Frequently Asked Questions
We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs
Navigate
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
- If you have a lost drivers license or a stolen drivers license, visit your nearest police station to file a report. A police report will help avoid any fraudulent use or activity on your Mississippi drivers license. After visiting the station and speaking to a law enforcement agent, make sure to take a copy of the police report to your local Department of Public Safety branch. Find an office in your area by clicking this link.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has a comprehensive driver s manual in place to assist those interested in becoming a licensed driver of the state. Various topics and subject matters are covered in the manual, including but not limited to:
- Safe Driving Practices
- Your Drivers License
- Commercial Drivers
- Out-Of-State Drivers
- Rules Of The Road
- Driving Tips
- Safe Cycling Tips
You can obtain a copy of the Mississippi Driver s Manual here.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- How can I renew my drivers license?
- In Mississippi, you have the option to renew drivers license online and in person. Certain instances (military personnel, for example) may also allow you to complete license renewal by mail.
To renew online, you must have a credit card on hand. Every online transaction comes with an additional convenience fee. You will be unable to renew through the MS DPS website if you recently changed your physical address. If you are not residing at the address listed on your license, you must then visit your local DPS office for renewal.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- How do I apply for a drivers license?
- If you want to apply for a MS drivers license, there are a few steps you will need to adhere to before the DPS issues you a regular operator license. Make plans to visit your nearest DMV and be ready for the following:
- Submit proper application
- Present a Social Security card
- Pass a written test and road skills test (if applicable)
- Present a Certificate of Attendance from your school if you are under 18
- Present your state-certified Birth Certificate
- Present two proofs of MS residency
Out-of-state drivers who are moving to Mississippi may have the written knowledge test and the road skills test waived. You must have held your out of state drivers license for at least six months to be exempt from these tests.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- How do I get a hardship license?
- Certain offenses, such as your first DUI, may allow an individual to be granted a hardship license while they are carrying out their Mississippi drivers license suspension period. A hardship license is only issued to certain individuals, who may require a temporary license to drive to and from work, to and from school or to receive medical care. Those who are deemed eligible for this license will get a hardship order from the Circuit Court.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- If you are currently stationed at a location outside of Mississippi, you can replace driving license online. To begin your online transaction, visit the MS DPS website and follow the prompts on the screen. You will be required to enter some personal information, such as:
- Drivers license number or ID card number
- Full name
- Date of birth
For questions regarding Internet renewals, call 601-987-1385 or 601-987-1347. You can also fill out the Contact Us form on the Mississippi DPS website.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?
- The Mississippi DPS requires at least 24 hours to check if your fee has been paid. If the DPS registers the payment, they will send you a clearance letter detailing reinstatement requirements. However, if your drivers license has not been restored after you have paid the reinstatement fee or you have not received a clearance letter from the MS DPS, contact with your local MS DMV.
You can call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1206 or visit an MS DMV near you.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- How do I obtain a duplicate license?
- There are two ways in which you can request a Mississippi drivers license replacement: online or in person. To renew online, you will need to visit the MS DPS website and follow the instructions on the screen. You must have your current address up to date with the DMV, as this is the location your driving license replacement will be sent to.
In order for a replacement request to be made in person, go to your nearest DPS branch with the proper documentation and payment for the duplicate fee. Only cash is accepted at a local office.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?
- In Mississippi, a Habitual Traffic Offender will face an immediate suspended driving license. To have your driving license reinstated, you must first complete your suspension period and adhere to any other requirements. A reinstatement fee must be paid for before you can have your driving privileges restored. Only a cashier s check, certified check or money order is accepted as payment for a reinstatement fee. Your payment must be made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- How do I reinstate my suspended license?
- To reinstate suspended drivers licenses, you must first follow the terms of your suspension notice. Part of your requirements will consist of paying a reinstatement fee. You must pay with a cashier s check, certified check or money order and send to this address:
Department of Public Safety PO Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205
For suspensions related to driving under the influence or unpaid tickets, send your reinstatement fee to the Driver Improvement Branch.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
- The state of Mississippi allows military personnel to complete drivers licensed renewal by mail. If you would prefer to renew in person, you have up to 90 days after discharge to visit your local DPS office for renewal.
To renew by mail, you will need to gather the following documentation:
- First page of your military orders that states your duty station
- Certified check payable to the MS DPS in the amount of $24 (may vary)
- Letter from your commanding officer
- Copy of your license or Social Security Card
Send out the aforementioned items to the address below:
Military Renewals Rose McKinnon PO Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
- The state of Mississippi requires drivers who need to replace DMV drivers licenses to show proof of identity documents, not of legal status in the country.You must present either two documents from a primary list, or one document from a primary list and another from a secondary. See some examples below:
Primary documents
- Birth Certificate, either the original or a certified copy
- ID Card
- Military ID Card
- Court Order
- Valid passport
- Social Security Card
Secondary documents
- Utility bill
- W-2 or IRS form
- Employer ID card
- Mortgage or lease agreement
- Financial statement from your bank
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
- If you are outside the state of Mississippi and need to request a duplicate drivers license, you can do so online for your convenience. Simply visit the MS DPS website to begin the process. To request your drivers license copy online, you will be required to enter key information, such as the following:
- Drivers license number or ID card number
- Full name
- Date of birth
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- How does the DMV check my vision?
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety only provides a vision examination in person; therefore you must visit your local DMV office to complete an eye test. In the event that the test reveals you need to wear glasses to better your vision, you will then be directed to visit an optometrist. Your optometrist will be required to fill out a DE26 form and submit it back to the DMV after evaluation.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
- A refusal to take a chemical test will result in a Mississippi drivers license suspension for 90 days. You may face additional penalties that include jail time and high fees that can go up to $1,000. A reinstatement fee must also be completely paid for before you can have your driving privileges restored. To find out the terms of your suspension period, make sure to review your suspension notice carefully.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
- In order to avoid any fines, your Mississippi drivers license should be renewed prior to its expiration date. You can renew driving licenses six months before it expires.
If the last time you renewed your license was in person, you can renew it online this time around. To utilize the online renewal option, the MS DPS website requires you to enter certain information, such as your full drivers license number, your date of birth and your full name. You must also have a credit card on hand for the renewal fee.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
- It is to the discretion of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety whether or not your replacement fee is waived. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you visit your local police station if you have a lost drivers license or a stolen drivers license to file a report. You can request license Mississippi replacement either online or in person. However, if you have a police report on hand, stop by your nearest DPS branch to submit this documentation to the appropriate agent.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- If my drivers license has been lost or stolen, how can I get it flagged with the DMV?
- The DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as your own. However, to avoid possible fraud or identity theft, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen at your nearest DPS office and apply for a duplicate drivers license.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- Is there an age limit to renew your license?
- In Mississippi, senior drivers have no special restrictions for renewing their drivers license. You will have the option to renew licenses every four years or eight years. The fees differ, depending on the selection you make. However, if your last drivers license renewal was conducted online, you will be required to visit your local Department of Public Safety office the next time around. Mail-in renewals are only available to those in the military or college students.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
- Your Mississippi drivers license copy is sent to whichever residential address you have on file with the Department of Public Safety. To request a duplicate online, your address must be up to date. If you are no longer residing at the address on your license, visit your nearest DPS office to make this request in person. Be sure to bring two primary documents, or one primary document and one secondary document for your request to be processed without any issue.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
- Senior citizens in the state of Mississippi are required to renew licenses in person. MS is considered the first state to implement renewal kiosk locations for your convenience. These kiosks are equipped with self-service capabilities and facial recognition technology to better assist applicants. You can also renew your drivers license at a local DMV branch by speaking to an agent. Make sure to bring your current MS license with you.
For more information: Senior Drivers in Mississippi
- What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
- In the state of Mississippi, a suspended driverslicense results in serious consequences and penalties. By breaking the law, you will be subject to a number of suspension terms you will need to adhere to. Below are a few violations that will warrant lost driving privileges in MS:
- You are a negligent driver.
- You have accumulated too many driving points.
- You are mentally unsound or physically incapable to drive.
- You have failed to pay child support.
- You have failed to maintain car insurance.
- You have been convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- You have allowed fraudulent use of your license.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
- A MS drivers license suspension will have you facing several consequences that may include but not be limited to the following:
- Completion of community service hours
- Possible imprisonment sentence
- High fines and fee
- Reinstatement fees
- Alcohol awareness program
- Lengthy suspension period
In certain instances, your Mississippi drivers license may also be revoked, which will have you with lost driving privileges for one year or more.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
- Your Mississippi drivers license costs $8 to replace. This fee is subject to change without notice. If you need to replace licenses in person, only cash will be accepted. Bring the exact amount in order to avoid any delay time. If you are utilizing the online service on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, you must have a debit or credit card available.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
- In Mississippi, you must pay a reinstatement fee as part of the requirements for reinstating suspended drivers license. The reinstatement fees vary, but below is a list of a few:
- Reinstatement fee for violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law – $100
- Reinstatement fee for suspended license as the result of a bad check – $10
- Reinstatement fee for all other suspensions – $25
Payment of your reinstatement fee (costs may vary) must be made with a cashier s check, certified check or money order. No cash or personal checks are accepted.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
- Certain offenses, such as your first DUI, may allow an individual to be granted a hardship license while they are carrying out their Mississippi drivers license suspensionperiod. A hardship license is only issued in very particular circumstances, such as for employment purposes, driving to and from work or as necessary transportation to receive medical care. Those who are deemed eligible for this license will get a hardship order from the Circuit Court.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
- If you fail your road skills driving test, you will need to retake it at a later date. You will not be authorized to take it the same day of your first attempt to pass. To better prepare for the road skills test, review the Mississippi Driver s Manual and take a practice test before the day of your next exam. You will not be issued a standard driver s license until you have passed the road skills test.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
- To get your driver s license, the Mississippi Department of State requires applicants to present the following documentation at your local DMV:
- A state-certified Birth Certificate
- A Certificate of Attendance from your school if you are under 18
- A completed 17 or Older Application
- Two proofs of MS residency
Proof of MS residency must contain your physical address in the state. Some acceptable documents include the ones listed below:
- Utility bill (electric, water, Internet, cable, etc.)
- Rent agreement or mortgage papers
- Bank statement
- Voter s Registration Card
- Car registration receipt
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
- To complete a MS drivers license renewal in person, you must visit a nearby Department of Public Safety branch with the following documents:
- Your Mississippi drivers license
- Payment for renewal ($51 for 8-year license; $24 for 4-year license)
Fees are subject to change without notice. In the event that you are asked to present additional documentation, such as your Social Security card or proof of residence, you will want to have these on you as well.
If renewing online, you must have a credit card available for payment. A convenience fee will be charged to complete the online transaction.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
- If you are getting an MS drivers license copy in person, there are certain identification documents you need to present. By submitting any of the below items, the MS DPS will be able to instantly identify you and thus issue a replacement license:
Primary documents
- Birth Certificate, either the original or a certified copy
- ID Card
- Military ID Card
- Court Order
- Valid passport
- Social Security Card
Secondary documents
- Utility bill
- W-2 or IRS form
- Employer ID card
- Mortgage or lease agreement
- Financial statement from your bank
You must submit two documents from the primary list, or one from the primary and another from the secondary lists.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- What languages is the written test available in?
- The written drivers test is a computerized test in English. When making an appointment to take your written knowledge exam, make sure to bring any required documentation and proper form of payment.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
- If you fail to renew your drivers license prior to the expiration date, you will be charged late fees. In order to avoid this hassle, check to see when your license expires so you can renew driving licenseahead of time. If you choose to renew online, you will have up to a year after your license expires to do so. However, you will be charged an extra fee for any renewal after the expiration date.
If the last time you renewed your license was online, you will be required to complete this process at a local Department of Public Safety branch next time.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
- If you have applied forMS drivers license renewal and have yet to receive your new card, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212. You can also go to a local branch and inquire about its delivery status.
If ordering your renewed license online, allow seven to 10 business days to get it in the mail. Your new license will be sent out to the residential address you have on file with the DPS. It will not be sent to a PO Box address.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
- Before you can be issued a regular Mississippi license to drive, you need to have taken a written knowledge exam, as well as a road skills test. The only exception to this is new residents who have recently moved to Mississippi. Those who can present a valid out-of-state license will have these tests waived. The written test will test you on material such as road rules, traffic laws and safe driving.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- What type of noncommercial license will I need?
- The state of Mississippi offers these noncommercial licenses:
- Learner s Permit
- Intermediate License (Class Y)
- Regular License (Class R)
- Motorcycle License (Class M)
If you are 14 and have never obtained a MS drivers license before, you will first need to apply for a limited learners permit. You will need to go through the Graduated Driver Licensing stages of the state before you can get a standard operator license. A regular license can be obtained by any applicant who is 17 or older.
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
- In order to reinstate suspended drivers licenses, you will need to abide by the terms and regulations set forth in your suspension period. To find out what these are, review your suspension summary carefully, or contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212. Before you can have your driving privileges restored, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee.
For more information: Suspended License Information for Mississippi
- When will I need to renew my license?
- Depending on the type of license you have, you may need to renew drivers licenseevery four years or every eight years. The fee to renew a four-year license is $24, and the fee to renew an eight-year license is $51 (may vary). You should complete your Mississippi drivers license renewal before it expires. The state offers the options to do so online or in person. If you are in the military or a college student, you can renew your license by mail.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
- To find out when you can expect to receive your MS drivers license replacement, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212. Their regular hours of operation are from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Your replacement license will be sent to whichever physical address you have on file with the DPS. If you recently moved to another residence, you will need to notify the DPS at your earliest convenience, prior to requesting a duplicate license. Your new card cannot be sent to a PO Box address.
For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Mississippi Driver’s License or ID Card
- Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
- If you would like to find out the current status of your Mississippi driving license, you can obtain a copy of your driving record.This crucial document will contain details about your driving history, any moving violations you may have incurred and some personal information. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety allows you to purchase a copy online with a credit card or debit card as form of payment. You can also request a printed version if you so choose.
For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record
- Where can I get a new drivers license?
- You can obtain a Mississippi driving license by visiting any nearby Department of Public Safety branch. Upon your visit, you will be required to present necessary documentation and payment for any applicable fees. Some of the documents you must have with you include the following:
- A state-certified Birth Certificate
- A Certificate of Attendance from your school if you are under 18
- A completed 17 or Older Application
- Two proofs of MS residency
For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Mississippi
- Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
- The state of Mississippi has no rules in place for vision testing at the time of a drivers license renewal. However, you are required to bring the following documentation to your local DPS office:
- Your Mississippi drivers license
- Payment for renewal ($51 for 8-year license; $24 for 4-year license)
The aforementioned fees may change without notice.
To renew your drivers license online, you will need to have a credit card available for payment. A convenience charge will be added to your online transaction.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi
- Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
- To find out whether or not you can expect to receive a renewal notice in the mail, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1212 during regular business hours. In any case, check the expiration date of your MS drivers license so you are aware of when to renew. If your drivers license has expired for less than a year, you can apply online. However, you will be charged an extra fee to complete the online transaction.
For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Mississippi