Renewing your Mississippi license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Mississippi driver's license through three routes: online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver Services office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $31.50 for a five-year license. Mail renewal takes longer but works if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are over 79 years old.
Your license expires on your birthday. Mississippi sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew through any of these three methods, though you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $31.50 for five years and takes about 10 business days; you need a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal is free but slower and only works if your license is not suspended and you have no recent violations or address changes.
- In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you are over 79, or if you need to update your name or address.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires; if it has already expired, you can still renew but may owe a late fee.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any Driver Services office.
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to answer security questions and provide a valid email address. The fee is $31.50, paid by credit or debit card.
After you submit your process online, the state processes it within about 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first. If your license is suspended or you have had a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or other serious violation within the past five years, you will not be able to renew online and must go in person.
Mail renewal for licenses that are current and in good standing
Mail renewal is free and requires no fee, but it is only available if your license is not suspended, you have not had violations, and you do not need to change your address or name. To renew by mail, send your current license and a completed process form to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can read the process from their website or request one by phone at 601-987-1500.
Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks from the time the state receives your process. Your new license will be mailed back to you at the address on your current license. If you move before your new license arrives, you will need to update your address in person at a Driver Services office. Do not use mail renewal if you are unsure whether your license is suspended; calling the state first to confirm takes only a few minutes and prevents delays.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you are over 79 years old, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have had certain violations. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm wait times is a good idea. The in-person renewal fee is $31.50 for a five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
What happens if your license is suspended or expired
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go in person to a Driver Services office and bring all required documents. The suspension must be lifted before you can renew. Suspensions in Mississippi are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to lift it.
If your license has expired, you can still renew through any method, but you may owe a late fee if it has been expired for more than a certain period. The state does not suspend your driving privileges straightforward because your license expired, but driving on an expired license is illegal. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired to avoid fines or other penalties.
Fees and what to expect in the mail
A five-year Mississippi driver's license costs $31.50 if you renew online or in person. Mail renewal is free. If you renew online or in person, your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the Driver Services office if you renew in person. Do not throw away your old license until you receive your new one; you may need it as proof of identity.
If you are renewing before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires. If you renew after your license has expired, the new license will still be valid for five years from the renewal date. Keep your new license in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I have an out-of-state address?
No. You must have a Mississippi address to hold a Mississippi driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Mississippi resident, you can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not suspended.
What if I never received my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person without it. If you want to confirm your license expiration date, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 or check the expiration date printed on your current license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals take about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid until your plastic license arrives.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines?
Unpaid traffic fines can cause your license to be suspended, which blocks online and mail renewal. You must resolve the fines first by paying them or arranging a payment plan with the court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or through other methods.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and the name-change document to any Driver Services office.