What you need to get a Jackson driver's license
To get a driver's license in Jackson, Mississippi, you'll explore through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Driver's License Bureau. The process is the same whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or upgrading from a learner's permit. You'll need to visit a Driver's License Bureau office in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online.
Jackson has one main Driver's License Bureau location at 1427 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39201. Hours and wait times vary, so check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website before you go. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit; missing even one can mean a second trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Jackson Driver's License Bureau in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency.
- A Real ID-compliant license requires additional documents beyond a standard license and costs more, but is required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.
- If you have a suspended or revoked license, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew or get a new license.
- Bring your current license or learner's permit, or you may face delays; the office cannot look up your driving record on the spot in all cases.
- Vision screening and a written test are part of the process for first-time applicants; bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
Documents required for a standard Mississippi driver's license
You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, the Driver's License Bureau accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A birth certificate alone is not enough — it must be paired with another form of ID.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your Jackson address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill in your name yet, a lease or mortgage document works.
If you're renewing a license that is not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years. Call the Jackson office at (601) 987-1212 to ask whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.
Real ID versus standard license: cost and requirements
Mississippi offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
A Real ID license costs more than a standard license — the fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid (typically four or eight years). You'll need the same basic documents as a standard license, plus one additional document: either a certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military discharge paper (DD-214). If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at the Jackson office without waiting for your current license to expire.
If you don't need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is cheaper and requires no extra documents beyond what you'd bring anyway. You can always upgrade later.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your Mississippi driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1212 and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason and what you must do to clear it. For a suspension, this usually means paying fines or resolving the underlying issue. For a revocation, you may need to wait a set period of time or complete a DUI education program before you can reapply.
Do not attempt to get a new license while your current one is suspended or revoked. The office will see the suspension in their system and deny your process. Clearing the suspension first saves you a trip.
Testing requirements for first-time drivers
If you're getting your first driver's license (not renewing), you'll take a written test covering Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website.
You'll also take a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a vision correction from an eye doctor before you can take the driving test. The office will not issue a license with a vision restriction without documentation from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a road test with an examiner. The road test typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic signals. You must bring the vehicle you'll be tested in, and it must be registered and insured. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you'll pay the test fee again.
Renewing your license in Jackson
If your license is not suspended or revoked and is not expired by more than five years, you may renew by mail. Contact the Jackson Driver's License Bureau to confirm you're may be able to access. If you must renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will not retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
License renewal fees depend on how long you want the new license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If you're upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID at the same time, the fee will be higher and you'll need the extra document (birth certificate, passport, or military discharge paper).
Renewal appointments can have long wait times, especially near the end of the month. The Jackson office does not take appointments online; you must walk in or call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can update your license at the Jackson office. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. There is usually no fee for a name change if your license is not expired.
If you've moved within Jackson or to a different Mississippi city, you can update your address at the Jackson office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to renew your entire license — the office will issue you a new card with the updated address at no charge if your license is still valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
No. Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses. You'll receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests and pay the fee. Until then, you can drive only if you have a valid learner's permit or if you're driving with a licensed adult who meets the state's supervision requirements.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
Report the loss or theft to the Jackson Driver's License Bureau. Bring proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Jackson office?
No appointments are available online, but you can call (601) 987-1212 to ask about wait times before you go. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday.
What if I have an out-of-state license and want to switch to Mississippi?
Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Mississippi residency, and your Social Security card. You'll take the written test but not the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended. If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to take both tests.
Can I renew my license if I owe child support or have unpaid fines?
No. If you owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines, your license will be suspended and you cannot renew it. You must resolve the debt first by paying it or setting up a payment plan. Contact the agency that issued the suspension to find out your options.