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 before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew by mail or online without leaving home, but some situations require an in-person visit.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a barcode and instructions for renewing online or by mail. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew at any Driver Services office or through the online system at mdot.ms.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration; use the barcode in the notice to renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
  • Online renewal takes minutes and costs the same as mail renewal, but you cannot change your address or photo online.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials, so send it at least two weeks before expiration.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if you need a new photo, changed your name, or your license has been suspended or revoked.
  • Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for up to eight years depending on your age, so check your expiration date on the front of your card.

Renewing online or by mail with your renewal notice

If you received a renewal notice in the mail and your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew online at mdot.ms.gov using the barcode on the notice. The online process takes about five minutes. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $31 for an eight-year license or $20 for a four-year license.

Mail renewal works the same way: fill out the form on the back of your renewal notice, include a check or money order for the correct fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. The office typically processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days after receiving them, so mail your materials at least two weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license.

Online and mail renewal both issue a new license card with the same photo as your current license. If you want a new photo, need to change your address, or have had a name change since your last license, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Visit a Driver Services office if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, if you changed your name, or if you did not receive a renewal notice. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Office wait times vary by location and time of day. The busiest times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Some offices accept walk-ins; others use appointment systems. Check mdot.ms.gov to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are available. The in-person renewal fee is the same as mail or online renewal: $31 for eight years or $20 for four years.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your new card arrives.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired more than 90 days ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have already submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your temporary paper license or a screenshot of your online renewal confirmation, but these do not override the expired status. Renew as soon as possible to avoid traffic violations and potential fines.

License validity periods and when to renew

Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age when you renew. Licenses issued to people under 21 are valid for four years. Licenses issued to people 21 and older are valid for eight years. Your expiration date appears on the front of your license card.

You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires. The state recommends renewing about 60 days before expiration to avoid the rush and may support your new card arrives before the old one expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Renewing with a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Before you renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or DUI convictions.

Contact the office that suspended your license to find out what you need to do to lift the suspension. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any Driver Services office. Bring your expired or suspended license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Changing your address during renewal

If you moved to a new address in 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 current license, proof of your new Mississippi address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number.

If you moved out of Mississippi, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Mississippi does not issue licenses to out-of-state residents. Contact the driver's license office in your new state for their renewal and residency requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard in-person renewal.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. You can renew online at mdot.ms.gov using your license number and Social Security number, or visit a Driver Services office in person. If you renew online without the notice barcode, the fee is the same.

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

Mail and online renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals issue a temporary paper license when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your new card arrives.

Can I renew my license if I changed my name?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if you changed your name. You must visit a Driver Services office in person with your current license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

Mail and online renewal use your current photo. To get a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The fee is the same as mail or online renewal.