Where to Get Your License in Laurel

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau handles all driver's licenses in Laurel. You will visit the Laurel Driver License Office in person to take your written test, road test, and pick up your license. This office is located at 1428 Old Richton Road, Laurel, MS 39440.

You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. Mississippi requires you to appear in person for both the knowledge test and the driving test before a license is issued. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours may vary by season, so call ahead at (601) 428-0771 to confirm current hours before you go.

If you live outside Laurel but want to test there, you can — Mississippi allows you to test at any Driver License Office in the state. However, most people test closest to home for convenience.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel Driver License Office is at 1428 Old Richton Road and handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance for the area.
  • You must appear in person for both your knowledge test and your driving test; neither can be done online or by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the office staff can tell you exactly which documents they will accept when you call.
  • Road tests in Mississippi are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early or call to ask about wait times on the day you plan to test.
  • If you fail your road test, you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee again and may need to wait for the next available appointment.

What Documents to Bring to the Laurel Office

Mississippi requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency. Your identity document must be a government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID yet, bring a birth certificate or certified copy instead.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. The office staff can tell you which specific documents they prefer when you call, because some documents are accepted more readily than others.

Bring your learner's permit if you already have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — Mississippi requires parental consent for minors. Bring the completed DL-44 form (the process for a driver's license), which you can fill out at home or at the office.

The Written Test in Laurel

The knowledge test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Laurel office, and you will get your score when ready after you finish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. However, you will pay the test fee again. Most people study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before testing; the manual is free and available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

The test is offered in English. If you need the test in another language, call the Laurel office ahead of time to ask whether they can accommodate you, because not all offices offer tests in all languages.

The Road Test in Laurel

The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. An examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up — and will watch how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers. You must use your own vehicle for the test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Road tests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment; you show up, pay the test fee, and wait for an examiner to call you. Wait times vary by day and time of day. If you want to know how long the wait is before you go, call the office and ask what the current wait time is.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will pay the fee again and may need to wait for the next available slot. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you could theoretically test again the same day if an examiner is available.

License Types Available in Laurel

Mississippi issues several license types depending on your age and what you will drive. A standard Class D license is for drivers 16 and older and covers regular passenger vehicles. A Class E license is for drivers who want to drive a motorcycle in addition to a car. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is for drivers who operate trucks or buses for work and requires additional testing and medical certification.

If you are under 18, you will receive a license with restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. without a licensed adult in the car, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.

Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

The written test fee and road test fee are separate charges. The exact amounts vary, so call the Laurel office to ask the current fees. Your driver's license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires, and renewal can be done by mail or online in Mississippi — you do not have to return to the office in person unless you want to change your address or photo.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at the Laurel office. There is a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a renewal.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass both the written test and the road test, the Laurel office will issue your driver's license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and a plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid while you wait for the card to arrive.

Your new license will show your name, address, date of birth, license number, and restrictions (if any). Check the information for errors before you leave the office. If something is wrong, tell the staff when ready so they can correct it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned in a manual?

Yes. If you pass your road test in an automatic, your license will be restricted to automatic vehicles only. If you want to drive a manual transmission, you must pass the road test in a manual vehicle.

What if I fail my road test — how soon can I retake it?

There is no waiting period. You can retake the road test the same day if an examiner is available, or you can come back another day. You will pay the test fee each time you test.

Do I need an appointment for the written or road test in Laurel?

No. Both tests are first-come, first-served. You show up, pay the fee, and wait for an examiner or testing station to be available. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time.

What if I move out of Laurel after I get my license?

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid anywhere in the state and nationwide. You do not need to update it when you move unless you want to change your address on the card itself.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the office?

Call the Laurel Driver License Office and ask. Policies on third-party pickup vary, and the staff can tell you whether someone can collect your license on your behalf and what documents they will need to bring.