Mississippi driver's license renewal basics
Mississippi allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a Driver Services office or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, depending on your situation. The online option is available only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, and you have no medical conditions flagged on your record. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew in person.
The renewal process takes about 15 minutes in person. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment. If you are renewing online, you can pay by credit or debit card. In person, Mississippi accepts cash, check, or card.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or you can receive it when ready at the office if you renew in person. The cost is $31 for a five-year license or $61 for an eight-year license.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your license is current and not suspended, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you have a medical restriction.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 15 minutes and you receive your new license when ready.
- Online renewal requires your current license number and proof of residency, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mississippi charges $31 for a five-year license or $61 for an eight-year license, and you can choose the term length when you renew.
- You must bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
When your Mississippi license expires and renewal windows
Your expiration date appears on the front of your license. Mississippi does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you are responsible for tracking your own expiration date. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you time to plan ahead.
If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew online as long as you meet the other requirements (no suspension, no medical flags, and current status). If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot use the online process and must renew in person at a Driver Services office.
Driving on an expired license in Mississippi is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. Renewing early avoids this risk and is straightforward enough that waiting until the last moment creates unnecessary stress.
In-person renewal at a Mississippi Driver Services office
To renew in person, visit any Driver Services office in Mississippi. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Bring your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and payment. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. A photo ID is not required if you have your current license with you.
If you are renewing in person, you will take a new photo and answer vision and medical history questions. You will receive your new license on the spot. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025), you must bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Real ID renewal in person costs the same as a standard renewal.
Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
To renew online, go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records.
You must upload a photo or use the camera on your device to take a new photo. The photo must meet Mississippi's requirements: face clearly visible, no sunglasses, no hats (unless for religious reasons), and a plain background. If your photo is rejected, you can retake it when ready.
After you submit your information and photo, you will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot choose to pick it up in person if you renew online—it must be mailed.
Documents and fees for Mississippi license renewal
| Renewal Type | Documents Needed | Cost | How You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (standard) | Current license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth, new photo | $31 (5-year) or $61 (8-year) | Mailed in 7–10 business days |
| In person (standard) | Current license, proof of residency (within 60 days) | $31 (5-year) or $61 (8-year) | Issued when ready |
| In person (Real ID) | Current license, certified birth certificate or passport, proof of SSN, two proofs of residency | $31 (5-year) or $61 (8-year) | Issued when ready |
Mississippi does not charge extra for a Real ID license—the cost is the same as a standard renewal. However, you must bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the Mississippi Department of Health or bring a valid passport instead.
What happens if your Mississippi license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. The office staff will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.
Common reasons for suspension in Mississippi include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The steps to restore your license depend on the reason. For example, if your license is suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before the suspension is lifted. If it is suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and install an ignition interlock device.
Do not drive while your license is suspended or revoked. Doing so is a criminal offense in Mississippi and can result in jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a restricted license, but this requires a hearing and approval from the court.
Real ID compliance and Mississippi driver's licenses
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Mississippi driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID, such as a passport or military ID.
When you renew your license, you can choose to get a Real ID at no extra cost. You must bring a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and two proofs of residency. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is valid for the same five or eight years as a standard license.
If you do not want a Real ID, you can keep renewing a standard license, but you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID when you fly or visit federal buildings. Many people find it simpler to get the Real ID once and not worry about it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license if I moved out of state?
Yes, you can renew online as long as your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year. You do not need to live in Mississippi to renew. However, if you have moved permanently and no longer live in Mississippi, you should consider getting a driver's license from your new state instead, because your Mississippi license will eventually expire and you will need to renew it again.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must go to a Driver Services office in person and bring proof of residency. The office will issue you a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time. Bring payment for both the replacement and renewal fees.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
You receive your new license when ready when you renew in person at a Driver Services office. You can use it right away for driving and identification. The office will give you a temporary paper license to carry until your plastic card arrives if there is any delay in printing.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew my license?
Yes, both online and in-person renewal require a new photo. Mississippi updates your photo every time you renew. If you renew online, you take the photo yourself using your device's camera. If you renew in person, the office takes your photo.
What if my name changed since my last license?
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Bring your current license, proof of the name change, proof of residency, and payment.