The Hattiesburg DMV Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Hattiesburg is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only full-service driver license office in Forrest County, and it handles all standard license transactions including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and upgrades.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays and weekends. There is no appointment system; service is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you can, as wait times often exceed 30 minutes during mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours.

You can verify current hours by calling the office directly at (601) 583-2500 before you go, since holiday schedules or emergency closures may affect availability. The Mississippi DMV website also lists office locations and hours, though the Hattiesburg office page does not always update when ready when changes occur.

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., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • No appointment is required; you arrive and wait your turn, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.
  • You must bring original or certified documents to prove identity, residency, and Social Security number; photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • The office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and license class upgrades, but does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or issuance.
  • Call (601) 583-2500 to confirm hours before visiting, especially around holidays or if weather or emergencies might affect operations.

What Documents to Bring to the Hattiesburg Office

Mississippi requires you to bring original documents — not copies or photos — to prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The documents must be current and valid. Expired documents are not accepted, and digital images or photocopies will not work, even if notarized.

For proof of identity, bring your Social Security card (original), a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a military ID. For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name and current address. If you are a new resident of Mississippi, bring proof that you have lived here for at least 30 days — a utility bill or lease with the move-in date works.

If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original, but you may be asked to sign a statement. If you are upgrading your license class (for example, from a standard license to a motorcycle endorsement), bring proof of any training or testing you have completed, if required by the endorsement type.

Fees and Payment Methods at the Hattiesburg Location

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary by license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard four-year license costs $24.00; an eight-year license costs $36.00. A motorcycle endorsement adds $10.00 to the base fee. Replacement licenses (for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) cost $10.00.

The Hattiesburg office accepts cash and check only — not credit cards or debit cards. Bring exact change or be prepared to write a check. If you do not have cash or a checkbook, you will need to leave and return with payment; the office will not hold your place in line.

You will also pay a $5.00 fee for the vision test administered at the office. This is separate from the license fee and is due at the time of service. Some transactions, such as address changes on an existing license, may have no fee, but confirm this when you arrive.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The staff will verify your documents, ask you to sign your process, take your photograph, and administer a vision test. The entire process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes once you reach the window, depending on how many documents need to be verified and whether any issues arise.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use as proof of licensure until the plastic card arrives. Keep this temporary license with you while driving.

If there are problems with your documents — for example, a name mismatch between your birth certificate and Social Security card — the staff will tell you what additional documents you need. You will have to return with those documents; the office cannot issue a license until the discrepancy is resolved.

Parking and Accessibility at the Hardy Street Office

The Hattiesburg DMV office has a small parking lot with spaces for standard vehicles and designated accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. Parking is free. The building is single-story and has a ramp entrance, making it accessible for people using wheelchairs or walkers.

The office interior has seating in the waiting area, but it can fill up during busy times. There is no food or beverage service in the office, and outside food and drink are not permitted. Plan to arrive with water or snacks if you expect a long wait.

When the Hattiesburg Office Cannot Help You

The Hattiesburg office does not conduct commercial driver license (CDL) testing or issuance. If you need a CDL, you must go to a separate testing facility. Mississippi's CDL testing is handled by third-party examiners; the DMV website lists approved testing locations, and the nearest ones to Hattiesburg are in other counties. You will need to contact those facilities directly to schedule a CDL test.

The office also does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or license plate issuance. Those services are handled by the Forrest County Tax Collector's office, located at a different address. If you need both a driver license and vehicle registration, you will have to visit two separate locations.

If you have questions about your driving record, traffic violations, or license suspension, the Hattiesburg office staff can provide general information, but they cannot resolve disputes or appeals. Those matters are handled by the Mississippi DMV's central office in Jackson, and you may need to contact them by phone or mail.

Alternatives if You Cannot Visit in Person

Mississippi does not offer online driver license renewal or mail-in renewal for most transactions. However, if your license is not suspended and you are renewing (not replacing or upgrading), you may be able to renew by mail if you meet specific conditions. Contact the Hattiesburg office at (601) 583-2500 to ask whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal.

If you live outside Hattiesburg but in Forrest County, the Hattiesburg office is your only option for driver license services in the county. If you live in a neighboring county, you may have a closer DMV office in your own county; check the Mississippi DMV website for locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to get a driver license in Hattiesburg?

No. The Hattiesburg office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. There is no appointment system. Arriving early in the day (shortly after 8:00 a.m.) usually means a shorter wait than arriving mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate or Social Security card?

No. Mississippi requires original documents. Photocopies, digital images, and notarized copies are not accepted. You must bring the actual document issued by the government agency.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my Social Security card?

The office staff will identify the mismatch and tell you what additional documents you need to resolve it — typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You will have to return with that document before a license can be issued.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore at the Hattiesburg office?

Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, which you can use to drive legally while you wait for the card.

Can I get a commercial driver license at the Hattiesburg office?

No. CDL testing and issuance are handled by third-party examiners at separate locations. The Mississippi DMV website lists approved CDL testing facilities; the nearest ones to Hattiesburg are in neighboring counties. You must contact those facilities directly to schedule a test.