Where to Go for Your Hattiesburg Driver's License

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau office in Hattiesburg is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only full-service location in Forrest County where you can take the written test, road test, and receive your license on the same visit. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

You cannot renew or obtain a license online in Mississippi, and no other location in Hattiesburg offers these services. If you cannot reach the Hardy Street office, the next nearest Driver License Bureau is in Laurel (Jones County), about 30 miles away. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — calling ahead at (601) 545-4500 can tell you the current volume.

The Hattiesburg office handles all license types: Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class E (motorcycle), commercial licenses, and learner's permits. They also process renewals, replacements for lost or stolen licenses, and address changes. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, this office can issue it, though the process requires additional documents beyond a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver License Bureau at 1601 Hardy Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is the only location in Forrest County offering written tests, road tests, and same-day licensing.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency; the specific documents depend on whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass, and you can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • Road tests are scheduled after you pass the written test, and the examiner will evaluate your ability to start the vehicle, turn, brake, park, and follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • Fees for a Class D license are $31.00 for an eight-year license or $24.00 for a four-year license; Real ID licenses cost an additional $15.00.

Documents You Need Before Your Visit

Mississippi requires specific documents depending on your situation. All applicants must bring one form of valid identification (passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you are explore for your first license or a learner's permit, you also need a completed DL-44 form (process for Driver's License or Learner's Permit), which you can obtain at the Hattiesburg office or read from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Bring the form filled out but not signed — you will sign it in front of the examiner.

If you are renewing an expired license, bring your expired license plus the same identification and residency documents. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted; contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check your status before visiting.

For a Real ID-compliant license, add one additional document proving citizenship or legal presence: a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or visa. Real ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

Taking the Written Test in Hattiesburg

The written test at the Hattiesburg office covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly (80 percent) to pass. Questions are presented on a computer screen, and you have no time limit per question, though the entire test typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

The test covers topics from the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available at the Hattiesburg office or online. Study materials focus on speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you must wait at least 24 hours before a third attempt.

If English is not your first language, the Hattiesburg office offers the written test in Spanish. Request this when you arrive. No other languages are available at this location.

Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test

After you pass the written test, the examiner will schedule your road test. In Hattiesburg, road tests are typically scheduled for the same day or within a few days, depending on examiner availability. You will be notified of your test time before you leave the office.

For your road test, bring the vehicle you will be driving (it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition), your learner's permit or the receipt showing you passed the written test, and a valid form of identification. The examiner will check that your vehicle has working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins.

The road test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and takes place on public roads in and around Hattiesburg. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the vehicle, turning left and right, braking smoothly, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and following traffic laws. You must obey all traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, and demonstrate control of the vehicle. Common reasons for failing include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day. There is no additional fee for retests.

License Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A standard Class D driver's license in Mississippi costs $31.00 for an eight-year license or $24.00 for a four-year license. You choose the term when you explore. A Real ID-compliant license costs an additional $15.00 on top of the standard fee, so a Real ID Class D license is $46.00 (eight-year) or $39.00 (four-year).

Motorcycle endorsements (Class E) cost $15.00 and are added to your Class D license fee. Commercial licenses have different fees depending on the class; ask at the Hattiesburg office for current rates.

The Hattiesburg office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Your license is issued the same day you pass the road test, though the physical card may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail if you request it.

Renewing Your License in Hattiesburg

If your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew it at the Hattiesburg office without retaking the written or road test. Bring your expired license, valid identification, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency. The renewal process takes about 30 minutes.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must retake both the written and road tests as if you were explore for the first time.

If you need a Real ID upgrade during renewal, inform the staff when you arrive and bring proof of citizenship or legal presence. The upgrade costs $15.00 and does not extend your license expiration date — your new Real ID license will expire on the same date your old one would have.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit the Hattiesburg office with your valid identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A replacement license costs $10.00 and is issued the same day. You do not need to retake any tests.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police; bring the police report number to the office. This creates a record in case someone attempts to use your old license number fraudulently.

If you need to change your name or address on your license, you can do this at the Hattiesburg office. A name change requires a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. An address change requires only proof of residency and costs $5.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner's permit first?

No. Mississippi requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. You obtain the learner's permit by passing the written test at the Hattiesburg office. Once you have the permit, you must wait 30 days before scheduling the road test.

What if I fail the road test — can I retake it the same day?

No. You must wait at least one business day before retaking the road test. There is no additional fee for the retest. Call the Hattiesburg office to schedule your next attempt.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Mississippi?

No. A standard driver's license is valid for driving. Real ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a Real ID license or passport is needed; otherwise, a standard license is sufficient.

What happens if my license is suspended?

You cannot renew or obtain a new license while it is suspended. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to lift the suspension. Once it is cleared, you can visit the Hattiesburg office to renew or obtain a new license.

How long does it take to receive my physical license card in the mail?

Your license is issued the same day you pass the road test, but the physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the receipt you receive at the office until the card arrives.