Apply for a License (Under 18) in Mississippi

Applying for a Teen Driver's License in Mississippi

In Mississippi, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for the issuing of driver's licenses. As a teen, you are required to complete various phases before you can obtain your full driver's license.

This page outlines the steps you need to take and driving restrictions you must follow during each phase.

REAL ID Requirements in Mississippi

The Mississippi DPS complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights. Without a REAL ID, you'll need to bring your passport or birth certificate for such activities.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. (Options differ for renewals and replacements.) For more details, visit the DPS' guide to REAL ID licensing.

New to Mississippi?

If you are new to the state of Mississippi and have a valid driver's license from another state, you have 60 days to transfer it over.

To apply, visit your local Mississippi DPS office and:

  • Complete an application form:
    • This application must be signed and notarized by both parents.
  • Surrender your out-of-state driver's license OR complete an Affidavit of Inability to Surrender form, available from the MS DPS office.
  • Show your Social Security card.
  • Show your original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
  • Submit a completed education attendance form issued by your school OR a notarized DL – Application Supplement Under 17 , if you're younger than 18 years old.
    • Must be issued in the last 30 days.
  • Prove your MS residence (2 documents).
  • Pass the written test and DMV road test, if required.
  • Pass the vision exam.

The DPS offers a guide to acceptable documents you can bring, which also comply with the REAL ID Act.

Mississippi GDL Program

In an effort to minimize the risks associated with new drivers on the road, Mississippi has implemented a GDL license program in which prospective teen drivers must meet certain milestones before obtaining a driver's license.

These important milestones are both age- and experience-related. The GDL program consists of the following phases:

  • Limited learner's permit (optional).
  • Learner's permit.
  • Intermediate/Provisional license.
  • Regular driver's license.

Driver's Education in Mississippi

While driver's education is not a requirement in Mississippi, it is very beneficial when you're preparing to get your first driver's license. You can take a Driver's Ed course in a classroom or you can opt for a more convenient online course. For more information, please refer to our Driver's Ed in Mississippi page.

Age Requirements

  • Limited learner's permit: 14 years old.
  • Learner's permit: 15 years old.
  • Intermediate license: Eligible after holding your learner's permit for 1 year.
  • Regular operator's license:17 years old.

Mississippi Learner's Permit

The Mississippi DPS offers two types of learner's permits:

  • Limited learner's permit, if you're 14 years old.
  • Standard learner's permit, if you're 15 years old and older.

Limited Learner's Permit

If you're 14 years old and you're currently enrolled in a Driver's Ed course, you can apply for a limited learner's permit in Mississippi.

You'll need to visit your local MS DPS office and:

  • Complete an Application for Mississippi Driver's License (Form DL-4).
    • Must be notarized by your parent(s).
  • Present your Social Security card.
  • Show your original or certified birth certificate.
  • Submit a completed education attendance form issued by your school OR a notarized DL – Application Supplement Under 17, if you're younger than 18 years old.
    • Must be issued in the last 30 days.
  • Show proof of your Driver's Ed course enrollment.
  • Pay the $7 learner's permit fee.

Your limited learner's permit is only valid in a driver's education vehicle with a driver's education instructor. Once you turn 15 years old, you must apply for the standard learner's permit before you can move on to the provisional license phase.

Standard Learner's Permit

If you've reached 15 years old, you can skip the limited learner's permit stage and get a standard learner's permit. Visit a Mississippi DPS office and:

  • Complete an application form.
    • Must be notarized by your parent(s).
  • Present your Social Security card.
  • Show your original or certified birth certificate.
  • Submit a completed education attendance form issued by your school OR a notarized DL – Application Supplement Under 17, if you're younger than 18 years old.
    • Must be issued in the last 30 days.
  • Pass the DMV written test and vision test.
  • Pay the $7 permit fee.
DMV.ORG TIP: Be Properly Prepared

An effective way to prepare for the written exam in Mississippi is to study with the assistance of an online practice test. These online practice tests have been created from material sourced directly from the Mississippi driver handbook. In addition, the DPS has an app for studying as well.

Mississippi Provisional License

Once you've held your learner's permit for 1 year, you can apply for your intermediate driver's license. Visit your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office location and:

  • Complete an application form.
    • Your parent(s) must be with you to sign your form.
  • Provide your learner's permit.
  • Present your:
    • Social Security card.
    • Original or certified birth certificate.
    • Proofs of MS residency (multiple documents)—your parents can supply this if you don't have your own.
  • Submit a completed education attendance form issued by your school OR a notarized DL – Application Supplement Under 17, if you're younger than 18 years old.
    • Must be issued in the last 30 days.
  • Pass the driving test.
  • Pay the $24 intermediate driver's license fee.

See the DPS' guide to acceptable documents.

Provisional Driver's License Restrictions

With a provisional license, you're allowed to drive unsupervised:

  • 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday.
  • 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday.
  • At any time if traveling to and from work.

At all other times, a parent, guardian, or other licensed driver who is 21 years old or older must supervise you. Your supervising driver must be seated next to you in the passenger seat.

Full Unrestricted Driver's License

You can apply for your new driver's license once you:

  • Have turned 17 years old.
  • Have held your intermediate driver's license for 6 months (without any traffic convictions).

To apply for your driver's license visit your local MS DMV office and:

  • Submit a completed Application for Mississippi Driver's License.
  • Submit your provisional license.
  • Present your Social Security card.
  • Present your original or certified birth certificate.
  • Provide proof of your Mississippi residence.
    • Proof of residency must be in the name of the applicant or the applicant’s spouse. If the applicant is under 21 years old they may use proof of residency in their parents’ name.
  • Pay the $24 driver's license fee.

The DPS offers a full guide to acceptable documents for an unrestricted driver's license.

For more information, please refer to our Applying for a New License page.

Want to keep track of your major accomplishments? Follow our new license checklist.

Forms

DL-4
Application for Mississippi Drivers License
Use this form to apply for a Mississippi driver's license if you're 15-16 years old. MUST be signed by your parents or legal guardian
DL-41
17 and Older Regular Application
Application for a Mississippi driver's license if you're 17 years old or older.
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