What You Need to Renew in Mississippi
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's MDOT Driver Services portal. The method you use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update information like your address or name.
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you can renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) always require an in-person visit.
The renewal fee in Mississippi is $31 for a standard five-year license. You will need your current license or another form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency. If you are changing your name or address, bring the supporting documents for that change as well.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi offers online and mail renewal for licenses expired less than two years; anything older requires an in-person visit to a Driver Services office.
- The renewal fee is $31 for a five-year license, and you must provide your Social Security number and proof of residency.
- If your license has been expired more than two years, you will take a vision test and may need to retake the written exam.
- Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online and must be handled in person at a Driver Services office.
- You can find your nearest Driver Services office and check wait times on the MDOT website before you go.
Renewing Online Through MDOT Driver Services
The fastest option for most people is online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Driver Services portal. You can renew online if your license is still valid or has been expired for less than two years, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photograph.
To renew online, visit the MDOT Driver Services website, create or log into your account, and follow the steps to verify your identity. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and photograph. Payment is by credit or debit card, and the fee is $31. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal does not work if you have a CDL, if your license has been expired more than two years, or if you need to change your address, name, or photograph. In those cases, you must use mail renewal or visit a Driver Services office in person.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, and you do not need to update your photograph or address. You cannot renew by mail if you hold a CDL or if your license has been expired longer than two years.
To renew by mail, contact your nearest Driver Services office or read the renewal form from the MDOT website. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $31 payable to "Mississippi Department of Transportation," and mail it along with your current license to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after MDOT receives your packet. Your renewed license will be mailed back to you.
Keep a copy of your mailed form and note the date you sent it. If you do not receive your renewed license within two weeks, contact the Driver Services office to confirm receipt. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than two years, if you hold a CDL, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to update your photograph. In-person renewal also applies if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked.
Bring your current license or another form of ID, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document showing your new address.
At the office, you will have your photograph taken, pass a vision test, and may be asked to retake the written exam if your license has been expired more than two years. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on office traffic. You can check wait times on the MDOT website before you go. Your renewed license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office location.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired More Than Two Years
If your Mississippi driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person, and the renewal process includes additional requirements beyond a standard renewal.
You will be required to pass a vision test. Depending on the circumstances of the expiration and your driving record, you may also be asked to retake the written knowledge exam. Bring all the documents listed above for in-person renewal, plus any documents related to the reason your license expired (for example, if it was suspended, bring documentation of reinstatement if applicable).
The fee remains $31, and the process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal. If you are unsure whether you will need to retake the written exam, call your local Driver Services office before you visit.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Time to Receive License |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, Social Security number, proof of residency (address on file) | 7–10 business days by mail |
| Current license, completed form, check or money order for $31 | 7–10 business days after receipt | |
| In Person | Current license or ID, Social Security card or equivalent, proof of residency, name change document (if applicable) | Same day or 7–10 business days by mail |
Finding a Driver Services Office and Checking Wait Times
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the MDOT Driver Services website. The website lists office hours, phone numbers, and the types of services available at each location.
Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary by time of day and day of week. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. If you can visit on a Wednesday or Thursday morning, you may encounter shorter lines. If you need to renew a CDL or handle a complex transaction, call ahead to confirm that your local office can handle it.
If you cannot reach your local office by phone, you can submit a question through the MDOT website contact form. Response times vary, but the website usually provides answers within one to two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I am out of state?
Yes, if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you can renew online or by mail without being in Mississippi. If your license has been expired more than two years, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person, which means you must return to Mississippi to complete the renewal.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
If you are changing your address, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue your renewed license.
Do I need a new photograph when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photograph will be used. If you renew in person, a new photograph will be taken. If you want to update your photograph during an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through the standard renewal process. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and bring documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been cleared. The office will tell you what documents are needed based on the reason for the suspension or revocation.
How long does it take to get my renewed license if I renew in person?
If you renew in person, you will receive your license on the spot in most cases. Some offices may mail the license instead, in which case it will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the office staff which method applies to your renewal before you leave.