How to Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license in person at any Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver's license office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. Most people renew in person because the mail option has strict limits — you can only use it if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years.

Before you go to an office or prepare a mail renewal, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Your Mississippi license is valid for four years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to 180 days before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early gives you time to correct any problems before your current license runs out.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a driver's license office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have had no violations or suspensions in the past five years.
You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid for, so check the current fee before you go.
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or address.

Renewing in person at a driver's license office

Find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while others use a ticket system — call ahead to confirm how your local office works.

Bring your current driver's license, your proof of Social Security number, and your proof of address. You will also need to bring payment for the renewal fee. Mississippi charges different amounts depending on whether you want a standard license, a REAL ID-compliant license, or a commercial driver's license. The fee also depends on how many years you want the license to be valid for — you can choose a one-year, two-year, three-year, or four-year renewal. Ask the office staff what the current fee is for the type of renewal you want.

At the office, you will complete an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The process usually takes 30 minutes or less. You will receive your new license on the spot unless the office needs to verify information, which is rare. If there is a problem, staff will tell you what to do next.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is only available if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have had no violations, suspensions, or revocations in the past five years. If you meet all three conditions, you can mail your renewal process and documents to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Request a mail renewal form from the Department of Public Safety website or by calling the main office. Fill out the form completely and include your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail everything to the address shown on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — usually two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If there is a problem with your process, the Department will contact you by mail, which adds more time. For this reason, mail renewal works best if your license is not expiring soon and you have time to wait.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than 180 days ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, not just renew. You will also need to provide more documents, including proof of your date of birth and proof of legal presence in the United States.

If your license expired within the last 180 days, you can still renew it at a driver's license office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal. The office staff will check whether your license is within the renewal window and process it accordingly.

REAL ID and what it means for your renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to fly within the United States after that date, you should renew to a REAL ID license now.

A REAL ID license looks like a regular license but has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner. The renewal process is the same as a standard renewal, but the fee is higher. You do not have to get a REAL ID license — you can still renew to a standard license if you prefer. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other purposes.

Scams and safety alerts

Do not pay for your renewal through any website or phone number you find by searching online. The only official Mississippi Department of Public Safety website is the one listed on the state government's main website. Scammers create fake renewal sites that look official but steal your money and personal information.

Do not send your original documents by mail unless you are doing an official mail renewal through the Department of Public Safety. Never mail your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate to anyone claiming to help you renew. The Department of Public Safety will never ask you to send original documents except through the official mail renewal process.

If someone calls you claiming to be from the Department of Public Safety and asks for payment or personal information, hang up. The Department does not call people to remind them to renew or to collect fees. If you are unsure whether a call or website is real, call the main Department of Public Safety office directly using the number on your current license or on the state government website.

What to do if your documents are missing or damaged

If you have lost your Social Security card or your proof of address is damaged, you can still renew. Bring whatever documents you have and explain the situation to the office staff. They can help you figure out what other documents you can use instead. For example, if you do not have a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease, or a mortgage statement can serve as proof of address.

If you have lost your current driver's license, you can still renew in person by bringing your other documents. The office will look up your license information in the system and process your renewal. If you cannot find your license and you are not sure whether it has expired, call the office before you go so they can check the status for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a driver's license office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster and you receive your license the same day.

What if I moved to a different state?

You cannot renew a Mississippi license if you no longer live in Mississippi. You must get a license from your new state. Contact the driver's license office in your new state to find out what documents you need and how to transfer your driving record.

How much does a renewal cost?

The fee depends on the type of license and how many years you want it to be valid for. Standard licenses cost less than REAL ID licenses. Call your local driver's license office or check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the current fee for the renewal you want.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must renew your license yourself in person or by mail. You cannot have someone else do it for you, even a family member or a lawyer. You must sign the process and be present for the photo.

What if my name changed since my last renewal?

Bring your current license and the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.