Where to Find the Brookhaven DMV Office

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety — which handles driver's licenses and vehicle registration — has a service center in Brookhaven located at 1016 Whitworth Avenue, Brookhaven, MS 39601. This is the office that serves Lincoln County residents for most DMV transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (usually noon to 1:00 p.m.). It is closed on state holidays and weekends. You do not need an appointment for most services, but wait times can run 30 minutes to two hours during mid-morning and early afternoon, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

If you cannot reach the Brookhaven office by phone, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety main line at 601-987-1500 to confirm hours or ask about specific services. The office does not take reservations online, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Brookhaven DMV office is located at 1016 Whitworth Avenue and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title transfers for Lincoln County.
  • You will need to bring original documents — not copies — including proof of residency, your Social Security card or birth certificate, and a photo ID if you already have one.
  • Driver's license renewals can often be done by mail or online if you have no violations or address changes, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • Vehicle registration renewals are available online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website if your vehicle has no liens and your information has not changed.
  • Wait times are typically shortest on Monday and Tuesday mornings before 11:00 a.m.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Mississippi requires original documents — photocopies are not accepted. For a driver's license, bring your Social Security card or certified birth certificate, a photo ID if you already have one (passport, military ID, or previous license), and two forms of proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

For vehicle registration or title transfer, bring your vehicle's current registration card, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If the vehicle has a lien, bring the lienholder's information as well. If someone else is signing on your behalf, they must bring a notarized power of attorney.

Bring your Social Security card in its original form — do not laminate it or bring a copy. If you do not have a Social Security card, a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born works instead. The office will not accept hospital birth certificates or certificates without a raised seal.

Driver's License Renewal Without Visiting the Office

If you are renewing a driver's license and have no violations, address changes, or medical conditions to report, you can renew online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by mail. Online renewal costs less and takes about one week. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have moved, if you are over 70 years old, or if your license has been expired for more than two years. In those cases, you must visit the Brookhaven office in person.

To renew by mail, contact the Brookhaven office or the state DMV main line to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $31 for a four-year license), and mail it to the address they provide. Do not send cash through the mail.

Vehicle Registration Renewal Online

Vehicle registration can be renewed online if your vehicle has no liens, your address has not changed, and your insurance is current. The online system is available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. You will need your current registration card and proof of insurance.

Online renewal takes about one week and costs the same as renewing in person. If your vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must be listed on the registration before you can renew online. If your address has changed, you must update it in person or by mail before renewing the registration.

If you renew online, you will receive your new registration card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with your old card until the new one arrives, as long as you have proof of the online transaction.

Title Transfers and New Vehicle Registration

If you buy a vehicle in Mississippi, you have 30 days to register it and obtain a title. Bring the bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and your driver's license to the Brookhaven office. The fee for a new title and registration varies depending on the vehicle's age and value.

If you buy a vehicle from out of state, you must have it inspected by a Mississippi state inspector before you can register it. The Brookhaven office can provide a list of approved inspectors in Lincoln County. Bring the out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency.

If the vehicle has a lien, the lienholder's name and address must appear on the title process. Some lienholders require the title to be mailed to them first before you can register the vehicle. Ask your lender whether they need to receive the title before you visit the office.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license fees depend on the type and length of license. A standard four-year driver's license costs $31. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. Duplicate licenses cost $10. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Vehicle registration fees are based on the vehicle's weight and age. A standard passenger vehicle registration costs between $25 and $35 per year. Commercial vehicles and trailers have different fees. Title transfer fees are typically $15 to $20. The office accepts the same payment methods as for driver's licenses.

If you pay by check, make it out to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order only — credit and debit cards are not accepted for mail renewals.

What Happens If You Miss a Renewal important date

If your driver's license expires, you can still drive for a grace period of up to 30 days in Mississippi while you arrange to renew it. After 30 days, driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. If you are stopped, you may be cited and fined.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must take a written test and vision test at the Brookhaven office. You will also need to provide all original documents as if you were explore for a new license.

Vehicle registration that expires can result in a traffic citation if you are stopped. You cannot legally drive with expired registration. Renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice, which is typically sent 30 days before expiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license if I have moved to a different county?

No. You must renew your license at the DMV office in the county where you currently live. If you have moved out of Lincoln County, you will need to visit the office in your new county. You can transfer your address by mail or online if you have not moved yet, but once you move, you must renew in person at your new county's office.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a birth certificate?

You can obtain a certified birth certificate from the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office or from the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail. In the meantime, you cannot renew your driver's license. If you need to drive when ready, contact the Brookhaven office to ask about temporary documents.

Do I need an inspection sticker for my vehicle in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not require annual vehicle inspections. However, your vehicle must be registered and insured. Some counties may have local emissions testing requirements — contact the Brookhaven office to confirm whether Lincoln County has any additional requirements.

Can someone else pick up my registration or license for me?

No. You must be present to explore for a driver's license or register a vehicle. If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license by mail or online if you meet the requirements. For vehicle registration, you must visit the office yourself or have a notarized power of attorney prepared and bring it with your other documents.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license after I explore?

If you explore in person at the Brookhaven office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.