Mississippi driver's license renewal by mail or in person

Mississippi lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at any Driver Services office. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you fill out the process, include your current license and a check, and mail it to the state. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a Driver Services office during business hours, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the card. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the mail option and must go in person. If you are over 65, you can renew by mail every eight years instead of every four, which saves you trips.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your current license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, and costs $24.50 plus postage.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver Services office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready.
  • You need your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order — no credit cards by mail.
  • Drivers 65 and older can renew by mail every eight years instead of every four years.
  • If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Mail renewal: documents and steps

To renew by mail, start with form DL-44, the process for Issuance or Renewal of Driver's License. You can read it from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone. Fill in your name, address, date of birth, and signature. Include your current driver's license with the process.

You also need proof that you live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Mail the completed form, your license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $24.50 to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205.

Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail. If you need your license sooner, do not use the mail option — go in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Driver Services office

Walk into any Driver Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and payment. No appointment is needed. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days as proof you live in Mississippi. The fee is $24.50, and you can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. Driver Services offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours. Find the office nearest you on the Department of Public Safety website.

When you must renew in person

You cannot use mail renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than two years ago. In both cases, you must go to a Driver Services office in person.

If your license expired more than two years ago, the office may require you to retake the written test before issuing a new license. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment. If your license was suspended or revoked, bring documentation showing the suspension or revocation has been lifted — for example, proof that you paid a reinstatement fee or completed a required course.

Renewing at 65 and older

Drivers 65 and older can renew by mail every eight years instead of every four years. This means fewer trips to the office and fewer renewal fees over your lifetime. The mail process is identical to the standard mail renewal: form DL-44, your current license, proof of residency, and $24.50.

You do not need to request a special form or mention your age — the system recognizes your birthdate and automatically extends your renewal window. If you prefer to renew in person at any point, you can do that as well.

What happens if you renew late or let your license expire

If your license expires, you can still drive legally for a grace period of 30 days after the expiration date. After 30 days, driving with an expired license is against the law. If you are stopped by police, you may receive a citation.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you lose the mail renewal option and must renew in person. The office may also require you to retake the written test. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or within the 30-day grace period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi license online?

No. Mississippi does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Driver Services office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online — you complete the form at home and mail it in — but you cannot submit it electronically.

What if my address changed since my last license?

Include your new address on form DL-44 when you renew. If you renew by mail, include proof of residency at your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. If you renew in person, bring the same proof and the office will update your address on the spot.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew by mail, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person, the office takes a new photo. If you want a new photo but prefer mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

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

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. In-person renewal takes seven to ten business days for the permanent license to arrive by mail, though you receive a temporary license when ready when you leave the office.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. Go to a Driver Services office in person with proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.