Where to explore for a Driver's License in New Albany
The New Albany Driver's License Office is located at 1016 East Main Street, New Albany, MS 38652. This is the only DMV office in Union County, so if you live in or near New Albany, this is where you will go to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at (662) 534-1904 before you go. The office does not take appointments, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you can—wait times are typically shorter in the morning and on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
If you cannot reach the New Albany office by phone, you can also contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau main line at (601) 987-1500 for general questions about requirements or fees.
Key Takeaways
- The New Albany Driver's License Office is at 1016 East Main Street and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments available.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence—originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- Mississippi charges $24.50 for a four-year standard driver's license and $36.75 for an eight-year license; fees are cash, check, or card.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; the written test can be taken the same day as your process.
- A learner's permit is required before you take the road test and costs $11.00; you must hold it for at least one day before testing.
Documents You Must Bring to explore
Mississippi requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence. You must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. If you are explore for the first time and do not have a passport or military ID, a certified birth certificate is the most straightforward choice.
Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number, even if it lists one.
Proof of residence must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residence. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord works.
Written Test, Vision Test, and Road Test Requirements
First-time applicants in Mississippi must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test. Renewal applicants do not take these tests unless their license has been expired for more than one year or they have medical restrictions.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or in print at the New Albany office. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can take the test the same day you submit your process. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day.
The vision test is administered at the office and checks your eyesight at 20 feet. You must be able to read a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to see an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from them before you can proceed.
The road test is scheduled after you pass the written and vision tests. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control it, follow traffic laws, and park. The test takes about 15 minutes. If you fail, you must wait at least one business day before retaking it. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.
Learner's Permit as a First Step
Before you can take the road test, Mississippi requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least one day. A learner's permit costs $11.00 and is valid for one year. You obtain it by passing the written test at the New Albany office.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. These restrictions end once you pass the road test and receive your full driver's license.
Many people get their learner's permit, practice driving for a few weeks, and then schedule their road test. You do not have to wait weeks—you can take the road test the day after you get your permit if you feel ready—but most people find that practicing first improves their chances of passing.
License Types and Renewal Timelines
Mississippi offers two standard driver's license options: a four-year license for $24.50 and an eight-year license for $36.75. Both are valid for driving a regular passenger vehicle. The choice is yours at the time of process.
When your license is about to expire, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before the expiration date. You can renew in person at the New Albany office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test.
If you are renewing and your address has not changed, the process is faster. Bring your current license, proof of residence if your address has changed, and payment. You do not need to retake the vision or written tests unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you have a medical condition that affects your driving.
Fees and Payment Methods
The New Albany Driver's License Office accepts cash, check, and card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). There are no additional fees beyond the license cost itself, though some transactions may have small variations.
| Transaction | Cost |
|---|---|
| Learner's Permit | $11.00 |
| Four-Year Driver's License | $24.50 |
| Eight-Year Driver's License | $36.75 |
| License Renewal (4-year) | $24.50 |
| License Renewal (8-year) | $36.75 |
| Duplicate License | $10.00 |
| Address Change | $5.00 |
If you are paying by check, make it out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If you are paying by card, the office will process it on-site. There is no online payment option for first-time applications—you must pay in person at the New Albany office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent reason applications are delayed or rejected is bringing photocopies instead of originals or certified copies. The office will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill. If you do not have the original, contact the issuing agency for a certified copy before you go.
A second common mistake is not bringing proof of residence dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill is older than 60 days, bring a more recent one or use a bank statement, lease, or property tax bill instead. A driver's license from another state does not count.
Third-time applicants sometimes arrive without a vehicle for the road test or with a vehicle that is not insured or registered. The examiner will not test you if the vehicle does not meet these requirements. Make sure your vehicle is registered in your name or in the name of someone who will be present during the test, and bring proof of current insurance.
Finally, do not skip the learner's permit step if you are a first-time applicant. You must hold it for at least one day before taking the road test. Some people try to take the road test the same day they pass the written test and are turned away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail if I live in New Albany?
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you are between 21 and 59 years old, and you have not had any medical restrictions added since your last renewal. If any of these do not explore, you must renew in person at the New Albany office. Check the renewal notice you receive in the mail to see which method is available to you.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test the next business day. There is no additional fee for the retest. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests. Bring the same vehicle and documents you brought the first time.
Do I need an appointment to explore for a license in New Albany?
No. The New Albany office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. Arrive early in the morning or mid-week to avoid longer waits. Call (662) 534-1904 if you have questions before you go.
What if my proof of residence is in someone else's name?
Proof of residence must show your name and current address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease or rental agreement signed by you, a bank statement in your name, or a government check addressed to you at your current address.
Can I get a duplicate license if mine is lost or stolen?
Yes. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residence to the New Albany office, and pay $10.00 for a duplicate. You do not need to retake any tests. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license.