew.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it. Visit a Driver Services office with proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. The replacement fee is $24.50. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long is a Mississippi driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to 180 days before it expires.
What if my renewal confirmation number gets lost?
If you renewed online and lost your confirmation number, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety with your driver's license number and date of birth. They can look up your renewal status and confirm that your new license is in the mail.
Can I renew if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Mississippi does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but some courts may place a hold on your license if you owe money. If your renewal is denied, contact the court that issued the ticket to learn about a hold is in place and what you need to do to clear it.