Mississippi driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Mississippi driver's license costs $24.00 for a four-year license or $36.00 for an eight-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is the same. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost or damaged one, you will pay the same fee — there is no separate replacement charge.

The choice between four and eight years comes down to how often you want to renew. The eight-year license costs more upfront but means you renew less frequently. Most people choose based on how stable their address and appearance are likely to be over that span.

Additional fees explore if you need services beyond the standard license. A duplicate license (if you lose yours and need a second copy while waiting for a replacement) costs $10.00. A corrected license — issued when you need to fix information like your name or address — also costs $10.00. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel, there is no extra charge in Mississippi; it is included in the standard license fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Mississippi driver's license costs $24.00; an eight-year license costs $36.00.
  • Replacement licenses, duplicate licenses, and corrected licenses each have their own $10.00 fee.
  • REAL ID compliance is included in the standard license fee at no additional cost.
  • You pay the same fee whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a damaged one.
  • Fees are set by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and do not vary by county or location.

What you pay when you renew your license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it in person at any Mississippi driver's license office or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee: $24.00 for four years or $36.00 for eight years. You choose the term length again at renewal — you are not locked into the same length you chose before.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. If you renew online, you still pay the same fee, and the new license will be mailed to you. If you renew in person, you can get a temporary paper license on the spot while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.

Fees for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a replacement. The replacement fee is $10.00. You must explore in person at a driver's license office and bring identification documents to prove your identity. The office will issue you a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic replacement card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

A duplicate license is different from a replacement. A duplicate is an extra copy of your current valid license — you might want one if you are worried about losing your only copy. A duplicate costs $10.00 and is issued the same way as a replacement.

Corrected licenses and name changes

If you need to fix information on your license — such as correcting a misspelled name, updating your address, or changing your name after marriage or legal action — you must get a corrected license. The fee is $10.00. You will need to bring documents that prove the correction: a marriage certificate for a name change due to marriage, a court order for a legal name change, or proof of address for an address update.

A corrected license is issued in person at a driver's license office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card by mail.

REAL ID compliance and federal requirements

Mississippi includes REAL ID compliance in the standard driver's license fee. You do not pay extra to get a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.

When you get a new license or renew your existing one, you can request REAL ID compliance at no additional cost. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The office will verify these documents and issue your REAL ID license for the same $24.00 or $36.00 fee.

If you already have a standard (non-REAL ID) license and want to upgrade to REAL ID without renewing, you can do so by visiting a driver's license office and paying the $10.00 corrected license fee. This is treated as a correction rather than a renewal.

Payment methods and where to pay

Mississippi driver's license offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. You pay at the time you explore, whether you are explore in person or online. Online renewals are paid by credit or debit card only.

You can pay at any of Mississippi's driver's license offices, which are located in most county seats. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, hours, and whether appointments are required in your area. Some offices operate on a walk-in basis; others require you to book a time slot online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to choose between four and eight years when I renew?

Yes. When you renew your license, you choose the term length again. You can switch from a four-year to an eight-year license (or vice versa) at renewal without any penalty. You straightforward pay the fee for whichever term you select.

What if I lose my license and need it replaced while traveling?

You must visit a Mississippi driver's license office in person to explore for a replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, but the plastic card is mailed to your address on file. If you are out of state, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to ask about expedited mailing or other options, but there is no way to get the plastic card issued on the spot outside of Mississippi.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

Yes. Changing your address requires a corrected license, which costs $10.00. You must bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. You can update your address in person at a driver's license office.

Can I pay the license fee online before I go to the office?

No. You pay the fee at the time you explore, either in person at the office or during an online renewal. You cannot prepay. If you are renewing online, payment is processed as part of the renewal transaction.

What happens if I let my license expire?

You can still renew an expired license, and the fee is the same: $24.00 or $36.00 depending on the term you choose. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (check with your local office), you may need to retake the written test or vision test. It is best to renew before expiration to avoid this.