What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost Mississippi driver's license, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Mississippi does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost licenses. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and payment for the replacement fee. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local law enforcement and request a police report number. While not required by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, a report protects you against identity theft and creates a record if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Driver Services office; there is no online or mail option for lost license replacement in Mississippi.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license, and payment must be made at the office by cash, check, or debit card.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card within 7 to 10 business days by mail.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself against identity theft and fraudulent use.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver Services Office

Mississippi requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of your current address. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, a state ID card from another state, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of your current address, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document such as a tax return or voter registration card. A piece of mail from your employer or school also works if it shows your address.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card with you, bring any document that displays it, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration website.

Where to Go and What Hours explore

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in every county. The main office is located in Jackson at 1104 Woolfolk Building, 501 North West Street, but you can visit any county office closest to you. Each office handles lost license replacements during regular business hours.

Most county offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch between noon and 1:00 p.m. Before you go, call your local county office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to confirm hours, because some offices have reduced schedules or may close for holidays. This step prevents a wasted trip.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license. Walk-in service is available at all offices, though wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week.

The Replacement Fee and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a lost driver's license in Mississippi is $24.50. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Payment must be made at the office at the time you submit your replacement request.

Driver Services offices accept cash, personal checks, and debit cards. Credit cards are not accepted. If you pay by check, write it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Keep your receipt; it serves as proof of payment if there is a delay in receiving your replacement card.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

Once you hand over your documents and pay the fee, the office staff will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid for 45 days. Write down the temporary license number; you may need it if you are stopped by law enforcement before your plastic card arrives.

Your replacement plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so allow up to two weeks to be safe. If you do not receive your card within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide your temporary license number.

Do not discard your temporary license when your plastic card arrives. Keep it in a safe place for your records. If your replacement card is lost or damaged before it arrives, you will need to file another replacement request and pay the fee again.

If Your License Was Stolen: Additional Steps

A stolen license carries a higher risk of identity theft than a lost one. Contact your local police department and file a report. Provide the officer with your license number, date of birth, and the date and location where you believe it was stolen. Request a copy of the police report or a report number; keep this for your records.

After filing the police report, you can mention it to the Driver Services office staff when you explore for your replacement. While not required, it documents that the license was stolen rather than lost, which may help if someone uses your license number fraudulently. You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing only one form of identification or address proof. Mississippi requires both, and staff cannot process your request without them. Bring extra documents if you are unsure whether yours will be accepted.

Another mistake is assuming you can renew your license at the same time you replace it. If your license has expired, you must take a written test and vision test in addition to paying the replacement fee. If your license is still valid, replacement is straightforward and does not require testing. Check your license expiration date before you go.

Do not assume your temporary paper license will work everywhere. Some businesses, banks, and government offices may not accept it as proof of identity. Bring additional identification such as a passport or state ID card if you need to verify your identity while waiting for your plastic card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost 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 licenses. You must bring your documents and pay the fee at the office.

What if I do not have a current address proof dated within 60 days?

You will need to obtain one. Contact your utility company, bank, or insurance provider and request a recent statement. If you recently moved, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a lease or mortgage statement. Without a current address proof, the office cannot process your replacement.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. This gives you time to receive your plastic replacement card by mail. If your plastic card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver Services office when ready.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

Reporting is not required by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, but it is recommended if your license was stolen. A police report protects you against identity theft and creates a record if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Keep the report number for your records.

What if my replacement card arrives damaged or does not arrive at all?

If your card arrives damaged, return to the Driver Services office with the damaged card and your temporary license. If it does not arrive within 14 days, call the office where you applied with your temporary license number. They can check the status and reissue if necessary. A second replacement may require another fee.