What You Need to Know About Mississippi Driver's License Renewal
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 official portal. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take effect when ready if done in person, or within 7 to 10 business days if processed by mail.
Your current Mississippi driver's 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 at a Driver Services office. The renewal fee is $31.00 for a standard four-year license, and payment methods vary by renewal method.
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 state portal for certain license types.
- The renewal fee is $31.00 for a four-year license, and you must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency if renewing in person.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Driver Services office in person.
- Mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process, while online renewals are processed within one business day.
- You must pass a vision test if renewing in person, but mail and online renewals do not require vision screening.
Renewing In Person at a Driver Services Office
In-person renewal is the most straightforward method and works for all license types and expiration statuses. Visit any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of identity (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and pay the $31.00 renewal fee by cash, check, or debit card.
The vision test is a standard part of in-person renewal and checks whether you can read the eye chart at the required distance. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to obtain a vision correction form from an eye care professional and return with it. Your new license will be issued when ready after you complete the renewal process, though the physical card may take a few days to arrive by mail if you request it.
Driver Services offices are located in all 82 Mississippi counties. You do not need an appointment for most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The office will keep your old license and issue a temporary paper license valid until your plastic card arrives.
Renewing by Mail
Mail-in renewal is available only if your current license has not been expired for more than five years. You must complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form 78-R), include a check or money order for $31.00 payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail.
You do not need to include copies of your identity documents or proof of residency when renewing by mail. However, you must sign the process form in front of a notary public or have it witnessed by an authorized official. The notarization or witness requirement is mandatory and cannot be skipped. Mail your completed process to the Driver Services Bureau at the address provided on Form 78-R.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do so in person or contact the Driver Services office directly. Mail-in renewal does not include a vision test, so if your vision has changed significantly, renewing in person is safer.
Renewing Online
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the fastest method and works for standard driver's licenses that have not been expired for more than five years. You will need your current license number, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The $31.00 fee is charged when ready upon submission.
To renew online, visit the official Mississippi Driver Services website, select the online renewal option, and follow the prompts to enter your information. The system will verify your identity using data from your current license record. If verification is successful, your renewal is processed within one business day and your new license is mailed to your address on file. You will receive a confirmation number via email.
Online renewal does not include a vision test and cannot be used if you need to update your address, change your name, or add or remove restrictions from your license. If any of these changes are needed, you must renew in person. Online renewal is not available for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) or licenses with medical restrictions.
Documents and Fees Required for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time | Vision Test Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Person | Current license, proof of identity, Social Security proof, proof of residency | $31.00 (cash, check, or debit card) | when ready | Yes |
| By Mail | Form 78-R (notarized or witnessed), check or money order | $31.00 | 7–10 business days | No |
| Online | License number, date of birth, Social Security number | $31.00 (debit or credit card) | 1 business day | No |
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Mississippi driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot use mail or online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring the same documents required for standard in-person renewal: current or expired license, proof of identity, Social Security proof, and proof of residency. You will also take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Mississippi traffic laws.
The written test is required because your license has been expired for an extended period. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will receive study materials when you arrive at the office. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. The $31.00 renewal fee applies regardless of how long your license has been expired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing
Do not send cash through the mail when renewing by mail. Use a check or money order instead. Do not forget the notarization or witness signature on your mail-in process—the office will reject the process without it. If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, contact the Driver Services office before mailing your process, because the renewal will be sent to your old address on file.
Do not assume online renewal will work for your license type. Online renewal is not available for commercial licenses, licenses with medical restrictions, or licenses that require address changes. If you need to update your address, you must renew in person. Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to six months before expiration, which gives you time to choose the method that works best for you.
If you are renewing in person and fail the vision test, do not leave the office without knowing what to do next. Ask the staff for the vision correction form and the name of an eye care provider. Some offices can provide referrals. Bring the completed form back to the office when you have it, and you can complete your renewal the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before the expiration date. This is useful if you plan to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush. The new license will have a new expiration date four years from the date you renew.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and the office will update your address during renewal. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot update your address—you must renew in person instead.
Do I need to take another written test if I renew in person?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than five years. Standard in-person renewals require only a vision test. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will take both a vision test and a written knowledge test.
How long does it take to receive my new license after renewing by mail?
The office takes 7 to 10 business days to process your process after it arrives. Your new license is then mailed to your address on file, which typically takes an additional 3 to 5 business days. Total time is usually 10 to 15 business days from when the office receives your process.
What should I do if I need to renew but my license is damaged or unreadable?
Bring your damaged license to a Driver Services office in person. The staff will issue a replacement license at no additional cost if the damage is not your fault. If the damage is due to wear and tear, you may be charged the standard $31.00 renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your new plastic license by mail within a few days.