What you need to do to get a Mississippi driver's license

To get a Mississippi driver's license, you visit your local Driver's License Issuance Station in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and vision screening, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit if you have all your documents ready. Mississippi does not issue licenses by mail or online.

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit, 16 to get a regular driver's license, or 18 to get one without restrictions. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship or legal presence to your local Driver's License Issuance Station.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive a license; the written and vision tests happen on your first visit.
  • A five-year driver's license costs $24.00, and a four-year license costs $20.00; you choose which term when you explore.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process form in person.
  • The road test is scheduled separately after you pass the written test; you must bring your own vehicle and proof of insurance to the road test appointment.

Documents you must bring to the Driver's License Issuance Station

Mississippi requires four categories of documents. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a school ID with a photo, or a previous driver's license or ID card from any state.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the SSA website. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Mississippi address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.

Proof of citizenship or legal presence: A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a visa with an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can get a license only if you have legal status.

The written test and vision screening

On your first visit, you take a written knowledge test about Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, but you pay the process fee again.

You also have your vision screened at the station. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you do not meet this standard, you cannot get a license until your vision improves or you get corrective lenses.

The written test is given on a computer at the station. You do not need to study a specific book — Mississippi publishes a free driver's manual online that covers all the material on the test. Many people also study using the practice tests on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

The road test: scheduling, what to bring, and what happens

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for a road test. The road test is not given on the same day as the written test. You drive a route set by the examiner, usually lasting 15 to 20 minutes, and are scored on your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn correctly, obey traffic signs, and handle normal driving situations.

You must bring your own vehicle to the road test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You also must bring proof of insurance — your insurance card or a printed copy of your policy. If you do not have insurance, you cannot take the test.

You must also bring your learner's permit or the receipt from your written test to prove you passed. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again.

Fees and license validity

A five-year driver's license costs $24.00. A four-year license costs $20.00. You choose which term when you explore. You pay the fee at the Driver's License Issuance Station when you submit your process.

If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, you pay the process fee a second time. If you fail the road test and retake it later, you pay a separate road test fee each time you test.

Your license is valid for the term you chose (four or five years) from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or you can renew it in person at a station.

If you are under 18

A parent or legal guardian must come with you to the Driver's License Issuance Station and sign your process form in person. They do not need to bring documents, but they must be present when you explore.

If you are under 18 and get a license, it comes with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions end when you turn 18.

Where to find your local Driver's License Issuance Station

Mississippi has Driver's License Issuance Stations in most counties. You can find the station nearest you, its hours, and how to schedule a road test appointment on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some stations take walk-ins, but many require you to schedule your written test appointment in advance online or by phone.

Call ahead or check the website before you go, because hours and appointment availability change. Some rural stations have limited hours or may be closed on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a passport, a military ID, a school ID with a photo, or a previous driver's license instead. You still need proof of your Social Security number, residency, and citizenship or legal presence.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

Contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and ask for a recent statement. If you just moved and have no utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage statement with your name and address works. Some stations may accept a letter from your employer or a government agency showing your address.

Can I take the road test in a borrowed car?

Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe condition. You must bring proof of insurance for that vehicle. The car does not have to be registered in your name.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it by scheduling a new appointment at your local station. You pay the road test fee each time you test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pass the written test first.

Do I need to renew my license in person, or can I do it by mail?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. If you must renew in person, the station will tell you when you contact them about your renewal.