Where to go for your Mississippi driver's license in Hattiesburg

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau office in Hattiesburg is located at 1601 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is the office that issues new licenses, renewals, and replacements for Forrest County residents and anyone else in the area.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on state holidays. Before you go, bring all required documents — showing up without them means a wasted trip and you'll have to return another day.

If you want to confirm current hours or check wait times before visiting, you can call the Hattiesburg office directly. The main Mississippi Driver's License Bureau phone line can also direct you to the nearest location if the Hattiesburg office is temporarily closed or if you're closer to another branch.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau office is at 1601 Hardy Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number documentation, and proof of Mississippi residency to get a new license.
  • If you're under 21, you'll need parental consent and a parent or guardian must be present at the office.
  • Vision tests are performed at the office, so you cannot wear sunglasses during your appointment.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you're getting a new license, renewal, or replacement, and payment is cash or check only at most Mississippi offices.

Documents you need to bring

Mississippi requires specific documents to issue a driver's license. You'll need proof of identity — a valid passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the government. A tax return with your SSN on it also works.

Third, bring proof of Mississippi residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also counts if it's recent and shows your name and address.

If you're renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you don't need the original, but the office may ask you to sign a statement about the loss.

Age requirements and parental consent

Mississippi issues learner's permits to drivers as young as 15 years old. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the Hattiesburg office with you. They'll need to sign consent forms and may need to show their own ID.

At age 16, you can test for a regular driver's license if you've held your learner's permit for at least six months and completed a driver education course. Parental presence is still required at the office.

Once you turn 18, you can renew or replace your license without a parent present. If you're 18 or older and getting your first license, you still need all the identity and residency documents listed above, but no parental consent is needed.

The vision test and written exam

When you arrive at the Hattiesburg office, you'll take a vision screening as part of the licensing process. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You cannot wear sunglasses during the test, even if you have a medical reason — if you need eye protection, bring a note from your doctor and ask the staff how to proceed.

If you're getting a new license (not a renewal), you'll also take a written knowledge test about Mississippi traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what different signs mean. You can study using the free Mississippi Driver's Manual, available on the Department of Public Safety website.

If you're renewing an existing license and your vision is still good, you typically won't retake the written test. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period, Mississippi may require you to test again — ask the office staff when you call or visit.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a Mississippi driver's license depends on what you're getting. A new license costs one amount, a renewal costs less, and a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs another. Fees change periodically, so call the Hattiesburg office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for current prices.

Most Mississippi Driver's License Bureau offices accept cash and check only — not credit cards or debit cards. Bring exact change or a check made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Some offices may have changed their payment methods, so confirm by phone before you visit.

If you're getting a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the fee may be higher than a standard license. Ask the staff whether you want a REAL ID license or a standard one, and what the difference in cost is.

How long your license lasts

A Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years from the date it's issued. Your expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If your license expires while you're driving, you're breaking the law — even if you've already sent in a renewal process. Renew before the expiration date on your card.

If your license has been expired for more than a year, Mississippi may treat it as a new process rather than a renewal, which means you'll have to retake the written test and vision screening. It's much easier to renew on time.

Special licenses and endorsements

If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You'll take a separate written test and a riding skills test. Some riders can waive the riding test if they complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.

If you want to drive a commercial vehicle (like a truck or bus), you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This requires additional testing and medical certification. The Hattiesburg office can direct you to where CDL testing is done in your area.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may be able to get a license with restrictions — for example, corrective lenses only, or daylight driving only. Talk to the staff at the Hattiesburg office about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

Mississippi does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit the office in person for a new license or if your license has been expired for more than one year. If your license is still valid and not expired, you may be able to renew by mail — call the Hattiesburg office to ask whether you're may be able to access.

What if I have a suspended or revoked license?

You cannot get a new license while your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. You must resolve the suspension first — this usually means paying fines, completing a required program, or waiting out the suspension period. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most Mississippi Driver's License Bureau offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis — you don't need an appointment. However, some locations may have started offering appointments. Call the Hattiesburg office to ask whether appointments are available and whether they're recommended to reduce wait time.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You don't have to have your Social Security card in hand, but you need to show some proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement from the government all work. If you don't have any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you visit the license office.

Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Mississippi issues driver's licenses to non-citizens who have legal status to be in the United States. You'll need to show proof of your legal presence — such as a valid visa, work permit, or green card — along with the other required documents. Call the Hattiesburg office to confirm what documents you need to bring.