Drivers in the Military

If the military has you living temporarily out of state, don't be discouraged about taking care of business from afar. In fact, when it comes to renewing a driver's license, active members of the military who are Mississippi residents have it easy. Just be sure you renew your expired license within the first 90 days of being discharged from the military in order to avoid penalty.

You can also receive a Mississippi license without your picture, by mailing the following information:

• Self-addressed, stamped envelope with your current mailing address

• Front and back copy of your military identification

• Copy of current military orders

• Social security number

• Copy of expiring driver's license

• Appropriate fees in the form of a cashier's check or money order: $20 for a four-year license; $5 for a replacement license; $1 late fee if license has already expired

Mail your request and the required information to:

• Mississippi Highway Patrol Driver Services

• P.O. Box 958

• Jackson, Mississippi 39205

Once you return to the state, you will need to get a license with your photo. The fee for this duplicate is $5. Simply gather the documentation stated above and make a trip to your local driver's license office.

Vehicle Registration

Active-duty military members can renew their vehicle license plates by mail. Renewal cards will be sent each year to your current Mississippi address; to renew by mail, just send the printed registration fee listed on your reminder card, plus an additional 50 cents for the decal, back to your county tax collector's office. Upon receipt, it will mail your renewed registration and decal to your requested address. Your current MS address will remain on the license, but your decal can be mailed to whichever address you specify in your renewal.

Voting

Active-duty military personnel can register to vote, and they can also vote by absentee ballot in all elections. To request registration, or an absentee ballot, contact your county's Voter Registrar.