What You Need to Do to Get a Mississippi Driver's License
To get a Mississippi driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes between one and three hours on your first visit, though you may need to return for your road test if the office is busy. Mississippi does not allow online applications or mail-in renewals for new licenses.
The state issues licenses valid for four years for drivers under 21, and six years for drivers 21 and older. You must be at least 15 years old to obtain a learner's permit, 16 to take the road test for a regular license, or 18 to skip the permit stage entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Mississippi residency to your first visit — copies and digital photos do not work.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- Your road test includes basic vehicle control, parking, and driving on public roads; you must bring a vehicle registered in Mississippi with current insurance.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days before taking your road test, and a licensed adult must be in the vehicle during the test.
- The total cost is $31 for a four-year license or $47 for a six-year license, paid at the time of your road test.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Office
Mississippi requires original documents — not copies, not photos, not digital versions. Bring all of these to your first visit:
Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or valid out-of-state driver's license. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy from a hospital or funeral home.
Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a current pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it.
Proof of Mississippi residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Mississippi address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you may use their utility bill if they sign an affidavit stating you live there — the Driver Services office has this form.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you.
The Written Knowledge Test and What It Covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the Driver Services office, and you receive your score when ready.
The test covers road signs and their meanings, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts, parking rules, seat belt and child safety seat laws, and what to do if you are stopped by police. You may study the official Mississippi Driver's Manual, available free on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or in print at any Driver Services office.
If you fail the written test, you may retake it the same day or return on another day at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can schedule a road test.
Getting Your Learner's Permit If You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, you must obtain a learner's permit before you can take the road test. The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold the permit for at least 14 days before you are allowed to take your road test.
To get a learner's permit, bring the same documents you would bring for a full license, pass the written knowledge test, and pay $12. The permit is valid for one year. During this time, you must practice driving and follow all traffic laws — any traffic violation or accident will delay your road test and may result in permit suspension.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You may take the road test directly after passing the written test, though you must still bring a licensed adult to be in the vehicle during the test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass the written test, ask the Driver Services office staff to schedule your road test. Some offices schedule you for the same day if time allows; others require you to return on a different date. Road tests are given Monday through Friday during regular office hours. Wait times vary by location and season — rural offices may have shorter waits than offices in Jackson or other cities.
For your road test, bring a vehicle that is registered in Mississippi and has current liability insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance and your vehicle registration. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a signed letter from the owner saying you have permission to use it for the test.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, pulling into traffic, turning left and right, changing lanes, stopping at a red light, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and driving on a public road at normal speed. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You must follow all traffic laws and obey the examiner's instructions. If you fail, you may retake the test on another day; there is no limit to retakes, but you must pay the license fee again.
Paying the Fee and Receiving Your License
The license fee is $31 for a four-year license (for drivers under 21) or $47 for a six-year license (for drivers 21 and older). You pay this fee at the time of your road test, after you pass. Payment is cash, check, or debit card — not credit card.
If you pass your road test, the Driver Services office will take your photograph and print your license on the spot. You receive the physical card before you leave the office. Your license is valid when ready and can be used for identification and driving right away.
If you fail the road test, you do not pay the fee. You may schedule another test at no charge, though you must return to the office to do so.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Bringing copies instead of originals: Driver Services will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital photos of your documents. Bring the actual documents. If your birth certificate is not certified, the office will not accept it — call the vital records office in the county where you were born to request a certified copy.
Using a residency document older than 60 days: Your utility bill or lease must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved, bring a lease or signed affidavit from your landlord. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill does not count as proof of residency.
Forgetting to bring insurance and registration for the road test: You cannot take the road test without proof that your vehicle is insured and registered. If you forget these documents, you will have to reschedule.
Not holding your learner's permit for the full 14 days: If you are under 18, you must wait at least 14 days after receiving your permit before you can take the road test. The office will not schedule you earlier.
Arriving without a licensed adult for the road test: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present during your road test. If you are 18 or older, any licensed driver 21 or older may accompany you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test and road test must both be taken in person at a Mississippi Driver Services office. There is no online or mail-in option for new licenses.
What if I fail the road test?
You may retake the road test on another day at no additional charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You do not pay the license fee until you pass.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Mississippi driver's license?
Yes. You must provide your Social Security number and bring a document that shows it, such as your Social Security card or a recent pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Mississippi driver's license.
Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for proof of identity?
Yes. A U.S. passport card is accepted as proof of identity. A driver's license from another state also works.
How long is my license valid?
A Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 21, or six years if you are 21 or older. The expiration date is printed on your card.