Where to get a replacement license in Mississippi

You replace your Mississippi driver's license at your local Driver Services office, which is run by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. There are offices in most counties; the main office is in Jackson, but you can visit any location in the state regardless of where you live or where your license was issued.

You cannot replace a license by mail, phone, or online. You must appear in person with the documents the office requires. Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring a state ID card or passport if your license is lost or stolen.

Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some close for lunch. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call ahead to confirm the hours of your nearest office before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity; there is no mail-in or online replacement option.
  • A replacement license costs money, and the fee depends on whether you are renewing at the same time or replacing only.
  • If your license was lost or stolen, you may need to report it to law enforcement or file a theft report depending on the circumstances.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until you resolve the underlying issue with the court or the Department of Public Safety.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one form of current photo identification. This can be your existing Mississippi driver's license, a state ID card, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you have none of these, you will need to bring two documents that prove your identity and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You will also need to prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you cannot provide proof, you can sign an affidavit at the office.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if one exists. This is not always required, but it protects you if someone uses your old license number fraudulently. If your address has changed since your last license, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

The cost of a replacement license

A replacement license costs $24 if your current license is still valid and you are not renewing it early. If your license has already expired or is about to expire within 30 days, you may choose to renew at the same time, which costs more.

A renewal (replacing an expired license or one expiring soon) costs $31 for a four-year license or $61 for an eight-year license. Most people choose the eight-year option because the cost per year is lower.

Payment is cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Some locations may not accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you want to be certain. If you cannot pay at the time of your visit, you cannot complete the replacement that day.

How long the process takes

The office will process your replacement on the same day you visit. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks, but mail delays can extend this to four weeks or longer.

During the 30-day window, you can drive with the temporary paper license. It is valid for all driving purposes, including commercial driving if you hold a commercial license. Keep it with you while driving because it is your only proof of a valid license until the permanent one arrives.

If you need to drive before your appointment, schedule it as soon as possible. If you are replacing a suspended or revoked license, you cannot drive legally until the suspension or revocation is lifted, even with a temporary license.

Lost, stolen, or damaged licenses

If your license was lost or damaged, you can replace it the same way as a regular replacement. Bring your other ID documents and any proof of address. You do not need a police report unless you want one for your records.

If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. The report creates an official record and can help if someone tries to use your old license number. Bring the report to the Driver Services office if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.

If your license was damaged (water damage, torn, faded, or unreadable), bring what remains of it to the office. The staff will assess whether it can still be read or if a replacement is necessary. Severely damaged licenses are usually replaced at the standard replacement fee.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot get a replacement license while your license is under suspension or revocation. The Driver Services office will check the status of your license when you explore, and if a suspension or revocation is active, they will tell you what you need to do to clear it.

Suspensions are usually temporary and result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. Revocations are more serious and result from DUI convictions, reckless driving, or other major violations. The length and requirements to lift each one vary.

Contact the court that issued the suspension or the Department of Public Safety to find out what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can return to the Driver Services office and get your replacement license. The office will verify that the hold has been removed before processing your process.

Replacing a license with a different address

If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address will work.

The office will update your address in the system when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will show your current address. If you do not bring proof of address, the office may issue the license with your old address, and you will have to return later to update it.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the office staff about alternative options. Some offices allow you to use a shelter address, a relative's address, or a mailing address for license purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office with valid identification. There is no online or mail-in replacement option for any type of license replacement.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

Bring two documents that prove your identity and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card. The office staff can help you determine which documents will work if you are unsure.

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and can be used for all driving purposes, including commercial driving. Keep it with you while driving because it is your only proof of a valid license until your permanent license arrives.

What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after three weeks?

Contact the Driver Services office where you applied. Mail delays happen, but if more than four weeks have passed, the office can investigate. You may need to return to the office to request a replacement or confirm your mailing address.

Do I have to report a stolen license to the police?

A police report is not required to get a replacement, but filing one creates an official record if you are concerned about identity theft or fraud. If someone uses your old license number, the report can help prove you reported it stolen.