Renewing Your License in Mississippi

Determine the Status of Your License

You always need a current driver's license to operate a vehicle, so a mandatory renewal is required every four years.

Car insurance is also mandatory―the state determines the dollar minimums for each type of insurance coverage you need. If you're ready for a change, you can shop online for a carrier and compare rates at our Insurance Center.

Valid License

Owning a valid Class R license requires renewing every four years. You have two renewal options:

• Online

• In person

Ordering a driving record report will clarify any doubts regarding the status of your license.

NOTE: The license renewal process for commercial drivers differs from Class R licenses.

Expired License

Renewing an expired license comes with a $1 late fee. For more information, contact your local driver license location.

You may renew:

• In person

• Online, if your license has not been expired for more than one year

If you have doubts as to whether you're driving with an expired license, find out by ordering a driving record report.

Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license is not advised. To learn about the current status of your suspended or revoked license, give some thought to ordering a driving record report.

If and when you're reinstated, you may want to consider looking for an insurance carrier that won't penalize you for having a suspension with sky-high premiums.

Lost License

It's imperative that you immediately replace a lost or stolen license by applying for a duplicate.

Check Your Renewal Notice

Keep a keen eye on your license's expiration date, for the state does not send out renewal notices.

Renew Online

You can renew online under certain circumstances. You cannot renew online if:

• Your current address is different from the one printed on your license.

• You used the online option for your last renewal.

• You're younger than 18 (within two months of turning 18 is okay) or older than 71.

Pay using MasterCard or Visa. In addition to the $21 renewal fee, you'll also be charged a $2.37 online fee and $1.50 for postage and handling.

Your new license should arrive in the mail within 12 days. If it does not arrive, contact the Department of Public Safety.

NOTE: You may renew online up to six months prior to your license's expiration.

Renew By Mail

Not an option.

Renew in Person

Visit your local driver license location with:

• Your expiring license.

• A check or cash to pay the $21 renewal fee.

Update Your Driving Skills

Renewing a license does not mean renewing your driving skills. Enrolling in a supplemental driving school course will hone your road-awareness and, depending on your insurance carrier, could lower your rates.

If your carrier does not acknowledge driving school courses, you always have the option of shopping for a new insurance company that does.

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