Pearl DMV Location and Hours
The Pearl Driver License Examination Station is located at 3861 Highway 49 North in Pearl, Mississippi. This is a satellite office of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, not the main Jackson headquarters. The facility handles driver license renewals, replacements, and written exams, but not all services available at larger regional offices.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break typically from noon to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because wait times can vary significantly by day and time, arriving early in the morning or mid-week generally means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.
You can call the Pearl location at (601) 932-1565 to confirm current hours, ask about specific services, or check wait times before you go. Having the phone number ready saves a trip if the office is unexpectedly closed or if you need to verify whether your particular transaction is handled there.
Key Takeaways
- The Pearl DMV is located at 3861 Highway 49 North and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
- This office handles driver license renewals, replacements, and written exams but may not offer all services, so call ahead if you need a specific transaction.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and any required documents for your specific transaction before you arrive.
- You can reach the Pearl location directly at (601) 932-1565 to confirm hours, ask about services, or check current wait times.
- If the Pearl office cannot handle your transaction, the Jackson regional office or your county circuit clerk may be able to help.
What Documents to Bring
The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing a license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or taking a written exam. For any transaction, bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver license. You will also need proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.
If you are renewing your license, bring your current Mississippi driver license or ID card. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you do not need the original but should bring a police report if the license was stolen. For a written exam, bring only your ID and proof of residency unless you have been asked to bring additional documents in a notice from the DMV.
Social Security number verification is required for all transactions. You can provide this by bringing your Social Security card, or the DMV can verify it electronically if you provide your number. Check the Mississippi DMV website or call the Pearl office before your visit to confirm the full list of documents for your specific need.
Driver License Renewal at Pearl
Renewing your driver license at the Pearl office takes about 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is when you arrive. You will fill out an process form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Mississippi driver licenses are valid for four years for drivers under 65 and six years for drivers 65 and older, so check your current license to see when you are due.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so there is no penalty for renewing early. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to take a written exam and vision test in addition to the standard renewal process. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and a valid ID to speed up the process.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. Call (601) 932-1565 to ask about the current fee before you go, or check the Mississippi DMV website for the most recent pricing.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged License
If your driver license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Pearl office. Bring your proof of residency and a valid form of identification. If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.
The replacement process is similar to renewal: you will fill out a form, have a new photo taken, and pay a replacement fee. The fee is typically lower than a full renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready.
If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. The DMV staff can assess whether it qualifies for a free replacement or whether you will need to pay the standard replacement fee.
Written Exams and Vision Tests
The Pearl office administers written exams for new driver licenses and for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked. The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The office also performs vision screening as part of the licensing process.
If you are taking the written exam for the first time, study the Mississippi Driver's Manual before you arrive. The manual is available free on the Mississippi DMV website and covers everything on the test. You can also request a printed copy at the Pearl office or any DMV location.
Bring your valid ID and proof of residency. The exam takes about 15 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is a fee for each exam attempt.
When Pearl Cannot Help You
The Pearl office does not issue commercial driver licenses (CDL), handle vehicle registration or title transactions, or process certain specialized permits. If you need a CDL, you must go to a full-service DMV office, typically in Jackson or your county seat. Vehicle registration and title work is handled by your county circuit clerk's office, not the DMV.
If you are unsure whether the Pearl office handles your specific transaction, call (601) 932-1565 before you go. The staff can tell you whether to come to Pearl or direct you to the correct location. This saves time and prevents a wasted trip.
The Jackson regional DMV office at 1104 Dunbarton Street in Jackson handles all services and is open the same hours as Pearl. If Pearl cannot help you, Jackson is usually the next closest option with full service availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to Pearl?
Mississippi does not offer online or mail-in license renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. However, if you are unable to travel to Pearl, you can visit any other Mississippi DMV location, including the Jackson regional office or your county circuit clerk's office, which may be closer to you.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency is required for all DMV transactions. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a bank statement, government mail, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Call the Pearl office at (601) 932-1565 to ask whether a specific document will work before you arrive.
How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?
Your new plastic driver license card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your transaction that is valid for driving right away. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the Pearl office to report it.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Pearl DMV?
The Pearl office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call ahead at (601) 932-1565 to ask about current wait times and plan your visit accordingly.
What if I fail the written exam?
You can retake the written exam the same day or return another day. There is a fee for each attempt. Before you retake it, review the Mississippi Driver's Manual to study the questions you missed. The manual is free on the Mississippi DMV website.