Where to Get Your Corinth Driver's License

Corinth is in Alcorn County, Mississippi, so you will work with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver's License Bureau. The DPS handles all driver's license issuance, renewal, and replacement in the state. You cannot get a Corinth-specific license — Mississippi issues one driver's license type per category (Class D for regular driving, Class E for commercial, and so on), regardless of where you live or explore.

The closest DPS office to Corinth is the Alcorn County location. You can visit in person to explore for a new license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged card. The office is open during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary by location. Call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm the exact address and current hours before you go.

You cannot renew online in Mississippi, even if your license is not expired. You must appear in person at a DPS office, bring the required documents, and pay the fee at the time of your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi issues one standard driver's license type per category, so your Corinth license is a Class D Mississippi driver's license with no city designation.
  • You must visit the Alcorn County DPS office in person — there is no online renewal or mail-in option in Mississippi.
  • A new Class D license costs $31 and is valid for eight years; renewal costs $31 for eight years or $24 for four years.
  • You need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address to explore for a new license.
  • If your license is expired, you can still renew it at the DPS office, but you cannot legally drive until the new card arrives.

Documents You Need for a New License

Mississippi requires you to bring original or certified copies of specific documents. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

For identity, bring your U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A school ID, work ID, or military ID alone is not enough. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the Mississippi State Department of Health or the county where you were born — this can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number. A letter from Social Security is also accepted. For address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement is not accepted.

Renewal Timeline and Fees

A Class D driver's license in Mississippi is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to 180 days before it expires. When you renew, you will receive a new physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days — you cannot drive legally until it arrives, even if the DPS office gives you a receipt.

The renewal fee is $31 for an eight-year license or $24 for a four-year license. You pay at the time of your visit. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to take the written test and vision test again, depending on your age and the reason for the lapse.

If you are renewing within 180 days of expiration, you do not need to retake the written test, but you will still need to pass the vision screening at the DPS office. Bring your current license and all required address and identity documents.

What Happens If Your License Is Lost or Damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the Alcorn County DPS office. The fee for a replacement is $10. You will need to bring your identity document and proof of address, the same as for renewal. You do not need to retake any tests.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. Some identity theft monitoring services ask for this documentation. The DPS will issue a new card with a new number, so the old card is no longer valid even if it is found.

Vision and Written Test Requirements

When you explore for a new license, you must pass a vision screening at the DPS office. The test checks your visual acuity and color vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is performed with your correction. If you fail the vision test, you cannot be issued a license until you have been examined by an eye doctor and bring proof of correction to the DPS office.

You must also pass a written test covering Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test up to three times in one visit if you fail. Study materials are available on the DPS website and at the office.

If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you do not retake the written test. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you are under 21, you will be required to retake the written test as part of renewal.

Real ID Compliance and Passport Cards

Mississippi driver's licenses are Real ID compliant as of 2024. This means your license can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport. You do not need to request a Real ID endorsement — all new and renewed licenses issued by Mississippi are Real ID compliant by default.

If you need a passport card for international travel or federal purposes beyond air travel, you must explore at a post office or passport acceptance facility. A driver's license is not a passport and does not replace one. The passport card process is separate from your driver's license renewal and has its own fee and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires all driver's license renewals to be done in person at a DPS office. You must bring your documents, pass the vision test, and pay the fee at the time of your visit. There is no mail-in or online renewal option.

What if I moved to Corinth from another state?

You must exchange your out-of-state license for a Mississippi license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill or lease), and your identity and Social Security documents. You will take the vision test and written test. The fee is $31 for a new Class D license.

How long does it take to get my new license card?

The physical card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot legally drive until the card arrives, even if the DPS office gives you a receipt. If you need to drive before the card arrives, ask the office about a temporary permit.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test up to three times in one visit at no additional cost. If you fail all three attempts, you must return to the DPS office on another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test across multiple visits.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office?

Appointment policies vary by location. Call the Alcorn County DPS office to ask whether appointments are required or recommended. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early morning and mid-month.