Renew Your Mississippi License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online and must visit a Driver Services office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $31 for a four-year license; you can renew up to six months before your license expires.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal form, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; send it to the address on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses require proof of citizenship and a Social Security number; standard licenses do not.
  • Your license expires on your birthday, and you can renew starting six months before that date.

Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Most People

Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the quickest path if your license is current or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $31 for a four-year license or $46 for a Real ID-compliant license.

You can begin renewing online up to six months before your license expires. The process takes about 10 minutes. After you submit your process and payment, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited service is not available for online renewals.

Online renewal is not available for commercial driver's licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or if you need to change your name or address. If any of those explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

To renew by mail, read or request the Driver License Renewal process (Form 78-R) from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $31 (standard license) or $46 (Real ID license) to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Include your current license with your mailed process. Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal; visit a Driver Services office instead.

Mail renewal works for standard and Real ID licenses, but not for commercial licenses. If you are renewing a Real ID license by mail, you must also include proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document) and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return).

In-Person Renewal at a Driver Services Office

Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee ($31 for a standard four-year license or $46 for a Real ID license). You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Processing at an office usually takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew a standard license. If you renew a Real ID-compliant license in person, you must bring proof of citizenship and proof of your Social Security number in addition to your proof of residency.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you hold a commercial license, or if you need to change your name or address. It is also the only option if you need to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement).

Real ID Compliance: What You Need to Know

Mississippi offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025.

Real ID renewal costs $15 more than a standard license ($46 instead of $31). To renew a Real ID license, you must provide proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate) and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You can provide these documents by mail or in person.

If you are renewing online, you cannot upgrade to a Real ID license; you can only renew your current license type. To switch from a standard license to a Real ID license, renew by mail or in person.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired More Than Five Years

If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee.

The office staff will determine whether you need to retake the tests based on how long your license has been expired and your driving record. If you are required to test, you will take the written exam at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. The entire process, including testing, usually takes one to two hours.

Driver Services Office Locations and Hours

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in Jackson, Biloxi, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Tupelo, and Greenville. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Hours vary by office, so check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the specific office nearest you before you visit.

Offices are typically busiest on Mondays and mid-month. If you want to avoid a long wait, visit early in the week or early in the day. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live outside Mississippi but hold a Mississippi license, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as residents. You will need to provide an out-of-state address on your process. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Driver Services office in Mississippi.

What happens if I renew online but my payment is declined?

If your payment fails during online renewal, your process will not be submitted. You can try again with a different payment method or choose mail or in-person renewal instead. No fee is charged if the payment does not go through.

How long is a renewed Mississippi driver's license valid?

A standard renewed license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. A Real ID-compliant license is also valid for four years. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire.

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

No. When you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person at a Driver Services office, a new photo is taken unless you request otherwise.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, medical certification (if required), and the renewal fee. You may need to retake the written test depending on your driving record and how long your license has been held.