What you need to do to replace a lost license in Mississippi

To replace a lost driver's license in Mississippi, you must visit a Driver Services office in person with proof of identity and residency. Mississippi does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You will pay a replacement fee (currently $24.50 for a standard license, though this may vary), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. Most people complete it in one visit and walk out with a temporary license that is valid for driving when ready. The main delay is waiting for the physical card to arrive at your home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a Mississippi Driver Services office in person — there is no mail-in or online replacement option.
  • Bring a valid form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • You will pay $24.50 at the time of replacement and receive a temporary paper license valid for driving when ready.
  • Your permanent license card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; keep the temporary license until it arrives.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and monitor your credit, though this is separate from the replacement process.

Documents you must bring to the Driver Services office

Mississippi requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail (such as a tax return or court document). A piece of mail from your employer also works if it shows your home address.

If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will still show your old name.

Where to find a Driver Services office and what to expect

Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website by searching for your county. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth doing, though appointments are not always available.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and process the replacement. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not crowded. You will pay the $24.50 fee by cash, check, or card (accepted methods vary by office, so call ahead if you want to confirm).

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving and is recognized by law enforcement. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives, because you will need to show it if you are stopped.

How long it takes and what happens while you wait

The replacement process itself takes one day — you walk out with a temporary license. The permanent card is mailed to the address you provide and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times can vary, so if you do not receive it after two weeks, contact the Driver Services office where you applied.

You can drive legally on the temporary license the entire time you are waiting. There is no gap in your driving privileges. If you need your license number before the card arrives (for insurance, employment, or other purposes), the Driver Services office will give it to you on the temporary license or write it down for you.

If your license was stolen rather than lost

The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if you believe it was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the report. A stolen license could be used for identity fraud, so monitoring your credit report for unauthorized accounts is a reasonable precaution.

You can check your credit for free once per year through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. If you spot accounts you did not open, you can dispute them with the credit bureau and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. These steps are separate from replacing your license, but they are worth doing if you suspect theft.

What to do if you cannot go to an office in person

Mississippi does not offer mail-in or online replacement, so you must visit an office yourself. If you are unable to travel, you may be able to have someone else pick up your temporary license on your behalf if you provide them with a notarized power of attorney, though policies vary by office. Call the office where you plan to explore and ask whether they accept this arrangement.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can still replace your license when you return. Your old license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue driving on it. Once you are back in Mississippi, visit any Driver Services office with your documents and follow the standard replacement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then replace a lost card.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

You will need to obtain a document that meets the requirement. If you recently moved, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a statement showing your new address. Some offices may accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead if it shows your home address, though policies vary — call ahead to ask.

Will my temporary license work for air travel or to board a plane?

No. The temporary paper license is valid for driving but not for federal identification purposes like air travel. For flights, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or other federal ID. If your permanent license arrives before your flight, you can use that. Otherwise, use your passport.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Mississippi?

The current fee is $24.50 for a standard driver's license. Fees can change, so confirm the amount when you call the office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Most offices accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm payment methods.

What if my permanent license does not arrive after two weeks?

Contact the Driver Services office where you applied and provide them with the date you received your temporary license. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is usually no additional fee for a reissue due to mail loss.