The Olive Branch DPS Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in Olive Branch is located at 6980 Cockrum Street, Olive Branch, MS 38654. This is the physical location where you can explore for a new driver license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can occasionally shift due to staffing or maintenance, so calling ahead at the office directly before you go is a smart move. The office does not operate on weekends.

Olive Branch is in DeSoto County, in the northern part of Mississippi near the Tennessee border. If you live in or near Olive Branch, this is your local DPS office. If you live elsewhere in the state, you can visit any DPS office, but the Olive Branch location is the closest option for residents in that area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Olive Branch DPS office is at 6980 Cockrum Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card to explore for a new license.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test at the DPS office or a separate testing location.
  • Renewals can sometimes be completed by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, so check the DPS website before making the trip.
  • Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary; arriving early in the day or on less busy days typically means shorter waits.

What Documents to Bring to the Olive Branch Office

Before you go to the Olive Branch DPS office, gather the documents you will need. The exact list depends on whether you are explore for a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged one, but there are core documents required for all transactions.

Bring a valid form of identification — this can be a passport, military ID, or an existing driver license. You will also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. Bring your Social Security card or number — the office will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

If you are explore for a new license for the first time in Mississippi, bring your birth certificate or certified copy. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS website lists the full requirements by transaction type, so review it before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Testing Requirements for First-Time Applicants

If you are explore for your first Mississippi driver license, you cannot complete the entire process at the Olive Branch office in one visit. You will need to pass three separate tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test.

The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free on the DPS website. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and assesses your ability to operate a vehicle and follow traffic laws.

The Olive Branch office administers the written and vision tests. The driving test may be conducted at the same location or at a separate testing site depending on current scheduling. When you arrive for your written test, ask the staff where and when you can schedule your driving test. Some applicants complete all three tests within a few days; others may wait one to two weeks depending on examiner availability.

Renewal and Replacement Options Without Visiting Olive Branch

If you already have a valid Mississippi driver license and are straightforward renewing it, you may not need to visit the Olive Branch office at all. Mississippi allows certain renewals by mail and online, which can save you time.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You can renew online through the DPS website up to one year before your license expires. The fee is lower than an in-person renewal, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You will need to complete a form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS. Processing takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon. If you need to renew in person because you do not may have access to for mail or online renewal, or if you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you will need to visit the Olive Branch office.

Wait Times and Best Times to Visit

The Olive Branch DPS office accepts walk-ins, but wait times vary depending on the day and time of day. On average, you can expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Early morning visits — arriving shortly after the office opens at 8:00 a.m. — typically mean shorter waits. Mid-morning (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) is often less crowded than afternoon hours. Avoid lunch time (noon to 1:00 p.m.) and late afternoon (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), when wait times tend to spike. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often less busy than Mondays and Fridays.

If you are explore for a new license and need to take the driving test, the wait for that test may be longer than the wait for the written test. Ask staff about current driving test wait times when you arrive, and be prepared to schedule your test for a later date if the wait is more than a few hours.

Fees and Payment Methods at the Olive Branch Office

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary by license type and transaction. A new driver license costs around $25 to $30, depending on whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license. A renewal costs less — typically $15 to $20. Replacement of a lost or damaged license costs around $15.

The Olive Branch office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Exact fees can change, so confirm the current fee for your specific transaction on the DPS website or by calling the office before you go.

If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license, the fee is slightly higher than a standard license, but REAL ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. Most people explore for a new license now choose REAL ID, as the federal important date for standard licenses has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment at the Olive Branch office instead of walking in?

Mississippi DPS does not currently offer appointment scheduling at most offices, including Olive Branch. You must arrive as a walk-in. However, check the DPS website or call the office directly, as scheduling options may have changed. If appointments become available, the DPS website will announce it.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another attempt within a few days. The driving test can usually be rescheduled within one to two weeks. There is no additional fee to retake a test, but you will need to return to the office or testing location. You are allowed multiple attempts, though some states limit how many times you can test in a certain period.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is my number enough?

Bringing your actual Social Security card is safest, but if you know your number and can provide it, the DPS can verify it with the Social Security Administration. However, bringing the card avoids any delays or questions. Check the current requirements on the DPS website before you go.

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

No. You must pick up your license in person and sign for it. If you cannot return to the Olive Branch office, you can request that your license be mailed to you, though this adds processing time and may incur an additional fee.

What if the Olive Branch office is closed when I need to renew?

If you cannot visit during regular hours, use online or mail renewal if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for those options and the office is closed, you can visit any other DPS office in Mississippi during its operating hours. The nearest alternatives to Olive Branch are in Memphis (if you are willing to cross into Tennessee) or other DeSoto County or surrounding county offices.