What Mississippi requires for a driver's license
Mississippi issues a standard driver's license valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can explore for your first license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged card. The state does not issue a separate "real ID" card — your standard Mississippi driver's license meets federal real ID requirements if you provide the correct documents at issuance.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, handles all license transactions. You must explore in person at a Driver's License Office; Mississippi does not allow online or mail renewal for any license type.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, signature, and a photograph. The back of the card displays your license number, restrictions (if any), and organ donor status if you choose to register.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi driver's licenses are valid for eight years and require in-person renewal at a Driver's License Office — no online or mail renewal is available.
- You must bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed process form to any office visit.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test before receiving a license.
- Renewal costs $31 for an eight-year license, and the fee does not change based on age or license type.
- If your license expires while you are out of state, you can renew by mail only if you have a valid reason and submit a notarized affidavit with your process.
Documents you need for a first-time process
Bring originals or certified copies of all documents listed below. Photocopies or digital images are not accepted. You will also need to complete the process for Mississippi Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-44), available at any Driver's License Office or on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.
Proof of identity: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
Proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov is also accepted.
Proof of Mississippi residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the past 60 days. The document must show your current Mississippi address and your name. A P.O. box address does not satisfy this requirement.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with a valid photo ID. The guardian must sign the process form in your presence.
Testing requirements for new drivers
First-time applicants must pass three separate tests before receiving a license: the written knowledge test, the vision screening, and the driving skills test. You cannot take all three on the same day — the state requires a waiting period between the written test and the driving test.
The written knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 24 correct answers (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You may take the test up to three times in a 12-month period; if you fail three times, you must wait one year before retesting.
The vision screening is performed at the Driver's License Office. You must have visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the office.
The driving skills test is a behind-the-wheel evaluation lasting approximately 15 minutes. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. A licensed adult (not a family member) may accompany you, but the examiner will be in the vehicle. You must demonstrate basic vehicle control, obedience to traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You have two opportunities to pass; if you fail twice, you must retake the written test and wait before scheduling another driving test.
Renewal by mail or in person
If your license is not expired or suspended, you can renew in person at any Driver's License Office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee of $31. The process takes approximately 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must have a valid reason for being unable to visit an office in person (such as military deployment, temporary relocation out of state, or documented disability). To renew by mail, submit a notarized affidavit explaining your reason, your current license, proof of residency, and the $31 fee to the Mississippi Driver's License Bureau. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days.
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new Mississippi residency.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Driver's License Office in person with your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to retake any tests. The replacement fee is $31, the same as renewal. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may also report the theft to local law enforcement and request a police report number. While not required, a report number can be useful if the stolen license is used fraudulently.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, bring a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your current license and proof of residency. The replacement fee applies.
Restrictions, endorsements, and special designations
Mississippi driver's licenses may carry restrictions that limit how and when you can drive. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts), automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. Restrictions are noted on the front of your license and must be followed at all times.
Endorsements are added to your license to permit operation of certain vehicle types. A motorcycle endorsement (M) requires passing a separate written test and skills test. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is issued separately and requires additional testing and medical certification. A hazmat endorsement is available with a CDL and requires a federal background check.
Mississippi also offers an organ donor designation at no additional cost. You can register as an organ donor when you explore for or renew your license, or you can register separately through the Mississippi Organ Donor Registry on the Department of Public Safety website.
Fees and processing timelines
| Transaction | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| First-time license (includes tests) | $31 | 7–10 business days after passing all tests |
| Renewal (in person) | $31 | 7–10 business days |
| Renewal (by mail) | $31 | 15–20 business days |
| Replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged) | $31 | 7–10 business days |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $10 | Same day (if added during license issuance) |
| Name change or address update | $31 | 7–10 business days |
All fees are paid at the Driver's License Office at the time of process. Mississippi accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You will receive a renewal notice by mail approximately 60 days before expiration, but you are responsible for renewing on time — failure to renew before the expiration date makes your license invalid for driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license online?
No. Mississippi requires all license renewals to be completed in person at a Driver's License Office or by mail if you meet specific conditions (military deployment, temporary relocation, or documented disability). There is no online renewal option.
What if I fail the driving skills test twice?
You must retake the written knowledge test and wait before scheduling another driving skills test. You cannot take the driving test three times in a row without retesting on the written exam. The waiting period and specific retesting rules are explained when you receive your test results.
Do I need a real ID to fly domestically from Mississippi?
Yes, as of May 2025, a real ID is required for domestic air travel. A Mississippi standard driver's license meets real ID requirements if you provided the correct documents (birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency) when you obtained it. Check your license — it will have a gold star in the upper right corner if it is real ID compliant.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Mississippi Driver's License Bureau or the court that issued the suspension to learn the reason and what steps are required to lift it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person.
How do I find the nearest Driver's License Office?
Visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and use the office locator tool, or call 601-987-1500. Offices are located in most counties. Hours vary by location, so confirm hours before visiting. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Call ahead to confirm.