What to do when ready after you lose your license

If you have lost your Mississippi driver's license, you can get a replacement by visiting your local Driver Services office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee. Mississippi does not offer online or mail-in replacement for a lost license — you must appear in person.

The process is straightforward and usually takes less than an hour at the office. You will not need to retake your written or road test. The replacement license will have the same class and restrictions as your original, and it will be valid for the same expiration date.

If you need to drive before you can visit an office, you can request a temporary permit that is valid for 30 days. This temporary document allows you to drive legally while you wait for your replacement license to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency to replace a lost license.
  • A replacement license costs a fee and keeps the same class, restrictions, and expiration date as your original.
  • You do not need to retake any tests — the replacement process is administrative only.
  • A temporary 30-day permit is available if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.
  • Processing time at the office is usually under an hour, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of primary identification. This can be a passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring two forms of secondary identification instead, such as a Social Security card, a bank statement, a utility bill, or a school transcript.

You also need proof of Mississippi residency. This must be a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a piece of mail from a government agency. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or card if you have it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your immigration documents or passport showing your legal status.

Fees and how long replacement takes

The replacement fee for a lost driver's license in Mississippi is $24.50. This fee covers the cost of issuing a new license and mailing it to you. Payment is cash or card at the Driver Services office.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary permit at the office. The temporary permit is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days while you wait for your replacement to arrive in the mail.

Finding your nearest Driver Services office

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, which lists all locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Call ahead if you can. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment, which can reduce your wait time. Even without an appointment, walk-ins are usually processed within an hour during off-peak times.

What happens if you cannot visit an office in person

Mississippi does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must visit a Driver Services office yourself. If you are unable to travel to an office due to a medical condition or disability, contact your local office to ask about accommodations or alternative arrangements.

If you are out of state, you can still request a replacement by visiting any Mississippi Driver Services office when you return, or you can contact the office by phone to ask about options. Some offices may be able to mail you a temporary permit or provide guidance on what to do while you are away.

Protecting yourself after losing your license

A lost driver's license can be used by someone else to commit fraud or identity theft. While you are waiting for your replacement, monitor your credit report and bank accounts for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus at annualcreditreport.com.

If you believe your license has been used fraudulently, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and file a report. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Keep a record of the date you lost your license and the date you reported it, as this can help if fraudulent charges appear later.

Renewing instead of replacing

If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you replace it. A renewal costs $24.50 and extends your license for another five years. If your license expires within six months, ask the Driver Services office whether it makes sense to renew and replace together — you may save a trip.

If you renew at the same time, you will need to pass a vision test. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. You will not need to retake the written or road test unless your license class or restrictions have changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. When you visit the Driver Services office, ask for a temporary permit. It is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days. Your replacement license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary permit covers the waiting period.

Do I have to retake my written or road test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement is administrative only. You keep the same license class, restrictions, and expiration date. You only retake tests if you are renewing and your license is expiring, or if you want to change your license class.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can visit any Mississippi Driver Services office when you return to the state to request a replacement. If you need to drive before then, contact your local Mississippi office by phone to ask about temporary options or guidance for driving out of state.

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or through any other method. However, you can call ahead to schedule an appointment to reduce your wait time.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 30 days). The Driver Services office will update your address on file and mail your replacement license to your new address. You can also update your address separately at any Driver Services office if you prefer.