What you need to do to renew in Mississippi

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver's License Examining Station or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website — but only if you meet certain conditions. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If any of those don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at most locations. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll also have a new photo taken and pay the renewal fee, which is $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi offers online renewal only if your license expired less than a year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver's License Examining Station requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
  • A four-year license costs $31 to renew; an eight-year license costs $61.
  • You can find your nearest examining station and check wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, select the online renewal option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current information, confirm your address, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The system will tell you when ready whether your renewal went through.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If the online system rejects your renewal — usually because your license is expired by more than a year or you have medical restrictions — you'll need to go in person.

Renewing in person at a Driver's License Examining Station

Find your nearest examining station on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Many stations let you check current wait times online before you go. Bring your current license, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (like a tax return or W-2), and a document proving your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works).

When you arrive, you'll fill out an process form, have a new photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The staff will process your license on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

What documents count as proof of address

Mississippi accepts several documents as proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you don't have any of those, you can bring a government document with your address on it — a tax return, W-2, or property tax bill. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you've recently moved and your utility bill or lease is in a different name (for example, if you just got married), bring a document showing the name change, like a marriage certificate or divorce decree, along with the address proof.

Renewing a license with medical restrictions or vision problems

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required or restrictions on the times you can drive — you must renew in person. The examining station will review your restrictions and may ask you to take a vision test or provide a medical form from your doctor.

If you wear glasses or contacts and your license doesn't currently show a restriction, the staff may ask you to read a chart during your in-person visit. If you fail the vision test, you'll need to bring a statement from an eye doctor confirming that you can drive safely with correction before your license is issued.

What to do if your license is expired by more than a year

You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must go to a Driver's License Examining Station in person. Bring the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.

The process is the same as a standard renewal — you'll fill out an process, have a new photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The fact that your license has been expired longer does not add extra steps or cost more; you pay the standard $31 or $61 depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license.

Checking the status of your renewed license

If you renewed online, your license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license good for 30 days, and your permanent license should arrive in the mail within that time. If more than 10 business days have passed and your license hasn't arrived, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check on it.

You can drive on your temporary paper license or your old license until your new one arrives. Once your new license comes in the mail, destroy your old one — you don't need to return it to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license if I'm out of state?

If you're temporarily out of state, you can use online renewal if you meet the other requirements (license not expired more than a year, no medical restrictions, address hasn't changed). If you need in-person renewal, you'll have to wait until you're back in Mississippi or contact the Department of Public Safety about other options.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot use online renewal if your address has changed. You must go to a Driver's License Examining Station in person and bring proof of your new address. The staff will update your address during the renewal process at no extra cost.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Mississippi examining stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some locations may offer appointment options. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for your local station's policy before you go.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You can still renew it, but the process depends on how long it's been expired. If it's been less than a year, you can renew online if you meet other requirements. If it's been more than a year, you must renew in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

Can I change my name during license renewal?

Yes, but you must do it in person at a Driver's License Examining Station. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff will update your name during renewal.