What You Need to Know About Mississippi License Renewal
Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver Services office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or retaking the written test, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for four years if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. Mississippi sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year early.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works for most people, but you must send your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a Driver Services office is required if your license is expired by more than one year, you need a new photo, or your address has changed.
- You will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.
- Mississippi does not require a vision test for renewal by mail or online, but an in-person visit may include one.
Renewing Online Through the Mississippi Website
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety runs an online renewal system at dps.ms.gov. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not moved to a different address, and you do not need a new photo. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
To renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Mississippi charges $24 for a four-year renewal if you are under 65, or $30 for a five-year renewal if you are 65 or older. The new license is mailed to the address on your current license.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), or if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works for most people and takes about two to three weeks from the time Mississippi receives your process. You will need to complete Form DL-43, which is the Driver License process form. You can read this form from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or pick one up at any Driver Services office.
Send your completed form along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — pay by check or money order made out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Include a copy of proof of your current address if you have moved since your license was issued, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, but it works even if your license has been expired for up to one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. Mail renewal is also the only option if you hold a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement.
Renewing in Person at a Driver Services Office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Mississippi has Driver Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Public Safety website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee depends on your age and how many years you are renewing for. If you are under 65, a four-year renewal costs $24. If you are 65 or older, a five-year renewal costs $30. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some Driver Services offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have questions about how to pay.
If you renew before your license expires, you do not pay extra. The new expiration date is four or five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or in person. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have started the renewal process.
Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine. If you are stopped by law enforcement, tell them you have a renewal process in progress. This does not excuse the violation, but it may help explain the situation.
If your license has been expired for several years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Ask the Driver Services office when you call to schedule your appointment.
Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Websites and Emails
Scammers create fake websites that look like the official Mississippi Department of Public Safety site and send emails claiming your license is about to expire. These fake sites steal your personal information and payment details. The real Mississippi renewal website is dps.ms.gov — check the web address carefully before you enter any information.
Mississippi will never send you an email asking you to renew your license or asking for payment. If you receive an email claiming to be from the Department of Public Safety, do not click any links. Go directly to dps.ms.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself.
If you receive a text message or phone call about renewing your license, hang up and call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly at the number on your current license or on their official website. Do not call a number from the text or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of state?
No. If you have moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state. You cannot renew a Mississippi license if you no longer live in Mississippi. Contact the driver's license office in your new state to find out how to get a license there.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must go in person to a Driver Services office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address. Tell the staff that you lost your license, and they will issue a replacement and renew it at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail or online, you must renew in person instead.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online renewal takes five to seven business days. Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from when Mississippi receives your process. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready, and your permanent license arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver Services office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.