Mississippi driver's license renewal basics
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license. The mail route is free but only works if your license is not expired, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years.
Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any outstanding traffic tickets or fines. If either of those applies to you, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Mississippi does not require a new photo or written test for most renewals. You will answer a few vision and medical questions, and the state will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew by mail for free if your license is current and you have no suspensions, medical holds, or certain traffic violations in the past five years.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office costs $24.50 and takes about 30 minutes, and you will need your current license and proof of residency.
- Mississippi does not require a new photo or written test for standard renewals, only vision and medical screening questions.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after the office processes your renewal.
- If your license is expired, suspended, or you have recent traffic violations, you must renew in person rather than by mail.
Renewing by mail in Mississippi
Mail renewal is the simplest path if you meet the requirements. You do not need to visit an office, and there is no fee. Send your current driver's license and a signed letter to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau. The letter should state your name, date of birth, and driver's license number, and confirm that you are renewing by mail.
Your license cannot be expired when you mail the renewal request. If it has already expired, you must renew in person. The state also will not process a mail renewal if you have a medical suspension, a revoked license, or certain traffic violations on your record from the past five years—including DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license.
Mail your documents to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. The state will send your new license to the address currently on file. If you need to change your address, you must do that in person at a Driver Services office.
Renewing in person at a Driver Services office
In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if you have traffic violations that disqualify you from mail renewal. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address, update your name, or correct information on your license.
Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. Your name on the proof document must match the name on your license, or you will need to bring additional documents showing the name change.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license. Most Driver Services offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards. The office will take a new photo, ask you to read a vision chart, and ask questions about your health and any medications that might affect your driving. You will not take a written test unless the office has reason to believe you do not know the rules of the road.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Finding a Driver Services office near you
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website by entering your county or city. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially in smaller towns, so call ahead before you go.
Office hours vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have extended evening or Saturday hours. The website shows the hours for each office and whether walk-ins are accepted or appointments are required.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew by mail—you must go to a Driver Services office in person. The office may ask you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than a year, though this is not automatic.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Mississippi, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you are stopped by police, you can show them your renewal receipt or a letter from the Driver Services office confirming that your renewal is in progress, but this does not may provide you will not be cited.
Medical suspensions and traffic holds
If the Mississippi Department of Public Safety has suspended your license for medical reasons—such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a doctor's report—you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office and provide medical clearance from your doctor before your license can be reinstated.
Similarly, if you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or a court hold on your license, the Driver Services office will not process your renewal until that matter is resolved. Contact the court or the law enforcement agency that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license online?
No, Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal is free but requires your current, non-expired license and no suspensions or recent violations.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
The state mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after the Driver Services office processes your renewal. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary paper license.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
If you renew by mail, your new license will go to the address on file. To change your address, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new address. If you renew by mail and then move, contact the Driver Services office to update your address before your new license is mailed.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person, yes—the office will take a new photo. If you renew by mail, the state will use your current photo. In-person renewal is required if you want a new photo on your license.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew by mail if you do not have your current license to send in. You will need to go to a Driver Services office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your proof of residency and pay the renewal fee. The office will issue a new license with the same number.