The Greenwood Driver's License Office Location and Hours
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses at a single office in Greenwood, located at 1016 West Park Avenue, Greenwood, MS 38930. This is the only place in Greenwood where you can explore for, renew, or replace a driver's license.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no Saturday or Sunday service. If you need to visit during lunch, the office typically remains open through the lunch hour, but calling ahead at the local number can confirm current hours on the day you plan to go.
Parking is available on-site. The office is not accessible by public transit, so you will need a car or a ride to reach it. If you live outside Greenwood, the nearest alternative offices are in Winona (about 30 miles away) and Yazoo City (about 40 miles away), though most people in the Greenwood area use the Greenwood location.
Key Takeaways
- The Greenwood driver's license office is at 1016 West Park Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You must bring a Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a birth certificate or passport to explore for a new license.
- Vision tests are performed on-site, so you do not need to bring a separate eye exam result unless you have a medical condition affecting your vision.
- Renewal by mail is available if your license is not suspended and you have no address changes, which can save you a trip to the office.
- Wait times vary by day and time of day; early mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than late afternoons and Fridays.
What Documents You Need to Bring
Mississippi requires specific documents no matter whether you are explore for your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Bring your Social Security card (the physical card, not a printout), a birth certificate or U.S. passport, and proof of your current address in Greenwood.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Greenwood address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address in Mississippi. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord works as an alternative.
If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport), bring the same documents plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A U.S. passport serves as both citizenship proof and identity proof, so if you have one, bring it and you can skip the birth certificate.
How to Prepare Before You Go
Before you leave for the office, gather all your documents and check that they are current. An expired birth certificate is still valid for a driver's license, but a utility bill or lease must be dated within 60 days. If your address has changed since your last license, you must bring proof of your new Greenwood address.
Bring a pen and be ready to fill out form DL-44 (for a new license) or form DL-43 (for a renewal or replacement). These forms are available at the office, but you can also read them from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and fill them out ahead of time to speed up your visit. Handwriting must be clear and in black or blue ink.
Wear clothing that allows your face to be clearly visible for the photo. Hats, sunglasses, and head coverings are not allowed unless you have a religious or medical reason; if you do, bring documentation. The photo will be taken at the office, so you do not need to bring one.
Vision Testing and Medical Requirements
The Greenwood office performs vision screening on-site as part of the license process process. You do not need to bring a separate eye exam or doctor's note unless you have a condition that affects your vision and requires special restrictions on your license.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The vision test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye (with correction if you use it). If you fail the screening, the office will refer you to an eye doctor; you can then return with a completed eye exam form to finish your process.
If you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you may be asked to provide a doctor's statement. Mississippi does not automatically disqualify you based on a medical condition, but the state may require documentation that you are safe to drive. Call the office ahead of time if you have questions about your specific situation.
Renewal and Replacement Options
If your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address, you can renew by mail without visiting the Greenwood office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs less than in-person renewal. You will need to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and the fee to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Forms and mailing instructions are available on the state website.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the office in person to explore for a replacement. Bring your Social Security card and proof of address; you do not need your birth certificate for a replacement if you already have a valid Mississippi license on file. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day.
If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction, you cannot renew or replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Wait Times and Best Times to Visit
The Greenwood office does not use an online appointment system, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times depend on how busy the office is that day. Early mornings (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) and mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits than late afternoons and Fridays. Mondays can also be busy as people catch up after the weekend.
If you go during lunch (around noon to 1:00 p.m.), the office is usually less crowded. Avoid the last hour before closing (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) if possible, as staff may not have time to process your process before the office closes.
Processing time at the window is usually 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, assuming your documents are in order. If documents are missing or incomplete, you will be asked to return with the correct paperwork before your process can be submitted.
Fees and Payment Methods
A new driver's license in Mississippi costs $24.50 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $24.50. A replacement (for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) costs $10. A Real ID-compliant license costs an additional $10 on top of the base fee.
The Greenwood office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself; you cannot pay over the phone or by mail unless you are renewing by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
No. Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses. You will receive your permanent license on the same day you explore, provided your process is approved and your documents are complete. The license is printed on-site and you leave with it in hand.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport instead. If you have neither, you can order a birth certificate from the Mississippi Department of Health and Human Services or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. You cannot explore for a driver's license without one of these documents.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Greenwood office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. There is no online booking system. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must be present in person to explore for or pick up a driver's license. Mississippi requires you to sign the process and have your photo taken at the office.
What if my documents have a different name than what I use now?
Bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name on file and issue a license with your current legal name.