Where to Get Your License in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is home to one Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Office, located at 415 West Pine Street. This is the only full-service location in the city 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.

If you cannot reach the Hattiesburg office, the next nearest locations are in Laurel (about 30 miles north) and Petal (about 15 miles south). However, road tests in Hattiesburg are often booked weeks in advance, so calling ahead at (601) 583-2001 to check availability before making the trip is essential.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during peak times, especially mid-morning and early afternoon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Arriving early in the day or on Mondays and Fridays typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver's License Office is at 415 West Pine Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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.
  • Road tests are booked weeks in advance; call (601) 583-2001 to reserve a slot rather than showing up without an appointment.
  • The written test, road test, and license issuance can all happen in one visit if you pass both tests on your first attempt.
  • Fees for a standard five-year license are $31.00 for a first-time license and $24.00 for renewal, paid by cash or card at the office.

Documents You Must Bring

Mississippi requires specific documents in person at the Hattiesburg office. You cannot complete a license transaction by mail or online, even for renewals. Bring your original Social Security card (not a copy) and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your visit.

For proof of identity, bring your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. If your birth certificate is not available, a certified copy from the county where you were born is acceptable. If you are renewing and your current license is still valid, you may use that as your identity document, though you will still need your Social Security card and proof of residency.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document showing the change. Without it, you cannot update your name on your license.

Written Test and Road Test Requirements

The written test in Mississippi covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have three attempts to pass it within a 12-month period. The test is administered on a computer at the Hattiesburg office and takes about 20 minutes. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

The road test is a 15-minute drive on local streets around Hattiesburg. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and evaluates your ability to start the vehicle, follow traffic laws, make turns, park, and respond to unexpected situations. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the car during the test.

Road test appointments fill quickly. Call the Hattiesburg office at least two weeks in advance to book your slot. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one week before retaking it, and you will need to book another appointment.

License Types Available in Hattiesburg

The Hattiesburg office issues standard Class D licenses for regular passenger vehicles, which are valid for five years. If you are 17 or younger, you receive a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) with restrictions on night driving and passenger limits until you turn 18.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) testing is not performed at the Hattiesburg location. If you need a CDL, you must travel to a larger regional office such as Jackson or Gulfport. The Hattiesburg office can provide information about CDL requirements and direct you to the nearest testing site.

Motorcycle endorsements are also not issued in Hattiesburg. You must obtain a motorcycle endorsement at a regional office or through the online knowledge test followed by a skills test at an approved location outside Hattiesburg.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year Class D license costs $31.00 for a first-time license and $24.00 for renewal. If you are under 21, the fee is the same. Real ID-compliant licenses cost an additional $15.00, for a total of $46.00 for first-time issuance or $39.00 for renewal. Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

The Hattiesburg office accepts cash and debit or credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you fail the written or road test, there is no refund, but you do not pay again to retake the test on the same day. If you return on a different day to retake a test, you pay the full fee again.

Duplicate licenses (if yours is lost or stolen) cost $10.00 and can be issued the same day if you bring your documents and proof of the loss or theft, such as a police report.

Renewal and Replacement in Hattiesburg

If your license is expiring or expired, you can renew it in person at the Hattiesburg office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written and road tests; a straightforward renewal is not an option.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Hattiesburg Police Department and obtain a case number. Bring that number, your Social Security card, and proof of residency to the Hattiesburg office to request a duplicate. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license.

Name changes, address updates, and corrections to your license information all require an in-person visit to the Hattiesburg office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail in Mississippi.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common reason people are turned away from the Hattiesburg office is bringing a photocopy of their Social Security card instead of the original. Mississippi requires the original card in your hand. Copies are not accepted under any circumstance.

Another frequent mistake is arriving without proof of residency dated within 60 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements older than 60 days are rejected. If you have just moved, bring a lease or rental agreement; a utility bill may not have been issued yet.

Many people also underestimate how far in advance road tests book. Calling the day before or the morning of your test often results in no available slots for weeks. Plan to call at least two weeks ahead. If you cannot get an appointment in Hattiesburg, the Laurel or Petal offices may have sooner openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without scheduling a road test on the same day?

Yes. You can take the written test whenever you visit, and if you pass, you can schedule a road test for a later date. Many people take the written test first, practice driving, and then book their road test weeks later. However, you must pass the written test before you can take the road test.

What if I fail the road test?

You must wait at least one week before retaking it. Call the Hattiesburg office to book a new appointment. You will pay the full license fee again when you return. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Mississippi?

A standard license is sufficient for driving within Mississippi. Real ID is required only for federal building access and domestic air travel. If you plan to fly or enter a federal building, request a Real ID-compliant license at the Hattiesburg office for an additional $15.00.

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. All license transactions in Mississippi, including renewals, must be done in person at a Driver's License Office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license is not yet expired.

What should I do if the Hattiesburg office has no road test appointments available?

Contact the Laurel or Petal offices to check their availability. You can take your road test at any Mississippi Driver's License Office, not just Hattiesburg. Your written test and license issuance can happen at the Hattiesburg office, but the road test can be scheduled elsewhere if Hattiesburg is fully booked.