Where the Laurel Driver's License Office Is Located

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office in Laurel is located at 1401 Sawmill Road, Laurel, MS 39440. This is the physical location where you will go in person to take your written test, road test, or to renew or replace a license.

Laurel is in Jones County in south-central Mississippi. If you live in or near Laurel, this office serves your area. The office is not in downtown Laurel but on the outskirts, so plan your route ahead of time and allow extra time for parking.

You cannot complete your driver's license transaction online or by mail if you need to take a test or appear in person for the first time. You must visit this office or another Mississippi driver's license office to finish the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel driver's license office is at 1401 Sawmill Road and handles written tests, road tests, and license renewals for Jones County residents.
  • You must visit in person for your first license, learner's permit, written test, or road test — these cannot be done online or by phone.
  • Office hours and wait times vary, so call ahead or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go.
  • Bring all required documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residency) on your first visit to avoid a wasted trip.
  • If the Laurel office is closed or has a long wait, other Mississippi driver's license offices can serve you, though you may need to travel further.

What to Bring to the Laurel Office

Before you go to 1401 Sawmill Road, gather the documents the Mississippi Department of Public Safety requires. You will need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or certified copy), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address).

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license card. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you may need to pay a replacement fee.

The specific documents accepted can change, so visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the Laurel office before your appointment to confirm what you should bring. Arriving without the right paperwork means you will have to return another day.

Hours and How to Prepare for Your Visit

The Laurel driver's license office keeps standard business hours, but these can shift seasonally or due to staffing. Call 601-428-8700 (the main Mississippi Department of Public Safety number) or check the official website to confirm the current hours before you drive there. Many offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

Arrive early if possible. The Laurel office can have wait times, especially on Fridays or at the start of the month. If you have a specific appointment time, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are walking in without an appointment, expect to wait, and bring something to do.

The office is open to the public, but you may be asked to wait outside if capacity is full. On busy days, the office may stop accepting new customers an hour or two before closing time. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip.

Taking Your Written Test at Laurel

If you are taking your written test (also called the knowledge test), you will take it at the Laurel office on a computer. The test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before you go — it is free and available on the Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything the test asks about. You can also take practice tests online to get familiar with the format and types of questions.

Bring your learner's permit (if you have one) and a valid ID. The test takes about 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Taking Your Road Test at Laurel

The road test (also called the driving test) is where you demonstrate that you can safely operate a vehicle. You will drive with a Mississippi Department of Public Safety examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws.

Before you schedule your road test, make sure your vehicle is in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn. Bring your learner's permit, a valid ID, and proof of vehicle insurance. You must have held your learner's permit for a certain amount of time before you can take the road test; check the current waiting period on the Department of Public Safety website.

The examiner will give you directions as you drive. Stay calm, follow all traffic laws, and ask for clarification if you do not understand an instruction. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week.

Renewing or Replacing Your License at Laurel

If your license is expiring or you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you can do this at the Laurel office. Bring your current license (if you have it), proof of identity, and proof of residency. The process is faster than getting a first license because you do not need to take a test.

A standard driver's license in Mississippi is valid for eight years. If you are renewing before it expires, you can often renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, which is faster and cheaper than renewing in person. Check the website to see if you are may be able to access for online renewal.

If you must renew in person — for example, if you have a commercial license or if your license has been suspended — the Laurel office can process it. Bring payment for the renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for.

If the Laurel Office Is Closed or Too Busy

If the Laurel office has a long wait or is temporarily closed, you have other options. Mississippi has driver's license offices in most counties. The nearest offices to Laurel are in Hattiesburg (Forrest County), Meridian (Lauderdale County), and Jackson (Hinds County).

You do not have to use the office closest to where you live — any Mississippi driver's license office can issue or renew your license. However, traveling to another county takes more time and gas money. Call ahead to ask about wait times at other offices before you decide to drive there.

Some transactions, like renewing a standard license, can be done online if you meet the requirements. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if you can renew online instead of visiting an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Laurel driver's license office?

Most Mississippi driver's license offices, including Laurel, operate on a walk-in basis — you do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. However, call ahead to confirm current hours and ask about wait times. Some offices may offer appointment slots during busy seasons, so it is worth asking.

How long does it take to get a driver's license after I pass my road test?

You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your road test. Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to you within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

What if I fail my written or road test?

You can retake the test after a short waiting period, usually a few days. You will have to pay a retest fee each time. Study the Driver's Manual again before your next attempt, or ask the examiner what areas you need to improve on.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Laurel office?

You may be able to renew online if your license is not suspended, you do not have a commercial license, and you meet other requirements. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if you are may be able to access. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person.

What if I move out of Jones County after I get my license?

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid statewide and does not need to be updated if you move within Mississippi. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You do not have to return your old Mississippi license.