Mississippi driver's license renewal by mail or in person

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at any Driver Services office. The mail route is faster and cheaper — you pay $24 instead of $31, and you do not have to visit an office. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than one year.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you have a suspension or medical restriction, you must renew in person. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a Driver Services office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal costs $24 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal costs $31 and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • You can renew by mail only if your license is not suspended, has no medical restrictions, and expired less than one year ago.
  • Your new license is valid for four years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to six months before expiration.
  • Mississippi requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like flying or entering military bases, and you can add Real ID during renewal.
  • If you renew by mail, send your current license, the renewal form, and payment to the address on the form; do not mail cash.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, you need form DL-43, which you can print from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request by phone at 601-987-1212. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Do not mail cash — send a check or money order for $24 payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Mail your packet to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license faster, you cannot use the mail route — you must go in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Mississippi Driver Services office with your current license and payment. You do not need an appointment. Bring a check or money order for $31, or pay by debit or credit card at most locations. Bring your current license and be ready to have your photo taken.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of renewal. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days — check the office locator on the Department of Public Safety website for hours near you.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military base access. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another federal ID to board a domestic flight. A standard Mississippi driver's license is not Real ID-compliant unless it has a gold star in the upper right corner.

When you renew, you can add Real ID at no extra cost. You will need to bring one document proving your identity (your current license works), one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). If you renew by mail, you cannot add Real ID — you must go in person and bring these documents with you.

What happens if your license is suspended or expired over a year

If your license is suspended for any reason — unpaid traffic tickets, child support arrears, or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office staff will check your record and tell you what must be resolved before you can renew. Suspensions are often lifted once you pay outstanding fines or court costs, but some suspensions require a waiting period or completion of a program.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you are treated as a new applicant and must take the written test and vision test again, even in person. You will also need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address — the same documents required for Real ID. This is more time-consuming than a standard renewal, so do not let your license expire by more than one year if you can help it.

Timeline and when to renew

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date of renewal. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, so if your license expires on December 15, you can start renewing on June 15. The Department of Public Safety does not mail renewal notices, so mark your expiration date on a calendar or set a phone reminder.

If you choose mail renewal, send your packet at least three weeks before your expiration date to account for mail delivery and processing time. If you wait until the last week, you risk your license expiring before the new one arrives. If your license does expire while you are waiting for the new one by mail, you can still drive on the temporary paper license if you have one, but it is safer to renew early.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. For mail renewal, write your new address on the DL-43 form in the space provided. For in-person renewal, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it in the system.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot update it by mail renewal — you must go in person and bring a certified copy of the document that proves the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The certified copy must be an official document from the court or vital records office, not a photocopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person only. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you fill out a form, mail it with your license and payment, and receive your new license by mail.

What if I lost my current license before renewal?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. You must go in person to a Driver Services office and report it lost. Bring your ID, Social Security proof, and address proof. You will pay $31 for the replacement license, and the staff will issue a temporary license on the spot.

How much does it cost to add Real ID during renewal?

Real ID is free when you renew your license. You pay the standard renewal fee ($24 by mail, $31 in person) and bring the required documents. There is no separate charge for the Real ID feature.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, they take a new photo automatically. You cannot request a new photo by mail.

What if my renewal check gets lost in the mail?

If two weeks have passed and you have not received your new license, call the Driver Services Bureau at 601-987-1212 to check the status. If your check was lost, they will tell you and you can send another one. Keep a record of the check number and date you mailed it in case you need to reference it.