Where the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau is located and what it handles

The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau is the Mississippi Department of Public Safety office that issues driver's licenses, learner's permits, and identification cards to residents in and around Hattiesburg. It is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This office handles both written tests and road tests, so you can often complete your entire licensing process in one place rather than traveling to multiple locations.

The bureau serves Forrest County and surrounding areas. If you live closer to another Mississippi Driver's License Bureau, you can use that office instead — your test results and documents are recognized statewide. However, many people find it convenient to use the Hattiesburg location because it offers both testing services under one roof.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau is at 1601 Hardy Street and handles learner's permits, written tests, road tests, and license issuance.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to any appointment or walk-in visit.
  • The bureau operates during standard business hours, but you should call ahead or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm current hours before you go.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance; you cannot straightforward walk in and take one the same day.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you are not changing your address or license class, which means you may not need to visit the bureau in person.

What documents you need to bring

Before you visit the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau, gather the documents required by Mississippi law. You will need a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own identification and proof of residency. If you are explore for a learner's permit, you do not need to bring your own vehicle — the bureau has vehicles for testing purposes. If you are taking a road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

How to get a learner's permit at the bureau

To get a learner's permit, visit the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau with your documents and complete an process form. You will then take a written test covering Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and is offered on a computer at the bureau. You must score at least 80 percent to pass.

If you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day. Your permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 14 days before you can take a road test for your regular driver's license.

How to schedule and take your road test

Road tests at the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau must be scheduled ahead of time. You cannot walk in and take a test the same day. To schedule, call the bureau directly at the phone number listed on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, or visit the website to see if online scheduling is available in your area.

When you arrive for your road test, bring your learner's permit, a vehicle that is registered and insured, and proof that you have held your permit for at least 14 days. The examiner will check your vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins. During the test, you will drive on local roads and demonstrate skills like turning, parking, and following traffic signals. You must pass the road test to receive your driver's license.

Hours, phone number, and how to prepare before you visit

The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday. However, hours change seasonally and may be affected by holidays or staffing. Before you make the trip, call the bureau or visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm the current hours and whether you need an appointment.

Prepare by gathering all required documents the night before. Arrive early if you are walking in, as the bureau can have a wait, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. If you are taking a written test, study the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Public Safety website. If you are taking a road test, practice driving in various conditions and review the skills the examiner will assess.

Renewing your license without visiting the bureau

If your license is expiring and you are not changing your address or license class, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. This means you can avoid a trip to the Hattiesburg bureau altogether. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person.

You are not may be able to access for mail or online renewal if you are under 21, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have changed your address, or if you want to upgrade to a different license class (such as from a regular license to a commercial license). In those cases, you will need to visit the bureau in person.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you live far from Hattiesburg or have difficulty traveling, you have options. You can visit any other Mississippi Driver's License Bureau — your documents and test results are valid statewide. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists all bureau locations and their hours, so you can find one closer to you.

If you are renewing your license and are not changing your address or class, use online or mail renewal instead. If you must take a written or road test and cannot travel to Hattiesburg, contact the Department of Public Safety to ask about testing accommodations or to find the nearest alternative bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered and insured. The registration and insurance do not have to be in your name, but they must be current and valid. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning lights, brakes, wipers, and horn.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test. You will need to schedule another appointment at the bureau. There is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi, so you can schedule your next test as soon as the bureau has an opening.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test for my learner's permit?

The Hattiesburg bureau may accept walk-ins for written tests, but you should call ahead to confirm. Road tests always require an appointment scheduled in advance. Calling before you visit saves you time and ensures the bureau is open.

Can I renew my license online if I am under 21?

No. Online and mail renewal are only available to drivers 21 and older. If you are under 21 and your license is expiring, you must visit the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau or another bureau in person.

What is the phone number for the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau?

The phone number is listed on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Call to confirm hours, schedule a road test, or ask about specific documents you need to bring. Having the correct number ensures you reach the right office.