Where the Laurel DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Laurel is located at 1428 Cumbest Street, Laurel, MS 39440. This is a full-service office that issues new driver licenses, handles renewals, processes license replacements, and manages other standard driver license transactions. It serves Jones County and surrounding areas.

The Laurel office is not a limited-service location — you can complete most driver license business here without traveling to Jackson or another regional center. However, not all services are available at every visit window, so calling ahead for complex requests (such as commercial license upgrades or medical certification reviews) can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Laurel DMV office is at 1428 Cumbest Street and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and standard transactions for Jones County residents.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Mississippi residency to any transaction.
  • Hours vary by day and season; call ahead at the office or check the Mississippi DMV website before you go.
  • Vision tests, written tests, and road tests are administered at this location, though road test scheduling may have a wait depending on demand.
  • Fees for licenses, renewals, and replacements vary by license type and age; bring cash, check, or card as the office accepts all three.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Every transaction at the Laurel office requires the same core set of documents. Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver license all work. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Do not rely on a Social Security statement mailed by the government; the office will not accept it.

Third, bring proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count, and neither does mail from a government agency that does not show your address.

If you are renewing a license, bring your current or expired 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 confirming the loss. For a new license after moving to Mississippi, bring your previous out-of-state license and the same residency documents.

How to Schedule a Road Test or Written Test

The Laurel office administers both written tests (for knowledge of traffic laws) and road tests (the driving portion). You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can take it the same day you explore for a learner's permit, though you should arrive early because the office processes tests in order.

Road tests require scheduling in advance. You can request a road test date when you explore for your learner's permit, or you can call the Laurel office directly to book a slot. Wait times for road tests vary; during busy months (spring and summer), you may wait two to four weeks. During slower periods, you might get a test within a week. The office will give you a specific date and time when you schedule.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered in Mississippi, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection (working lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors). The examiner will check these before the test begins.

Office Hours and How to Contact the Laurel Location

The Laurel DMV office is open Monday through Friday, but hours change seasonally and may shift without notice. Standard hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m., but you should confirm before you go. The office is closed on state holidays and occasionally closes for staff training.

Call the Laurel office directly at (601) 428-2361 to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or schedule a road test. You can also visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and search for the Laurel location to see current hours and any posted closures. If you cannot reach the office by phone, the website also lists the main Jackson office number, which can forward your question to Laurel.

Fees and Payment Methods at the Laurel Office

Driver license fees in Mississippi depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard four-year driver license costs one amount; a six-year license costs more. A learner's permit is less expensive than a full license. Renewal fees are typically lower than fees for a new license. Replacement licenses (for lost or stolen) cost the same as a new license in most cases.

The Laurel office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Ask for a receipt, especially if you pay cash, so you have proof of payment if there is a dispute later. Fees are set by the state and do not vary by location, so the Laurel office charges the same amount as any other Mississippi DMV office.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment or before the office opens if you are not scheduled. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. The office will call you by number or name when it is your turn.

A staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take a photo for your license. If you are explore for a new license, you will take a vision test at a machine in the office. If you are taking the written test, you will sit at a computer terminal and answer multiple-choice questions about Mississippi traffic laws. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Once your process is processed and approved, your license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, which you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Keep the temporary license in your wallet until the real one comes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Laurel Office

The most common error is bringing documents that do not meet the residency requirement. A utility bill dated more than 60 days ago will not work, and neither will a cell phone bill or an insurance statement. Check the date on every document before you leave home.

Another frequent mistake is arriving without proof of Social Security number. A Social Security statement from the government is not acceptable — you need the card itself, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV.

Do not assume your out-of-state license will work as proof of identity if you are a new Mississippi resident. It will, but you must also bring proof of residency. If you only bring your old license and no residency documents, the office will turn you away and you will have wasted a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of going to Laurel?

Mississippi allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. If you meet those conditions, you can renew on the Mississippi DMV website without visiting the office. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you must go in person to the Laurel office.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another attempt within a few days by calling the office. For the road test, you must schedule a new date, which may be one to four weeks away depending on availability. There is a fee each time you retake a test.

How long does it take to get a new license after I explore at the Laurel office?

Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license the day you explore, which is valid for driving until the card arrives. Do not throw away the temporary license — keep it with you.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Laurel DMV office?

Appointments are not required for most transactions, but the office processes customers in order of arrival. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan. For road tests, you must schedule a specific date and time in advance.

What if my documents are from out of state and I just moved to Mississippi?

Bring your out-of-state driver license as your form of identification and a Mississippi residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to prove you live here now. The office will accept this combination and issue you a Mississippi license.