Where to go for your Hattiesburg driver's license

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services Division handles all driver's licenses in the state. In Hattiesburg, you'll visit the local Driver Services office located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the only place in Hattiesburg where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license.

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 or by mail in Mississippi — you must appear in person. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits typically have shorter lines.

Before you go, check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the Hattiesburg office at (601) 582-3000 to confirm current hours, as office closures or schedule changes do happen.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver Services office at 1601 Hardy Street is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license in person.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency before you arrive — bring originals, not copies.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Mississippi Driver's Manual online.
  • Your road test lasts about 15 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws in real driving conditions.
  • A new driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for four years; you can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office.

Documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency before you can test or receive a license. Bring originals — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a school photo ID paired with a report card or school transcript. If you're under 18, a school photo ID alone works.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your number on it. A birth certificate with your number printed on it also works.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check dated within the last 60 days. Your name and current address must appear on the document. A cell phone bill does not count as proof of residency in Mississippi.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

The test is given on a computer at the Hattiesburg office. You can request the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Mississippi.

Study using the free Mississippi Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people also study using online practice tests, which are not official but follow the same topics and question style.

The road test: what the examiner watches for

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test appointment. The test lasts about 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the Hattiesburg office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start.

The examiner watches for smooth steering, proper use of turn signals, correct speed and following distance, safe lane changes, proper parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and your response to traffic signs and signals. You must also demonstrate that you can start the car, adjust mirrors, and fasten your seatbelt correctly.

Common reasons people fail the road test include hitting the curb during parking, failing to use a turn signal, speeding or driving too slowly, not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and not checking mirrors before changing lanes. If you fail, you can retake the test, but there is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week.

Costs and how long it takes

A new driver's license in Mississippi costs $24.50. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the Hattiesburg office. There is no additional fee for the written test or road test.

The timeline depends on how quickly you pass both tests. If you pass the written test on your first visit, you can schedule a road test for the same day or a future date — it depends on examiner availability. Once you pass the road test, you receive your temporary license on the spot and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you fail either test, you'll need to return for a retest. The written test can usually be retaken the same day. The road test typically requires scheduling a new appointment, which may be days or weeks out depending on how busy the office is.

Special situations: under 18, permit holders, and renewals

If you're under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. You also need written consent from a parent or guardian, and they must be present when you explore. The learner's permit costs $12.50 and is valid for one year.

If you already have a learner's permit, bring it with you when you come to take the road test. You do not need to retake the written test — you can go straight to scheduling your road test appointment.

If your license has expired, you can renew it at the Hattiesburg office. If it has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and road test. Call the office to confirm what you need before you go.

Real ID and what it means for your Hattiesburg license

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. You'll need a Real ID-compliant license instead. Mississippi offers Real ID licenses at no extra cost — you just bring additional documents when you explore.

To get a Real ID license in Hattiesburg, bring everything listed above (identity, Social Security, and residency), plus one additional document: a certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military discharge paper. The Real ID license looks the same as a regular license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you don't travel by air or enter federal buildings, a standard license is still fine. But if you plan to fly domestically after May 2025, get the Real ID version when you visit the Hattiesburg office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a vehicle that isn't registered to me?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition, but it doesn't have to be registered in your name. Many people borrow a parent's or friend's car for the test. The examiner will check the registration and insurance card before you start.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. Call the Hattiesburg office to schedule your next appointment. There is no additional fee for the retest, and you do not need to retake the written test.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted for the written test, but road test appointments must be scheduled in advance. Call (601) 582-3000 or visit the office to book your road test date.

How long is a driver's license valid in Mississippi?

A standard driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You'll receive a renewal notice by mail before it expires, and you can renew it at the Hattiesburg office or by mail if your license is still valid.

What if I move out of Hattiesburg after I get my license?

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid anywhere in the state and nationwide. If you move to another state, you'll need to obtain a driver's license from that state, but you can use your Mississippi license until it expires or you establish residency elsewhere.