The Southaven Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Southaven is located at 7975 Southcrest Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671. This is the physical location where you go in person to take your written test, road test, or renew an existing license.

Office hours vary by day and season. Before you go, call ahead at the Southaven office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm current hours, because they can change. Many driver license offices in Mississippi operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some locations have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.

Bring all required documents with you on your first visit. You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any other documents specific to your license type — learner's permit, commercial license, or renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • The Southaven driver license office is at 7975 Southcrest Parkway and handles written tests, road tests, and license renewals in person.
  • Hours change seasonally and by day of the week, so call or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any appointment.
  • Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait, and you cannot schedule appointments at most Mississippi driver license offices.
  • If the Southaven location is too busy, other nearby offices in DeSoto County or Memphis-area locations may have shorter wait times.

What to Bring to the Southaven Office

You must bring proof of identity — a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or expired driver license does not count. You also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are taking a road test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection — the examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before you start.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign consent forms. If you are explore for a commercial driver license, bring your current non-commercial license and any required medical certificates.

Written Test and Road Test at the Southaven Location

The Southaven office administers both the written knowledge test and the road skills test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Mississippi. You can take it on a computer at the office. Most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes, and you get your score when ready.

The road test is a 15- to 20-minute drive with an examiner in your vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is safe and legal to drive. The examiner will do a safety check first — if the vehicle fails, you cannot test that day.

You do not need to schedule a road test appointment at most Mississippi offices, including Southaven. You show up, wait your turn, and test when an examiner is available. Wait times can be 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is that day.

License Types You Can Get at Southaven

The Southaven office issues Class D licenses for regular passenger vehicles, Class R licenses for motorcycle riders, and commercial driver licenses (CDL) for trucks and buses. You can also renew an existing license, replace a lost or stolen license, or change your address at this location.

If you are a new driver, you start with a learner's permit, which you can get after passing the written test. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for a set time and practicing, you return to take the road test and get your full license.

Southaven does not issue commercial licenses on the spot — you must pass both the written and road tests, and the office will mail your license to you within 7 to 10 business days. Motorcycle licenses follow the same process.

Wait Times and When to Visit

The Southaven office is one of the busier locations in DeSoto County because it serves the city and surrounding suburbs. Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, and longest on Fridays and Mondays. If you arrive right when the office opens, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. If you go mid-afternoon, you might wait an hour or more.

There is no way to make an appointment at the Southaven office — it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If the wait is too long when you arrive, you can leave and come back another day. Some people check the office in person first to see how busy it is before committing to wait.

If you cannot get to Southaven, other DeSoto County offices or offices in nearby Germantown or Horn Lake may have shorter waits. Call ahead to ask about current wait times before you drive.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Mississippi vary by license type and whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one. A Class D license typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on how long the license is valid. A motorcycle endorsement costs extra. Commercial licenses cost more. Bring cash or a debit card — most offices accept both, but call ahead to confirm what the Southaven location takes.

If you fail the written or road test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee for each retake, but you do not have to pay the full license fee again.

What Happens After You Pass

If you pass the road test and all your documents are in order, you will get a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The address on your license will be the one you provided at the office, so make sure it is correct before you leave.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it as soon as the next day if you want to come back. There is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi. You do not have to retake the written test — only the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Southaven?

Some renewals can be done online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or violations. If you need a new photo, have a medical condition to report, or your license is already expired, you must go to the office in person.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test the next day or whenever you want to come back. There is no waiting period. You do not retake the written test — only the driving part. You will pay a retake fee, which is usually $10 to $15.

Do I need an appointment at the Southaven office?

No. The Southaven driver license office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait than going in the afternoon.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement. You do not have to have the card itself, but you must prove your number.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at the office, so you do not have to pick it up in person. If you need it faster or want to pick it up yourself, ask the staff at the Southaven office what options are available.