The Newton County Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver licenses through a network of county offices. In Newton County, the office is located in Newton, the county seat. The specific address is 410 East Main Street, Newton, MS 39345. This is the only full-service driver license office in Newton County where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license transactions.

Hours of operation are typically 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. Because hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, call ahead at the office before making the trip. The main Mississippi Department of Public Safety number is (601) 987-1212, and you can ask to be transferred to the Newton County office or request their direct line.

Key Takeaways

  • The Newton County driver license office is at 410 East Main Street, Newton, MS 39345, and it is the only location in the county that handles new applications and renewals.
  • Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., but you should call ahead to confirm because hours may vary.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation in order to explore for or renew a license.
  • The office does not accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis; you may need to wait, so arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter wait times.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Mississippi offers online renewal for certain license types, but new applications and some transactions must be done at the office.

What Documents to Bring to the Newton County Office

Before you go to the Newton County driver license office, gather the required documents. You will need one form of primary identification — a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you do not have one of these, bring two forms of secondary identification, such as a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, or a utility bill in your name.

You must also bring proof of residency. This can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) that shows your current Newton County address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your ID does not reflect your new address, bring both your old address document and your new one.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. You will also need to bring any existing driver license or learner permit you hold, even if it is expired. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (which is required for federal travel as of May 2025), bring your original or certified birth certificate in addition to your passport or other primary ID.

explore for a New License at the Newton County Office

When you arrive at the Newton County office, you will complete Form DL-44, the process for a driver license. The staff will help you fill it out if you need information. You will answer questions about your driving history, any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Be honest on all questions; false statements on the process can result in denial or cancellation of your license.

After you submit your process, you will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also take a written knowledge test covering Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. Study materials are available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. If you pass the written test, you will then take a driving skills test with an examiner. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for this test.

If you pass all three tests, the office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on whether you paid for expedited processing. The standard fee for a new driver license in Mississippi is $31.00 for a four-year license or $49.50 for an eight-year license. Fees may vary if you are under 21 or if you request a REAL ID license.

Renewing Your License Without Visiting the Office

If your driver license is not expired and you have not had any traffic violations or medical changes, you may be able to renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Online renewal is available for standard driver licenses and is faster than renewing in person — your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The online renewal fee is typically $31.00 for a four-year license.

You cannot renew online if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to update your address, if you are explore for a REAL ID license for the first time, or if you have had any changes to your medical status. In those cases, you must visit the Newton County office in person. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, call the office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before making the trip.

Wait Times and Best Times to Visit

The Newton County driver license office serves the entire county, so wait times can be significant, especially on Mondays, Fridays, and near the end of the month when many people renew before expiration. If you have a choice, visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, ideally between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., before the lunch break. Arriving after 1:00 p.m. often means a shorter wait because many people have already completed their business.

The office does not take reservations or appointments for most transactions, so you will wait your turn. Bring something to read or work on, as wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time. If you are taking a written or driving test, plan to spend at least two to three hours at the office, even if the wait is short, because the tests themselves take time.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you live outside Newton County or cannot travel to the office, you have limited options. Mississippi does not allow you to mail in an process for a new license or to have someone else explore on your behalf. However, if you are renewing a valid license and meet the online renewal requirements, you can complete the process from home through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

If you are a member of the military stationed outside Mississippi, you may be able to renew your license by mail or through a military installation office. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to ask about military renewal options. If you are homebound due to age or disability, call the Newton County office to ask whether they can arrange an alternative, though this is not may provide and depends on staffing and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Yes. If you pass the vision and written tests, the office will schedule your driving test for the same day if an examiner is available. However, if the office is very busy, your driving test may be scheduled for a later date. Ask the staff when you arrive whether same-day testing is possible.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day before trying again. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time, so studying before you arrive is important.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Mississippi?

A REAL ID license is not required to drive within Mississippi. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want a REAL ID license, bring your original or certified birth certificate to the Newton County office along with your other documents.

How long does a new driver license take to arrive if I do not pick it up at the office?

Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Ask the staff at the Newton County office about expedited options and costs when you explore.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This means you will need to take the written and driving tests again. Bring all the documents required for a new process when you visit the Newton County office.