The Hattiesburg Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver licenses at a single office in Hattiesburg, located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the office you visit to take your written test, road test, or renew an existing license. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons. If you are taking a road test, arrive with your vehicle fueled and in working condition — the examiner will inspect it before the test begins.

The office is located in downtown Hattiesburg near the intersection of Hardy Street and Broadway. If you are unfamiliar with the area, use the street address in your GPS or mapping app. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg driver license office is at 1601 Hardy Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You can take your written test, road test, or renew your license at this single location — there are no separate testing centers.
  • No appointment is required, but arriving in the morning usually means shorter waits than late afternoon.
  • For a road test, bring your vehicle fueled and in safe working condition, as the examiner inspects it before testing begins.
  • The office is closed on state holidays, so check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before making a trip.

What to Bring to the Hattiesburg Office

Bring your current valid ID or passport, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are taking a road test, bring your vehicle and proof of insurance.

If you are a first-time driver taking your written test, you do not need to bring your vehicle — the written test happens indoors at the office. Bring only your ID documents and proof of address. You will schedule your road test after you pass the written test.

Make a checklist before you leave home. Missing a single document means you will have to return another day. The office staff can tell you what you are missing, but they cannot issue a license without all required documents present.

Taking Your Written Test in Hattiesburg

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the office. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. There is no fee for the written test itself, but you will pay the license fee when you pass and are ready to take your photo.

Study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before you arrive. The manual is free and available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. It covers everything the test asks about, and most people who study it pass on their first try.

Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test

After you pass your written test, you schedule your road test at the same office. Road tests are given Monday through Friday during office hours. You cannot schedule a road test more than 30 days in advance, and some dates fill up quickly during busy seasons.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner tests your ability to start the vehicle, control steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. You must bring your vehicle, proof of insurance, and your learner's permit or temporary license. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting one day. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The road test fee is included in your overall license fee.

License Fees and Payment Methods

A four-year driver license in Mississippi costs $24. A six-year license costs $36. A commercial driver license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing an existing license, the fee is the same. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you pay a replacement fee of $10 in addition to the renewal fee. Fees do not change based on where you take your test — the Hattiesburg office charges the same as any other office in the state.

Renewing Your License at the Hattiesburg Office

You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and your payment. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. The renewal process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may have to retake your written test and road test instead of renewing. Ask the office staff when you arrive whether you can renew or must test again — the answer depends on how long your license has been expired.

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any violations in the past year. Contact the Hattiesburg office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for mail renewal forms and instructions.

What Happens After You Pass Your Tests

After you pass your road test, the office takes your photo and issues your license on the spot. You walk out with your physical license the same day. Your license is valid when ready — you do not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail.

Your new license is a plastic card with your photo, signature, address, and license number. It is valid for the number of years you chose to pay for (four or six years). You can drive anywhere in the United States with a valid Mississippi driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my written test without a learner's permit first?

No. You must have a valid learner's permit before you can take the written test for a driver license. You get a learner's permit at the same office by passing a separate written test. The learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake it after waiting one day. You pay the license fee only once, not each time you test. Most people pass within two or three attempts. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next test.

Do I need to call ahead or make an appointment?

No appointment is required. Walk in during office hours and take a number. Wait times vary, but mornings are usually faster than afternoons. If you are taking a road test, you must schedule it in advance at the office or by phone.

What if the office is closed when I need to go?

The office is closed weekends and state holidays. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for holiday closures before you plan your visit. If you cannot visit during regular hours, you may be able to renew by mail if you meet the requirements.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Hattiesburg office?

Yes. A REAL ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You pay an extra fee and bring additional documents (usually a birth certificate or passport). Ask the office staff about REAL ID requirements when you arrive.