Get a replacement license by visiting a Mississippi Driver Services office with proof of identity and residency

If your Mississippi driver's license is lost, you can replace it in person at any Driver Services office. You'll need to bring documents that prove who you are and where you live, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes less than an hour, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online in Mississippi. You must visit a Driver Services office in your county or any other county in the state — the location doesn't matter. If you've lost your license and need to drive before you can get to an office, you can request a temporary permit at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Mississippi Driver Services office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard driver's license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
  • Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive when ready, you can request a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license.
  • Driver Services offices are located in all 82 Mississippi counties, and you can visit any office regardless of where you live.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, or a marriage certificate and bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof that you currently live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a recent document yet, bring what you have and explain the situation — staff can sometimes work with you.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. If you're replacing a license because it was stolen, you don't need to report the theft to Driver Services, but you may want to report it to local police for your own records.

Finding a Driver Services office near you

Mississippi has 82 county Driver Services offices, so there is almost certainly one within a short drive. You can find the office closest to you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website under "Driver Services Locations." Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments.

You do not need an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in larger cities do accept appointments, which can save you time if you prefer not to wait. Call ahead if you want to know the current wait time or to schedule a slot.

The replacement fee and what you'll receive

The replacement fee for a standard driver's license is $24.50. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office. If you're replacing a license because it was stolen, the fee is the same — there is no waiver for theft or loss.

When you pay and complete your process, you'll have your photo taken at the office. You'll then receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provide and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before you can visit an office

If you've lost your license and need to drive before you can get to a Driver Services office, you can request a temporary permit when you visit. The temporary paper license you receive is valid for 30 days and is a legal driving document — police will accept it as proof of licensure. You do not need to request anything special; the office will give it to you automatically when you complete your replacement.

If you're stopped by police while driving on a temporary license, have it ready along with your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The temporary license is as valid as a permanent one for the 30 days it covers.

What happens if your replacement license arrives damaged or doesn't arrive

If your permanent license arrives in the mail and it's damaged, torn, or unreadable, you can return to any Driver Services office and request another replacement at no additional charge. Bring the damaged license with you.

If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue if needed. Keep your temporary paper license until the permanent one arrives — it remains valid for the full 30 days.

Replacing a license that was stolen versus lost

The replacement process is identical whether your license was lost or stolen. You don't need a police report to replace it, though you may want to file one for your own protection if it was stolen. Some people file a theft report with local police to create a record in case the license is used fraudulently, but this is optional and doesn't affect the replacement process at Driver Services.

If you're concerned that a stolen license could be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can protect you from identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the Driver Services office to explore for a replacement license. The office will take your photo and verify your identity at that time. No one can do this on your behalf.

What if I've moved out of state since I got my current license?

If you no longer live in Mississippi, you cannot replace a Mississippi license. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent agency for their replacement process.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No. If your license is lost, you won't have it to bring. If you do have it, bringing it can speed up the process slightly, but it's not required. The office can look up your record by name and Social Security number.

How long is a temporary paper license good for?

A temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before that 30 days is up. If it doesn't, contact the office where you applied.

What if I don't have a current utility bill or lease for proof of address?

You can use any document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current address — a bank statement, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or government mail. If you've just moved and nothing is dated yet, bring what you have and explain. Staff may be able to work with you or ask for additional documents like a lease or moving company paperwork.