Renewing Your Mississippi Driver's License Online or by Mail

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license without visiting a driver's license office if you meet certain conditions. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired by more than one year, who have no medical restrictions, and who have not changed their name or address since their last license was issued. If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to renew in person at a driver's license office.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

If you prefer mail renewal or do not may have access to for online renewal, you can request a renewal form by calling the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500. Mail the completed form along with your current license and payment to the address they provide. This process takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address have not changed since your last license.
  • Online renewal costs $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
  • If you do not meet online renewal requirements, you must renew in person at a Mississippi driver's license office or request a mail renewal form.
  • In-person renewal at a driver's license office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and is usually completed the same day.
  • Your new license will have a new expiration date based on when you renew, not when your old license expired.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office

If you cannot renew online or by mail, you will need to visit a Mississippi driver's license office in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. You do not need to take a written test or road test unless your license has been suspended or revoked, or unless the office staff determines you need to retake one.

Most Mississippi driver's license offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during peak times. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time.

In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will have your photo taken and your new license will be printed on the spot. You can drive home with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, or you can wait for the plastic card to be produced (this takes a few minutes longer).

What Happens If Your License Has Expired More Than One Year Ago

If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and payment.

Depending on how long your license has been expired, the office may require you to retake the written test, the road test, or both. If your license expired between one and five years ago, you will usually only need to retake the written test. If it expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake both tests. The staff at the office will tell you what is required when you arrive.

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. You have three chances to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. The road test is a 15-minute drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must pass the road test on your first try to renew that day; if you fail, you will need to schedule another appointment.

Costs and Payment Methods

The cost of renewing your Mississippi driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $36.75. These prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

You can pay online using a credit card or debit card when you renew through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order with your process. If you renew in person at a driver's license office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — the office will tell you which methods they accept.

If you are a Mississippi resident age 65 or older, you may be able to renew for a lower cost or for free, depending on your circumstances. Ask the staff at the driver's license office about senior discounts when you renew.

Changing Your Name or Address During Renewal

If your name or address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and any documents that show your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The office will update your information in the system and issue a new license with your current name and address. This takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal — usually 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the same renewal fee as anyone else.

If you have changed your address but want to keep your license valid at your old address temporarily, you can ask the office to issue your license with your old address and then update it later. However, it is simpler to update everything at once during renewal.

What to Do If Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

If your Mississippi driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of too many points, or driving under the influence.

Depending on the reason, you may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, pass a medical examination, or wait out a suspension period. Once you have completed whatever is required, you can contact the department to have your license reinstated. Only after reinstatement can you renew your license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check your status on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling 601-987-1500. The staff can tell you what steps you need to take.

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License in Mississippi

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different from standard driver's license renewal. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Mississippi driver's license office.

Bring your current CDL, proof of your current address, and payment. You will need to pass a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner before you can renew. The office can refer you to an examiner or you can bring documentation from your own doctor showing you passed the exam. The medical certificate is valid for up to two years.

You may also need to retake the written test or the road test depending on your circumstances and how long your CDL has been valid. The office will tell you what is required when you arrive. CDL renewal fees are higher than standard license fees — ask the office for the current cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements (your license expired less than one year ago, no medical restrictions, no name or address change). If you cannot renew online, you can request a mail renewal form by calling 601-987-1500. You will need to mail in your current license and payment. If mail renewal is not an option, you will need to visit a Mississippi driver's license office in person.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

You can request a replacement license at any Mississippi driver's license office. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The replacement fee is usually $10 to $15. You can also request a duplicate by mail if you prefer. A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your plastic license does not arrive within that time, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check on its status.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Yes, a new photo is taken every time you renew your license in person at a driver's license office. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. You cannot request to keep your old photo.

What if I want an eight-year license instead of a four-year license?

When you renew online, by mail, or in person, you can choose whether you want your new license to be valid for four years or eight years. The eight-year option costs more but lasts longer, so you will not need to renew as often. Tell the office or select the option when you renew online.