The Columbus DMV location and what it handles

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety runs a driver license office in Columbus at 1428 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701. This office issues driver licenses, issues identification cards, handles license renewals, and processes address changes. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by the county circuit clerk's office in Lowndes County.

The Columbus driver license office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is closed on state holidays. You can call ahead at (662) 328-2371 to ask about wait times or confirm that the office is open before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Columbus driver license office is located at 1428 Main Street and handles driver licenses, ID cards, renewals, and address changes.
  • Vehicle registration and title services are handled by the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk's office, not the driver license office.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Bringing the correct documents the first time will prevent a second trip — requirements differ for renewals, new licenses, and address changes.

What documents to bring for a driver license or ID card

For a new driver license or ID card, bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, or military ID. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing an existing license or ID card, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or call the Columbus office to find out whether your renewal qualifies for mail or online renewal. If you must renew in person, bring your current license or ID card and proof of residency.

If you are changing your address on your driver license or ID card, bring your current license or ID card and proof of your new address. You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number for an address change alone.

How to change your address at the Columbus office

Walk into the Columbus driver license office with your current license or ID card and a document showing your new address. The address change takes a few minutes and costs nothing. The office will issue you a new card with the updated address, usually on the same day.

If you have moved out of state or your new address is outside Mississippi, you will need to update your address with the new state's DMV instead. Mississippi will not update your license to an out-of-state address.

Vehicle registration and title services in Lowndes County

Vehicle registration, title transfers, and vehicle-related documents are handled by the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk's office, not by the driver license office. The circuit clerk's office is located at 301 West Main Street, Columbus, MS 39701. You can reach them at (662) 329-5800.

The circuit clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring your vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Mississippi, you will also need proof of a passing emissions test if your vehicle is subject to emissions testing in your county.

Wait times and what to expect

Wait times at the Columbus driver license office vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to have shorter waits than late afternoon or Friday visits. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number.

Bring something to read or work on, as waits can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is. Calling ahead at (662) 328-2371 can give you a sense of current wait times before you make the trip.

If you need services the office does not provide

If you need a duplicate license, a corrected name on your license, or a commercial driver license, the Columbus office can handle those. If you need to report a lost or stolen license, you can do that at the office or by calling the state DMV.

If you need to reinstate a suspended or revoked license, you will need to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly or visit their website. Reinstatement requirements vary depending on why your license was suspended or revoked, and the Columbus office cannot process reinstatement on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license by mail instead of going to the Columbus office?

Some renewals can be done by mail or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Call the Columbus office at (662) 328-2371 or check the state website to find out whether your renewal qualifies. If it does, you can avoid the trip.

What if I need to register a vehicle but I do not have a title yet?

Contact the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk's office at (662) 329-5800. They can tell you what documents you need to bring instead of a title, such as a bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate of origin. Requirements depend on whether the vehicle is new or used and where it came from.

Do I need an appointment to get a driver license or change my address?

No. The Columbus driver license office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Calling ahead can tell you how busy it is, but you cannot reserve a time slot.

What if the Columbus office is closed when I need to go?

The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need service on a weekend, you will need to visit a different Mississippi driver license office or wait until the Columbus office reopens. The state website lists all driver license offices in Mississippi.

Can I change my address online instead of visiting the office?

Mississippi does not offer online address changes for driver licenses or ID cards. You must visit the Columbus office in person or contact the state DMV to find out whether mail-in address changes are available in your situation.