What an MS Replacement License Is and How to Get One
A replacement driver's license in Mississippi is a new license issued when your current one is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all replacements. You do not need to retake the written or road test — the DPS straightforward issues a new card with the same license number and driving record.
You can replace your license in person at any DPS Driver License Examining Station across the state. There is no mail-in option for replacements in Mississippi, so you must visit a station yourself. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you bring the right documents and the station is not busy.
The cost of a replacement license varies by the type of license you hold and how long it is valid for. A standard Class D (regular passenger vehicle) replacement costs around $24 to $28, though prices can shift. If your license is damaged but not expired, you may pay less than if you are renewing early due to loss or theft.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License Examining Station in person — Mississippi does not offer mail-in replacements.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- A replacement license costs between $24 and $28 for a standard Class D license and takes 15 to 20 minutes to process.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
- Your new license will have the same number as your old one and will be valid for the same expiration date as your original license.
Documents You Need to Bring
Mississippi requires specific documents before the DPS will issue a replacement. You must bring proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. You also need a form of identification that shows your name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID are all accepted.
You must also prove you live in Mississippi. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the DPS also counts as proof of residency.
If you are replacing a license because it was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. It is not required, but it can help if there are questions about fraud or identity theft later. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it.
Where to Go and How Long It Takes
The DPS operates Driver License Examining Stations in most Mississippi counties. You can find the station nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county or city. Some stations are busier than others — stations in larger cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Biloxi often have longer waits, especially on Fridays and early in the month.
Processing time at the station is usually 15 to 20 minutes once you are called. However, wait times in the lobby can range from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the station is that day. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. Some stations do not accept walk-ins after a certain time, so check the station's hours before you go.
You will receive your replacement license on the spot. The DPS prints it while you wait, so you can drive home with your new license the same day. If there is a problem with your documents or information in the system, the DPS may ask you to return with additional paperwork, which can delay the process.
Cost and Payment Methods
A replacement Class D driver's license in Mississippi costs approximately $24 to $28. The exact price depends on how long your new license will be valid. If you are replacing a license that still has time left before expiration, your replacement will carry the same expiration date as your original license, and you may pay a lower fee. If your license has already expired, you may be charged a renewal fee in addition to the replacement fee.
The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all Driver License Examining Stations. Some stations may have ATMs on-site, but it is safer to bring cash or a card with you. Ask the station staff about payment methods when you arrive if you are unsure.
If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you have the option to report it to local police. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement from the DPS.
When you explore for your replacement, tell the DPS staff that your license was stolen. They will flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
What Happens to Your Old License Number
Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. This means your driving record, insurance history, and any points or violations stay attached to that number. You do not get a new number, and you do not lose any of your driving history.
The DPS will deactivate your old physical card in their system once you receive your replacement. If you find your old license after getting a replacement, you can destroy it or keep it for your records — it will no longer be valid for driving. If someone tries to use your old license after you have reported it stolen, it will not work because the DPS has flagged it.
Replacing a License Before It Expires
You can replace your license before it expires if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. When you do, your new license will carry the same expiration date as your original license. This means you will not get extra time on your license — you are straightforward getting a new card with the same validity period.
If your license is expiring soon and you need a replacement, you have two options. You can replace it now and renew it when the expiration date arrives, or you can wait and renew it instead of replacing it. Renewing means you get a new license number and a fresh validity period, usually for five or eight years depending on your age. If you are close to your renewal date anyway, it may make sense to renew instead of replace, though the DPS will let you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I do not have a Social Security card?
Yes. You do not need the card itself — you can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have any of those, contact the DPS before you go to the station to ask what other documents they will accept.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still replace it at any DPS Driver License Examining Station in Mississippi. Bring the same documents you would normally bring — proof of your Social Security number, identity, and Mississippi residency. The DPS does not require you to be in Mississippi when you lost it.
How long is a replacement license valid for?
Your replacement license is valid until the same date as your original license. If your original license expired five years from when you got it, your replacement will also expire five years from the date you received it — not from the date you got the replacement. You will renew it on the original expiration date.
Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?
No. A police report is optional. The DPS will replace your license without one. However, filing a report creates a record if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently, so it is worth doing if you are concerned about identity theft.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Mississippi requires you to be present in person to receive your replacement license. You must go to the DPS station yourself — the DPS will not issue it to a family member or friend on your behalf.