License Renewal in Mississippi
Here's exactly how to renew your Mississippi driver's license — every route the state offers, what it costs, and what to do if it's already expired. Start below, or ask Sam about your exact case.
How to renew your driver's license in Mississippi
Renew Your Mississippi Driver's License
Before your Mississippi driver's license expires, you need to renew it with the MS Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Services in order to continue driving legally in the state.
On this page, you'll find information on renewing your driver's license online and in person.
- If you need to renew your commercial driver's license (CDL), please see our Renew Your CDL in Mississippi page.
- If you need to renew your ID card, please see our Identification Cards in Mississippi page.
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. Renewals can choose to upgrade or retain a non-compliant credential. For more details, visit the DPS' guide to REAL ID licensing.
When to Renew Your MS Driver's License
Your Mississippi regular Class R drivers license is valid for either 4 years or 8 years.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, your MS driver's license will be valid for the length of your legal stay, up to a maximum of 4 years.
Before your Mississippi driver's license expires, you can renew it:
- Online.
- In person (including at a self-service kiosk).
- By mail (for out-of-state military members and college students only).
Your renewal requirements may vary based on the status and validity of your license. See below for further details.
After you renew, you will receive your new MS driver's license in the mail. If you don't, you can check the status of your driver's license renewal by contacting the MS DPS.
NOTE: When renewing your MS driver's license, you must provide 2 documents proving your MS residency, such as a:
- Utility bill.
- Rental agreement.
- Bank statement.
Visit the Mississippi DMV website for a full list of accepted documents.
Valid Driver's License
If you hold a valid driver license, you can renew it online up to:
- 6 months before it expires.
- 1 year after it expires.
Expired Driver's License
If your driver's license is expired, you can still renew it, but you must pay an additional $1 late fee.
Suspended Driver's License
If your Mississippi driver license is suspended, you'll need to reinstate your driving privileges with the MS DMV before you can renew it.
For more information, please see our Suspended License in Mississippi page.
Is your driver's license suspended? Check your driving record to find out.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver's License
If your Mississippi drivers license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can still renew it as long as you know your driver's license number.
Do not drive without a valid driver's license in MS. To request a duplicate, visit our guide to Replacing a Lost License in Mississippi.
Renew a MS Driver's License
Online Renewal
To be eligible to renew your drivers license online, you must:
- Have renewed your last driver's license in person.
- Be renewing a valid non-commercial Class R driver's license.
- NOT be upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license.
To renew your MS driver's license online, visit the Mississippi DMV website. You'll need to provide:
- Your MS driver's license number.
- Your full name.
- Your date of birth.
- Payment for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your MS Driver's License" section below.
In-Person Renewal
To renew your driver's license in person, visit your local Mississippi DMV office with:
- Your current driver license.
- Any required additional documents to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, including proof of:
- Identity.
- Residency.
- Social Security number.
- Hop over to the DPS' guide to acceptable documents for a complete list.
- Payment for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your MS Driver's License" section below.
If your local MS DMV office has a self-service kiosk, you can use it to renew your driver license.
Military Member Driver's License Renewal
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license. Read our article for more information.
If you are an active duty military member stationed outside of Mississippi and your driver's license is expired, you won't be charged a late fee as long as you renew it within 90 days of your discharge.
You, your spouse, and any dependents can also renew your Mississippi driver license by mail while out of state. You'll need a:
- Copy of your MS DMV driver's license or Social Security card.
- Copy of your military orders.
- Letter from your commanding officer that states your:
- Name.
- MS driver's license number.
- Military status.
- Certified check for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your MS Driver's License" section below.
Send the above to:
Office of Central Print
P.O. Box 1459
Canton, MS 39046
Out-of-State College Students
If you are a Mississippi resident attending college out of state, you can renew your driver's license by mail.
You'll need a:
- Copy of your student ID card.
- Notarized letter on your school's letterhead confirming that you are a full-time student.
- Copy of your MS DMV driver's license or Social Security card.
- Certified check for the renewal fee. See the “Fees to Renew Your MS Driver's License" section below.
Mail the above to:
Office of Central Print
P.O. Box 1459
Canton, MS 39046
Fees to Renew Your MS Driver's License
The Mississippi DMV charges the following drivers license renewal fees:
- Valid for 4 years: $24.
- Valid for 8 years: $47.
- Additional late fee: $1.
- Online convenience fee (varies by total purchase amount)
- Mail postage and handling: $1.50.
Accepted Payment Methods
For renewals by mail, payment must be made by certified check made payable to the “Mississippi Department of Public Safety."
For online and self-service kiosk transactions, payment must be made by credit or debit card.
Contact your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office for payment options when renewing your MS driver's license in person.
While you're at it
Renewal is the moment most people discover something else is out of date. Here's what's worth checking.
Frequently asked questions
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