What you need to do to get a replacement license in Mississippi

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Mississippi driver's license, you will visit your local Driver License Examining Station in person with proof of identity and residency. Mississippi does not offer online or mail-in replacement for standard licenses. The process takes about 30 minutes, 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 report the theft to local police and bring the police report number with you to the examining station — this protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you; the examiner will take it and issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Examining Station in person with a valid ID and proof of Mississippi residency.
  • The replacement fee is $24.50 for a standard license and $31.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, bring a police report number to document the theft and protect yourself from fraud.
  • Bring your Social Security number or card, as the examiner will verify it during the replacement process.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one form of valid photo ID — your passport, military ID, or state ID card will work. You also need proof that you live in Mississippi: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

Have your Social Security number ready or bring your Social Security card. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Where to go and how long it takes

Mississippi has Driver License Examining Stations in every county. You can find the one nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website by entering your county. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours, as they vary by location.

Walk-in service is available at most stations, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times like lunch or late afternoon. Some stations accept online appointment scheduling through the state website, which can cut your wait time significantly. If you are replacing a license due to theft, you may want to schedule an appointment to avoid a long wait.

The cost and what you pay for

A standard Mississippi driver's license replacement costs $24.50. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead — which is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025 — the cost is $31.50. You pay at the examining station when you submit your documents, and payment is cash, check, or card depending on the station's policy.

The fee covers the replacement card itself and the processing. There is no separate fee for the temporary paper license you receive on the spot. If you lose or damage your temporary license before your plastic card arrives, you can request a replacement at the same examining station for no additional charge.

Standard license versus REAL ID

A standard Mississippi driver's license works for driving and state ID purposes but will not be accepted as proof of identity for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards.

If you are replacing your license now, you can choose either type. The REAL ID costs $7 more but lasts the same eight years as a standard license. If you choose standard now and later want to upgrade to REAL ID, you will need to return to an examining station and pay the difference. Most people choose REAL ID at replacement time to avoid a second trip.

What happens after you submit your documents

The examiner will verify your identity, check your Social Security number against state records, and confirm your Mississippi residency. They will take a new photo for your license unless you request to use the photo from your previous license (this is allowed if your previous license is less than eight years old and you still have it). You will sign a form confirming the information on your new license is correct.

You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license works for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent card will be mailed to the address you provided, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver License Bureau at the number on your temporary license.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license has an active suspension or revocation on your record, you cannot receive a replacement until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is resolved. The examining station will check your driving record when you explore, and if a suspension or revocation is found, they will tell you what you need to do to clear it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Each has different steps to resolve it. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau before you visit the examining station if you think your license might be suspended — they can tell you what needs to happen first and save you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Mississippi requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Examining Station with valid ID and proof of residency. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for driver's licenses.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You need one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you cannot get one of these, contact your local examining station to ask about alternative documents they may accept.

How long is the temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary license is valid for 45 days. Your plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the Driver License Bureau to report it.

Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?

The examiner will take a new photo by default. However, if your previous license is less than eight years old and you still have it, you can request to use that photo instead. Tell the examiner before they take the new one.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the legal name change. The examiner will update your name in the system and issue a license with your current legal name.