What You Need to Know About Meridian's Driver's License Office

Meridian has one Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office located at 1401 Front Street. If you're transferring an out-of-state license, you'll go to this office to exchange your current license for a Mississippi one. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and does not accept walk-ins — you must schedule an appointment online or by phone before you arrive.

The Meridian office handles standard license renewals, replacements, and transfers. Because appointments fill up, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon, calling ahead to check availability is worth your time. The phone number for the Meridian office is available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Meridian driver's license office is at 1401 Front Street and requires an appointment — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You must bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Mississippi residency, and your Social Security number or card to transfer your license.
  • A Mississippi driver's license costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, and you pay at the time of your appointment.
  • Your out-of-state license remains valid until your appointment, so you can drive legally while you wait for your Mississippi appointment slot.

Documents You Must Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license and one form of proof of identity. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If your birth certificate is not certified (embossed or raised seal), the office will not accept it.

You also need proof of Mississippi residency. The office accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original document, not a photocopy.

Have your Social Security number ready — you can bring your card or straightforward know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

What Happens at Your Appointment

When you arrive, staff will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your out-of-state license. You will answer questions about your vision and medical history. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment so the vision test reflects how you actually drive.

You will not take a written test or driving test when transferring from another state — Mississippi honors your out-of-state driving record and assumes you passed your original state's test. However, you will pay the license fee at this time. Keep your receipt; it serves as a temporary license until your physical card arrives by mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

License Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A four-year Mississippi driver's license costs $24. An eight-year license costs $36. You choose which term you want at your appointment. Payment is cash, debit card, or credit card — the Meridian office accepts all three.

Your new license will be valid from the date you receive it. If you are under 21, your license will have a different design and will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of which term you chose. If you are 21 or older, your license expires four or eight years from the issue date.

If You Need a REAL ID-Compliant License

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you may need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. Mississippi offers REAL ID licenses at no extra cost. To get one, bring the same documents as a standard transfer, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return.

A REAL ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same ($24 for four years, $36 for eight years) and is processed at the same appointment. If you are unsure whether you need REAL ID, ask the staff when you call to schedule — they can tell you based on your travel or work plans.

What to Do If You Have an Out-of-State Suspension or Restriction

If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, Mississippi will honor that status. You cannot transfer a suspended license. You must wait until your suspension ends in your home state, then contact the Meridian office to schedule a transfer appointment.

If your license has a restriction — such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only — that restriction will carry over to your Mississippi license. You do not need to do anything special; the office will note it during your appointment based on your out-of-state license.

Scheduling Your Appointment and What to Expect Wait Times

Schedule your appointment through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling the Meridian office directly. Online scheduling is faster and shows you available slots when ready. Appointments typically fill 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during summer months and around holidays.

If no appointments are available in Meridian, you can schedule at a different Mississippi office — the state has locations in Jackson, Gulfport, and other cities. Your appointment usually takes 15 to 20 minutes once you are called, but arriving early is wise in case paperwork needs correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my out-of-state license while I wait for my Meridian appointment?

Yes. Your out-of-state license remains valid and legal to use until you exchange it for a Mississippi license. You do not need a temporary permit or special documentation while waiting for your appointment slot.

What if I lost my out-of-state license before moving to Mississippi?

Contact your previous state's DMV and request a replacement or abstract of your driving record. Bring that document to your Meridian appointment along with your other proof of identity. The office can process your transfer using the abstract instead of the physical license.

Do I need an appointment if I'm just renewing my Mississippi license?

Yes. All transactions at the Meridian office, including renewals and replacements, require an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted under any circumstance.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

Your physical license card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your receipt from the appointment serves as a temporary license and is valid for driving during that time. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Meridian office.

What if my name has changed since my out-of-state license was issued?

Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue your new license under your current legal name.