Mississippi License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Mississippi
You renew your license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Your MS license is good for 4 years. You can also choose an 8-year license for $47. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DPS renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DPS office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the MS DPS website. Make sure your license is not expired over 1 year.
- Start the renewal — Open the MS online portal. Enter your license number and personal info.
- Choose your term — Pick a 4-year license for $24 or an 8-year license for $47.
- Pay the fee — Pay by credit or debit card.
- Receive your new license — Print your temp license. Your new card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days.
Mississippi Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $24 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $11 |
| 8-year license option | $47 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $9 |
| Name change | $11 |
| Non-driver ID card | $12 |
| Valid for | 4 years |
A 4-year license costs $24. An 8-year license costs $47. No late fee during the 30-day grace period.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Mississippi driver's license
- Social Security card
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Two proofs of MS residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 1 year
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You do not need a vision test this cycle
- You are not upgrading to REAL ID for the first time
No strict alternating rule. You can renew online multiple times if eligible.
Go to DPS online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Mississippi License Expires
MS gives you a 30-day grace period after expiry. No penalty during that window.
- Before expiry — Up to 6 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 1 year after expiry without retesting
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 1 year? You must retake the written and driving tests. Driving on an expired license is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Mississippi. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal. Online renewals skip the vision test if your last one is on file.
- In-person visits — No strict alternating rule. You can renew online multiple times if eligible.
- Wait time — Online renewals process in 1 to 3 days. Your new card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 days.
Common Mississippi License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing about the 8-year option
MS lets you pick a 4-year or 8-year license. The 8-year costs $47 and saves you a trip. Many drivers don't know about it.
Letting your license expire over 1 year
After 1 year, you must retake the written and driving tests. Renew within the 30-day grace period to avoid hassle.
Driving during the grace period without renewing
The 30-day grace period lets you renew without penalty. But your license is still expired. Renew as soon as you can.
Forgetting REAL ID documents for an in-person visit
REAL ID needs a birth certificate or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of MS address. Check the list before you go.
REAL ID Info for Mississippi
MS offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Go to a DPS office. Bring your birth certificate or passport, SSN card, and two proofs of MS address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes Mississippi Different
MS offers a choice between a 4-year license for $24 or an 8-year license for $47. The 8-year option saves money over time.
MS gives a 30-day grace period after expiry. You can renew with no penalty during that window.
MS is one of the few states that lets you choose your renewal cycle length.