Renewing your Mississippi driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions — you can do it online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license station. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a new photo.

If your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, you can renew online or by mail. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need a new photo or have had changes to your information, you must renew in person. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at most driver's license stations.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi offers online renewal for licenses that expired within the last two years and have no medical holds or restrictions.
  • Mail renewal is available for the same conditions as online renewal and takes about one to two weeks from the time you mail your documents.
  • In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, or your address or name has changed.
  • You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and a completed process form for any renewal method.
  • Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for four years from the date of issue.

Online renewal through the Mississippi DPS website

The fastest way to renew is online at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. You can start the process from home on a computer or phone. You will need your current or recently expired license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.

During the online process, you will answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether your medical information has changed. You will also confirm that you still meet the vision and health requirements to drive. Once you submit your information and pay the fee, the state mails your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within seven to ten business days.

Online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions on your record, and you have not had any address changes that need to be updated with a new photo. If any of these do not explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mail renewal with the Mississippi DPS

You can also renew by mail if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical holds. read and complete the Driver License process form (Form DL-44) from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, or request one by phone at 601-987-1500.

Mail your completed form, your current or expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The state will process your process and mail your new license to you, which usually takes one to two weeks after they receive your documents.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your mail gets lost, you will have documentation of what you sent and when.

In-person renewal at a Mississippi driver's license station

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, you need a new photo, your name or address has changed, or you have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. Visit any Mississippi driver's license station with your current or expired license, proof of your current address, and a completed process form.

Bring one document that proves your identity (such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and one document that proves your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or insurance statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The renewal process at the station takes about 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer health and vision questions, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is usually mailed to you within seven to ten business days, though some stations can issue a temporary license on the spot if you need to drive before your permanent license arrives.

What documents and fees you need

For any renewal method, you will need your current or expired Mississippi driver's license. You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A government-issued ID such as a passport or military ID is helpful but not always required if you are renewing in person.

The renewal fee for a four-year license is set by the state and varies slightly depending on your age and whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current fee, or call 601-987-1500 to confirm the exact amount before you mail your documents or visit a station.

If you are renewing by mail, pay with a check or money order made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If you are renewing online or in person, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only).

Finding a driver's license station near you

Mississippi has driver's license stations in most counties. Use the office locator on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find the station closest to you, see its hours, and check whether it requires an appointment. Some stations operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins during posted hours.

Call ahead before you visit — 601-987-1500 is the main number, and you can also find direct numbers for individual stations on the DPS website. Ask about wait times and confirm that the station has all the documents you plan to bring, especially if you are renewing after a name change or address change.

What happens if your license has expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver's license station in person. The state treats this as a new license process rather than a straightforward renewal, which means you will need to provide more documentation and have a new photo taken.

Bring your expired license if you still have it, proof of your identity, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The process takes about 30 minutes, and you will pay the standard renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license if I have a medical restriction?

No, you cannot use online or mail renewal if you have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record. You must renew in person at a driver's license station so the state can review your medical information and determine whether your restrictions have changed. Bring any updated medical documentation your doctor has provided.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you have moved, you can update your address online or by mail during renewal if your license expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person. Either way, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

Online and mail renewals usually take seven to ten business days from the time the state receives your process. In-person renewals also take seven to ten business days for your new license to arrive by mail, though some stations can issue a temporary license when ready if you need to drive right away.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 601-987-1500 for information about your specific case.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You must renew in person at a driver's license station. Bring proof of your identity and current address, and let the staff know that your license was lost. You will pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee for the lost license. The process takes about 30 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days.