What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license in Mississippi

To replace your Mississippi driver license, you will visit a Driver Services office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a replacement fee. Mississippi does not offer online or mail-in replacement for lost or stolen licenses — you must appear at an office yourself. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report the theft to local police and get a report number; some Driver Services offices ask for this when you explore. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you — the office staff will take it and destroy it as part of the replacement process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and payment; there is no online or mail option.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a regular driver license and $28.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number if you have one, though it is not always required.
  • Driver Services offices are located in each county; you can visit any office, not just the one in your home county.

Documents to bring to the Driver Services office

Bring one form of valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number; a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will do.

Proof of residency is required. A current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Mississippi address will satisfy this. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your new name, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date works as well.

Bring your damaged license if you still have it. If your license was stolen, bring a police report if you obtained one — this is not mandatory, but it can speed up the process and protects you in case someone tries to use your stolen license.

Where to go and what to expect

Mississippi has a Driver Services office in each county. You do not have to visit the office in your home county; you can go to any office that is convenient for you. To find the office nearest you, visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and search for Driver Services locations by county, or call the main Driver Services line at 601-987-1500 to confirm hours and location.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some locations have limited Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are organized and straightforward to hand over.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. The staff member will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and process your replacement. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the replacement fee at this time — cash, check, and card are typically accepted, but call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office.

The temporary license and permanent card

Before you leave the office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is accepted as ID at most places. Keep it with you at all times until your permanent card arrives, because it is your proof of licensure.

Your permanent plastic driver license card will be mailed to the address you provided at the office within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact Driver Services at 601-987-1500 to check the status. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, so discard it.

Replacement fees and what they cover

A standard Mississippi driver license replacement costs $24.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 7, 2025 — the fee is $28.50. Both fees cover the replacement card and the temporary license you receive when ready.

The fee is non-refundable, even if you later find your original license. If you find your original license after you have already replaced it, you do not need to do anything; straightforward destroy the old card. Do not attempt to use both licenses.

If your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and request a police report number. Bring this report number with you when you visit Driver Services. While not always required, having a police report on file protects you if someone attempts to use your stolen license to commit fraud or traffic violations.

If you are concerned that your stolen license could be used for identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit. These steps are separate from the license replacement process but can help protect your financial accounts.

If your license was damaged

Bring your damaged license with you to the Driver Services office. The staff will take it and destroy it as part of the replacement process. You do not need to explain how it was damaged; the office handles damaged licenses as routine replacements.

If your license is so damaged that you cannot read your own name or license number, or if you have lost it entirely, the replacement process is the same — you still need the same documents and pay the same fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver Services office. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses. You must bring your documents and payment to an office to complete the replacement.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other document that shows your Social Security number instead. The office staff will accept any official document that displays your SSN. Call your local Driver Services office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your specific document will work.

Do I have to go to the office in my home county?

No. You can visit any Mississippi Driver Services office, regardless of which county you live in. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. All offices can process replacements and issue temporary licenses on the spot.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

Your permanent driver license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks total. If you have not received it within 14 days, contact Driver Services at 601-987-1500 to check on the status of your card.

What if I find my original license after I replace it?

straightforward destroy the old license. Do not attempt to use both. If you find your original before your replacement arrives, you can still use the original and discard the temporary paper license when it is issued, but most people find it simpler to complete the replacement and discard the old card when it shows up.