How to Get and Renew a Mississippi Driver License

What You Need to Know About Mississippi Driver Licenses

Mississippi issues a standard driver license valid for eight years from the date of issue. The state also offers a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) that meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both types are issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau, and the process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or upgrading to REAL ID.

You can explore in person at any Driver License Bureau office across the state. Mississippi does not offer online renewal for standard licenses, though you may be able to renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. The fee structure varies by license type and whether you are renewing or replacing a lost or damaged license.

Key Takeaways

Mississippi driver licenses are valid for eight years and cost $24 for a standard license or $27 for a REAL ID license.
You must visit a Driver License Bureau office in person for your first license, and bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of Mississippi residency.
Renewal by mail is available only if your license is current (not expired) and you have no medical restrictions or address changes.
REAL ID licenses require an original or certified birth certificate, not a copy, and proof of Social Security number.
You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test for your first license; renewals do not require these tests unless your license has been expired for more than one year.

Getting Your First Mississippi Driver License

To obtain your first driver license in Mississippi, you must visit a Driver License Bureau office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, Social Security card, and two forms of proof of Mississippi residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current address.

At the office, you will take a vision test and pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test is available in English and Spanish. After passing both tests, you will have your photo taken for the license. The standard license costs $24 and is valid for eight years. If you want a REAL ID license instead, the cost is $27. Processing typically takes a few minutes, and you will receive your license on the same day.

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian present with a valid photo ID. Drivers under 18 receive a license valid until their 21st birthday (or eight years, whichever comes first) and are subject to graduated driver license restrictions, including a learner's permit phase and intermediate license phase with curfew and passenger limits.

Renewing Your Mississippi Driver License

If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew in person at any Driver License Bureau office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee ($24 for standard, $27 for REAL ID). You will not need to retake the vision or knowledge test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. The renewal process takes a few minutes, and you receive your new license the same day.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore as if getting a new license: bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency, and pass the vision and knowledge tests. You will also pay the full license fee, not a renewal fee.

Renewal by mail is available only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo. To renew by mail, contact the Driver License Bureau to request a renewal form, complete it, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. Processing by mail takes approximately two to three weeks.

REAL ID Compliance and Upgrade Requirements

Mississippi's REAL ID license is marked with a gold star and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Mississippi driver license will not be accepted for these purposes; you will need a REAL ID license or another federally compliant document such as a passport.

To obtain a REAL ID license, you must provide an original or certified birth certificate (not a photocopy), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and two forms of proof of Mississippi residency. The REAL ID license costs $27 and is valid for eight years, the same as a standard license. If you already have a standard license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, visit a Driver License Bureau office, bring the documents listed above, and pay the $27 fee. You do not need to retake the vision or knowledge test if your current license is valid.

If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you can renew by mail using the same process as a standard license renewal, provided your license is not expired and you have no address changes or medical restrictions.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Driver License Bureau office and bring your proof of residency and the replacement fee ($24 for standard, $27 for REAL ID). You do not need to bring your birth certificate or Social Security card for a replacement, and you will not retake the vision or knowledge test. The replacement license is issued the same day. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local law enforcement, though this is not required to replace the license.

If you need to replace a REAL ID license, bring the same proof of residency and pay the REAL ID replacement fee. You do not need to provide your birth certificate or Social Security documentation again if your REAL ID license is straightforward being replaced (not upgraded from a standard license).

Driver License Bureau Locations and Hours

Mississippi operates Driver License Bureau offices in most counties. The main office is located in Jackson, and satellite offices are found in cities including Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Tupelo. Hours vary by location but typically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some offices open on Saturday mornings. Many offices do not accept walk-ins and require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone.

Before visiting an office, check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to find the location nearest you, confirm current hours, and determine whether an appointment is required. Wait times vary; offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Jackson or other major cities. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some offices offer extended hours on certain days.

Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times

Mississippi driver license fees are as follows: standard license ($24), REAL ID license ($27), replacement license ($24 standard or $27 REAL ID), and renewal by mail ($24 standard or $27 REAL ID). Fees are subject to change; confirm the current fee at the Driver License Bureau office or on the state website before your visit.

Payment methods accepted at Driver License Bureau offices include cash, debit card, and credit card. If renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. In-person processing takes a few minutes, and you receive your license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the bureau receives your process.

If you are explore for your first license or replacing an expired license (expired more than one year), allow extra time for the knowledge and vision tests. Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi driver license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal for driver licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a Driver License Bureau office.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

For a standard driver license, you can bring an original birth certificate (even if not certified). For a REAL ID license, you must bring an original or certified birth certificate. A certified copy is issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born and includes an official seal. An uncertified photocopy will not be accepted for REAL ID.

Do I need to take the knowledge test again if I renew my license?

No, not if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the knowledge test and vision test as if explore for a new license.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

No. Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses. Your permanent license is issued the same day you explore in person at a Driver License Bureau office, so you can drive when ready after receiving it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.