So, the time has come for you to renew your Mississippi driver’s license.
But wait…
Where do you renew your driver’s license?
What are the requirements and steps?
We’re going to answer these questions and more.
Today, we’re going to walk you through a complete guide to the Mississippi driver’s license renewal process. We won’t leave anything out.
Are you ready?
Let’s begin!
How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Mississippi
There are 4 ways you can renew your driver’s license in Mississippi. These are:
- Online
- At a kiosk
- In-person
- By mail
Let’s go through each one.
How to Renew A Mississippi Driver’s License Online
For your convenience, you can now renew your driver’s license from the comfort of your home.
Awesome!
However, there are a few people that might not be eligible for online renewal.
You cannot take part in online renewal if:
- Your last renewal period was done online (you can only do online renewal every other renewal period)
- You do not have a valid photo
- You do not have a mailing address (the Mississippi DPS does not accept P.O boxes)
- You have to change personal information (last name)
- You are NOT a US citizen
- You do NOT own a credit/debit card
- You hold a license that’s NOT Class D or Class R
If none of that describes you, then here are the steps to renewing your Mississippi driver’s license online:
- Provide the following information:
- Your license number OR last 4 digits of your SSN
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Verify if all personal information is correct. If needed, you can update your mailing address.
- Follow the online prompts.
- Pay the renewal fee and an additional $1.50 processing fee for online renewal
- 4-year license validity – $24
OR
- 8-year license validity – $47
NOTE: you can only pay using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.
- Save the receipt.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail.
It’s as easy and convenient as that!
How to Renew A Mississippi Driver’s License at A Kiosk
Want to avoid the long lines at a DPS office?
You can renew your Mississippi driver’s license at a self-service kiosk. But, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You are between 17 and 75 years old
- You don’t need to change your personal information
- You have no unpaid tickets
- You are a US citizen
- You have a debit/credit card
If you’re eligible, then follow these steps:
- Find the nearest self-service kiosk (click here for a list of locations).
- Swipe your driver’s license in the slot.
- Check if all information is correct.
- Take a new photo.
- Pay for the fee with a debit/credit card
- 4-year validity – $24
OR
- 8-year validity – $47
- Processing fee – $1.50
- Get the printed paper receipt.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail.
How to Renew A Mississippi Driver’s License In-Person
There are times when you can’t avoid renewing your driver’s license at a DPS office. This is if:
- You are not a US citizen
- You previously renewed online
- You are upgrading to a REAL-ID
- You need to make changes to your personal information
Don’t worry — the process is still very simple. You just need to:
- Schedule an appointment online to avoid long lines.
- Bring the required documents:
- Current driver’s license
- Proof of identity
- 2 proofs of Mississippi residency
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of identity if not a US citizen
- Information change document (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc)
- Fill out the renewal form and submit all documents.
- Pass the vision test.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the renewal fee with cash or debit/credit card.
- 4-year validity – $24
- 8-year validity – $47
- Receive your receipt.
- Wait for your new driver’s license to arrive via mail.
Pretty easy, right?
NOTE: You can check or follow up on the status of your license by contacting the Mississippi DPS at (601) 987-1224 or (601) 987-1212. You can also reach them via email at drivesafe@dps.msv.gov.
How to Renew A Mississippi Driver’s License By Mail
When it comes to mail renewal, there are only a select few who can avail of it. These are:
- Mississippi residents attending college out of state
- Mississippi military members that have active duties out of state
If you fit any of these, then here are the steps to renew your Mississippi driver’s license through the mail:
- Gather these documents:
- For students – proof of college student ID card AND a notarized letterhead from your college
- For military – Proof of military orders AND letter from your commanding officer
- Copy of driver’s license OR Social Security Card
- Get a certified check made payable to the Mississippi DPS.
- 4-year validity – $24
- 8-year validity – $47
- Put everything in a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail it to:
Office of Central Print
P.O. Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205
- Wait for your driver’s license to arrive via mail.
Since you won’t get a receipt, you need to make sure that you renew your license early so you can still drive.
FAQs
For more information, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions about Mississippi driver’s license renewal.
Let’s go!
When does my driver’s license expire in Mississippi?
Your regular driver’s license expires every 4 years on your birthday.
As for a REAL-ID, it will expire every 8 years, again, on the midnight of your birthday.
When can I renew my driver’s license in Mississippi?
You can renew your Mississippi driver’s license within 6 months before the expiration date. You can also still renew it one year after expiration, but you will need to pay a penalty fee.
How do I renew my expired MS driver’s license?
In Mississippi, if your license has expired for less than a year, you can renew it online (provided you are eligible).
But, if it has expired for more than a year already, you need to renew it in person. Plus, you will need to retake the DMV written test and pay a penalty fee.
Is there a grace period for an expired driver’s license in Mississippi?
Unfortunately, Mississippi doesn’t have a grace period for expired driver’s licenses. If it expires, you will have to pay a late fee of $1 when you renew. And, if you drive with an expired license, you will face harsh penalties.
What happens if you get pulled over with an expired license in Mississippi?
If caught driving with an expired license, you will be charged with a misdemeanor and the court may fine you $200 to $500. You may also face up to 6 months of jail time.
Conclusion
And that concludes your complete guide to Mississippi driver’s license renewal.
As we saw, renewing your driver’s license is very easy.
So what are you waiting for?
Check your renewal options and pick the best one for you.
Don’t delay!