The Jackson Driver's License Office Location and Hours

Mississippi's driver's license office in Jackson is located at 1104 Woolfolk Building, 501 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201. This is the main office for Hinds County and handles all standard license types — Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class E (motorcycle), commercial licenses, and renewals.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not accept walk-ins after 4:30 p.m., so arrive with enough time to complete your transaction before closing.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible by public transit via JMPT bus routes. If you cannot reach the Jackson office, satellite locations operate in other Mississippi counties, but Jackson residents and those explore for licenses in Hinds County must use the main office for most transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Jackson driver's license office is at 1104 Woolfolk Building, 501 North West Street, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and vision screening at the office; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • Fees vary by license type: a standard Class D license costs $31.50 for eight years, and a motorcycle endorsement adds $10.00 to your renewal.
  • The office does not take appointments, so arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially on Mondays and Fridays.

Documents You Must Bring to the Jackson Office

Mississippi requires specific documents before you can receive a license. Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. The office will not accept a photocopy of your Social Security card.

You also need proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current Jackson address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring one form of proof of identity. For first-time applicants, this is usually your birth certificate (certified copy) or a U.S. passport. If you are renewing, your current out-of-state license or expired Mississippi license may be accepted. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your license will be issued under your previous legal name.

Testing Requirements for First-Time Applicants

If you are obtaining your first Mississippi driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening at the Jackson office. You cannot take these tests online or at a separate location.

The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is available in English and Spanish. You are allowed to take the test up to three times in one day if you fail; after that, you must wait one business day before retesting.

The vision screening checks your ability to see clearly at distance and read small text. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care professional and cannot receive your license until you provide a vision correction certificate from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Bring a pen or pencil for the written test. The office provides the test materials. Study materials are available on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you visit.

License Fees and Payment Methods

Mississippi driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D license for eight years costs $31.50. A four-year license costs $18.00 if you are under 21 or over 70. A Class E motorcycle license costs $10.00 as an endorsement added to your Class D license.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) have higher fees: a two-year CDL costs $60.00, and a four-year CDL costs $100.00. If you need a hazmat endorsement, add $10.00 to the CDL fee. Real ID compliant licenses do not cost extra in Mississippi; the standard fee includes Real ID compliance.

The Jackson office accepts cash and check only. They do not accept credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payment. Bring exact change or a check made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to avoid delays.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the office closes to may support you have time to complete your transaction. The office does not take appointments, so wait times vary. Mondays and Fridays are typically the busiest days; Wednesdays and Thursdays usually have shorter waits.

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office uses a digital queue system that displays your number on a screen. Wait in the seating area until your number is called. Do not leave the building while waiting, as your number may be called without warning.

When called, approach the window and present all your documents to the clerk. The clerk will verify your documents, check your information against state records, and ask you to sign the process form. If you are a first-time applicant, the clerk will direct you to the testing area.

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you will return to the window for a photograph. Wear clear glasses or remove sunglasses for the photo. The photo will be taken when ready, and you cannot retake it. Your license will be printed on-site and issued before you leave.

Renewal and Replacement Services at the Jackson Office

If your Mississippi license is expiring, you can renew it at the Jackson office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Renewals do not require a new written test or vision screening unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you have medical conditions affecting your vision or driving ability.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the Jackson office. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a $10.00 replacement fee. A replacement license is printed when ready and issued before you leave.

Mississippi also offers online renewal for some drivers. If you are renewing a standard Class D license and have no address changes, you may be able to renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. However, you must still visit the Jackson office in person if you are renewing a commercial license, adding an endorsement, or changing your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online from Jackson?

Online renewal is available for some standard Class D license renewals if you have no address changes and no medical restrictions. You can check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see if you may have access to. If you do not may have access to, you must visit the Jackson office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test up to three times in one day at no additional cost. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one business day before returning to the office to test again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test overall.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Jackson office?

No. The Jackson office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a digital queue system. Arrive early to avoid long waits, especially on Mondays and Fridays. The office stops accepting new customers at 4:30 p.m.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring the legal document proving your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will verify the document and issue your new license under your current legal name. Without the legal document, your license will be issued under your previous name.

Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Jackson?

Yes. All Mississippi driver's licenses issued at the Jackson office are Real ID compliant at no extra cost. Real ID licenses can be used for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Bring all required documents, including proof of residency and identity.