Where to Go and What to Bring

DeSoto County residents get their driver licenses at the DeSoto County Driver License Office, located in Southaven. This is the only full-service office in the county that issues new licenses, renewals, and replacements. You cannot complete a license transaction at a satellite office or by mail — you must appear in person at this location.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours occasionally change, so call ahead at the DeSoto County office before making the trip. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity. If you are renewing, bring your current license.

Arrive early if possible. The office does not take appointments, and wait times can run 45 minutes to two hours during lunch and late afternoon. Bring all documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.

Key Takeaways

  • The DeSoto County Driver License Office in Southaven is the only location in the county that issues new licenses and must be visited in person.
  • You need your Social Security card, proof of identity, and proof of residency dated within 60 days — originals only, no copies.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments available, so expect wait times during peak hours.
  • New licenses cost $24 and are valid for four years; renewals cost $24 and extend your license for another four years.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test for a new license, but renewals do not require retesting unless you have medical restrictions.

Documents You Need for a New License

Mississippi requires six documents or a combination that adds up to the required points. The easiest path is to bring your Social Security card (worth 2 points), a state ID or passport (worth 4 points), and proof of residency (worth 1 point). That totals 7 points and covers the requirement.

If you do not have a passport or state ID, bring your Social Security card, a birth certificate, and two pieces of proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within 60 days of your process. A driver license from another state counts as identity proof if it is still valid.

Bring originals of everything. The office will not accept faxes, scans, or photocopies for any document. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your other papers.

The Testing and Fees

New applicants must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DeSoto County office. The vision test checks that you can read a chart at 20 feet; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can return another day to retake it.

A new license costs $24 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $24 and extends your license for another four years. If you need a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), the fee is also $24. Cash, check, and card are accepted, though card processing may have a small fee.

Renewals do not require retesting unless you have medical restrictions noted on your current license or you are over 79 years old. If you are renewing by mail (available only if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions), the fee is $24 and processing takes two to three weeks.

Renewing Your License in DeSoto County

If your license is not suspended and has no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and costs $24. In-person renewal at the DeSoto County office is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day — and also costs $24.

To renew by mail, contact the DeSoto County Driver License Office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $24, and mail it with a copy of your current license. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

In-person renewal is faster and avoids mail delays. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. You do not need to retake the vision or knowledge test unless you have medical restrictions or are over 79.

Medical Restrictions and Special Endorsements

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — poor vision, hearing loss, or a physical limitation — Mississippi may issue your license with restrictions. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required" or "left foot accelerator only." You must disclose all medical conditions when you explore.

If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement. This requires passing an additional written test and a riding skills test. The riding test is conducted by the Mississippi Motorcycle Safety Program and must be scheduled separately from your license process. Endorsement fees vary; contact the DeSoto County office for current pricing.

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) are not issued at the county office. You must go to a Mississippi Department of Public Safety regional office to obtain a CDL. The DeSoto County office can direct you to the nearest location.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or digital images of documents. Mississippi requires originals of your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of residency. Bringing copies will delay your process and force you to return with the originals.

A second mistake is showing up without proof of residency dated within 60 days. Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements older than 60 days are not accepted. If you have just moved, bring a recent utility bill in your name or a lease signed within the last 60 days.

Third, do not assume your out-of-state license will be accepted as proof of identity if it is expired. Mississippi accepts only valid out-of-state licenses. If yours is expired, bring a passport, birth certificate, or military ID instead.

Fourth, if you are taking the knowledge test, study the Mississippi Driver Manual before you go. The test covers 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The manual is free and available online from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

What Happens After You Get Your License

Your new license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of the card. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration, so plan ahead if you want to avoid a lapse.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out the reason and what steps are needed to restore it. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points. Restoration can take several weeks.

Keep your license with you whenever you drive. Mississippi law requires you to present it to a law enforcement officer if stopped. If you lose your license, report it to the DeSoto County office and request a replacement for $24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online license renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and has no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at the DeSoto County office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is when ready.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must return to the DeSoto County office in person. Some people study the Mississippi Driver Manual between attempts; it is free online and covers all test topics.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The DeSoto County Driver License Office does not take appointments. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Expect longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning usually means shorter wait times.

Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. You must be a Mississippi resident to get a Mississippi driver license. Residency is proven with a document dated within 60 days showing your DeSoto County address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not live in Mississippi, you cannot get a Mississippi license.

What if my Social Security card is lost?

You can still explore for a license without it if you bring other documents that total the required points. A birth certificate (4 points) plus a passport (4 points) plus proof of residency (1 point) equals 9 points and meets the requirement. Contact the DeSoto County office to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.