You cannot order a Mississippi driver's license entirely online, but you can start the process and renew certain licenses through the state's online system
Mississippi's Department of Public Safety allows you to renew an unexpired driver's license online through their website, but you cannot obtain a new license, replace a lost one, or upgrade your license class without visiting a driver's license office in person. The online renewal system works only if your current license is still valid and you meet specific requirements — mainly that you have no medical suspensions, no outstanding tickets, and no address changes that need verification.
If you need a new license for the first time, have let yours expire, or want to change your license class (from a regular license to a commercial one, for example), you will need to go to your local Mississippi driver's license office with the required documents. There is no way around the in-person visit for these situations.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi's online renewal system works only for unexpired licenses and only if you have no suspensions, medical holds, or address changes.
- New licenses, replacements for lost or stolen licenses, and license class upgrades require an in-person visit to a driver's license office.
- To renew online, you will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.
- The online renewal process takes a few minutes, but your new license will be mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you are unsure whether you can renew online, you can call your local driver's license office or check the Department of Public Safety website before starting.
What you need to renew your license online
To use Mississippi's online renewal system, have your current driver's license in front of you. You will need your license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity using this information before you can proceed.
You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card or credit card — to pay the renewal fee. Mississippi's renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid for (typically 4 or 8 years). The exact fee will be shown to you before you complete the transaction, so there are no surprises.
Before you start, make sure your address on file with the Department of Public Safety is correct. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address, you cannot complete the renewal online — you will have to visit an office in person to verify your new address.
Step-by-step: renewing online through the Mississippi DPS website
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will see a link for online renewal; click it to begin. The system will ask you to enter your license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Once your record appears, review all the information on file — your name, address, and license details. If anything is wrong or out of date, stop here and visit a driver's license office instead; you cannot correct information online. If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.
Enter your Social Security number to confirm your identity. The system will then show you the renewal fee based on your license type and the validity period you choose. Select how long you want your new license to be valid for, review the total cost, and enter your payment information. After your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you may need it if you have questions about your order.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some driver's license offices offer expedited printing, but that requires an in-person visit.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
If your license has expired, you cannot renew it online — you must visit a driver's license office. Mississippi does not allow online renewal for expired licenses because the state wants to verify your identity and current information in person.
You also cannot renew online if you have any active suspensions on your driving record, including medical suspensions, administrative suspensions from traffic violations, or suspensions related to unpaid fines. The online system will reject your renewal attempt if a suspension is found, and you will need to resolve the suspension first by visiting an office or paying outstanding fines.
If you have changed your address and the Department of Public Safety does not have your new address on file, you must visit an office to update it before renewing. The online system will not let you proceed if there is a mismatch between your address and the one in the system.
If you want to upgrade your license class — for example, from a regular Class D license to a commercial Class A license — you must take the written test and vision test in person at a driver's license office. There is no online path for license class changes.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
After you complete your online renewal, the Department of Public Safety will process your payment and print your new license. You will receive a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Keep this email until your new license arrives.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact the Department of Public Safety with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your order and tell you whether it has been mailed or if there was a problem.
Until your new license arrives, you can still drive legally using your old license as long as it has not expired. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a driver's license office if you prefer.
If your online renewal is rejected
If you try to renew online and the system rejects your request, it will usually tell you why. Common reasons include an active suspension, an expired license, an address mismatch, or a hold on your record from another agency (such as child support or tax authorities).
If you see a suspension or hold, you will need to resolve it before you can renew. For suspensions, contact the Department of Public Safety to find out what you need to do — this might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or submitting medical documentation. For holds from other agencies, you will need to contact that agency directly.
Once the issue is resolved, you can try your online renewal again. If you are not sure what the problem is, call your local driver's license office and give them your license number. They can look up your record and explain what is blocking your renewal.
Alternatives if online renewal does not work for you
If you cannot renew online, you have two main options: visit a driver's license office in person, or use a mail-in renewal form if you are renewing from out of state or have a valid reason to renew by mail.
To renew in person, locate your nearest driver's license office on the Department of Public Safety website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office's procedures.
Mail-in renewal is available in limited situations — typically for people renewing from outside Mississippi or those with documented hardships. Contact the Department of Public Safety to ask whether you may have access to and what documents you need to send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Mississippi license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Mississippi does not allow online renewal for expired licenses. You must visit a driver's license office in person with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The office will process your renewal and either issue your new license when ready or mail it to you.
What if I moved and my address is not updated in the system?
You cannot complete an online renewal if your address does not match what is on file. Visit a driver's license office with proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and your current license. The office will update your address and process your renewal.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days from the time your renewal is processed. If you need your license faster, you must visit a driver's license office in person; some offices can print licenses on-site or offer expedited mailing for an additional fee.
Can I renew online if I have a suspension on my record?
No. The online system will reject your renewal if you have any active suspension, including medical suspensions or suspensions from unpaid traffic fines. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting the Department of Public Safety or paying outstanding fines, then you can renew online or in person.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. When you renew online, Mississippi uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.