What You Need to Do 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 portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long you've held it, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take between 7 and 10 business days if you go through the mail; in-person renewals are processed the same day.
Your current Mississippi driver's license must not be expired by more than five years for you to renew by mail or online. If it's expired beyond that window, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. The state does not require a vision test for mail or online renewals unless you're changing your license class or adding endorsements.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi offers three renewal routes: in-person at a Driver Services office, by mail if your license expired within the last five years, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency (such as a utility bill or lease) for any renewal method.
- The renewal fee is $31.00 for a four-year license or $61.00 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.
- Mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewals are completed the same day but require an appointment or a wait at your local office.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person with the same documents required for a new license.
Renewing by Mail in Mississippi
To renew by mail, your license must have expired within the last five years and you must not need to change your address, add endorsements, or correct your name. read the DL-43 form (process for Renewal of Driver's License) from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone at 601-987-1212. Complete the form with your current information and sign it.
Mail your completed DL-43 form, your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($31.00 for four years or $61.00 for eight years), and a copy of proof of residency to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Do not send cash. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records.
Renewing Online Through Mississippi's Portal
Mississippi's online renewal system is available through the Department of Public Safety website. You can renew online if your license has not expired more than five years ago, you do not need to change your address, and you do not require a vision test. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Log into the Mississippi Driver Services portal, enter your license information, review your current details, and pay the renewal fee online. The system will confirm your renewal and provide a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to change your address or have other updates, you must renew in person instead.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days). Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency.
You can walk in during business hours, but many offices now require appointments. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find your nearest office and book a time slot if appointments are required in your area. Bring cash, check, or debit/credit card to pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be issued the same day, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on office traffic.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
Every renewal method requires the same core documents: your current Mississippi driver's license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of Social Security can be your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not accepted.
If you are renewing in person or if you need to change your address, you must also bring proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax notice or court document) dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box address is not accepted as proof of residency; you must provide a street address.
The renewal fee is $31.00 for a four-year license or $61.00 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. Mississippi does not charge additional fees for address changes or name corrections during renewal.
What to Do If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Mississippi driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the mail or online renewal process. You must explore for a new license in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate if your name has changed since your last license).
You will be required to pass a vision test and provide a new photograph. The fee for a new license is the same as a renewal ($31.00 for four years or $61.00 for eight years). Processing takes the same day if you renew in person. If you have moved out of state and no longer have Mississippi residency, you will need to re-establish residency before you can obtain a new Mississippi license.
Changing Your Address During Renewal
If you are moving within Mississippi or have recently moved and need to update your address, you cannot use the mail or online renewal process. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office and bring proof of your new Mississippi residency. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
When you renew in person with a new address, your new license will show the updated address and will be issued the same day. There is no additional fee for an address change during renewal. If you move out of state, your Mississippi license remains valid until its expiration date, but you should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state's law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need to change your address or add endorsements. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state, mail or online renewal will work, and your new license will be mailed to your Mississippi address on file.
How long is a Mississippi driver's license valid after renewal?
A renewed Mississippi driver's license is valid for either four years or eight years, depending on which term you choose and pay for at renewal. The fee is $31.00 for four years or $61.00 for eight years. Your new license will show the expiration date when it arrives.
What if I need to change my name during renewal?
If you have legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot change your name by mail or online. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and the name change document to a Driver Services office.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew by mail or online, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo will be taken. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
What happens if my renewal check or payment is rejected?
If you renew by mail and your check is rejected or insufficient, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will contact you to request payment. Your renewal will not be processed until payment is received. If you renew online and your card is declined, the system will notify you when ready so you can use a different payment method.