Mississippi Driver License: 2025 Guide to Apply, Renew & Transfer
Looking to apply for, renew, or transfer a Mississippi driver license? Whether you’re a first-time driver, a new resident, or upgrading to a REAL ID, this 2025 step-by-step guide provides everything you need to know according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MS DPS).
Types of Mississippi Driver Licenses
- Class R License – Regular license for passenger vehicles
- Learner’s Permit – For new drivers starting at age 15
- Intermediate License – For drivers under 17 under the Graduated Licensing Law
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) – For large or commercial vehicles
- Motorcycle Endorsement – For two-wheel vehicles
- Non-Driver ID Card – Official identification without driving privileges
Mississippi REAL ID License (2025)
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is required to:
- Board domestic flights
- Enter federal buildings or military installations
REAL IDs are marked with a gold star in the upper-right corner. To apply, you must visit a driver license office with additional documentation.
How to Get a Driver License in Mississippi
Step 1: Meet the Age Requirements
- 15 years old – Eligible for a Learner’s Permit (must be enrolled in school)
- 16½ years old – Eligible for an Intermediate License (after holding a permit for 12 months)
- 17 years old – Eligible for full, unrestricted Class R license
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need the following:
- Proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport)
- Social Security card
- Two proofs of Mississippi residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
- School enrollment form (if under 18)
- For REAL ID: All documents must be originals or certified copies
Step 3: Pass the Required Tests
First-time drivers must pass:
- Vision screening
- Written knowledge test (traffic laws, signs, and safe driving practices)
- Road skills test (must be scheduled after passing the written test and holding a permit if under 17)
Written tests are administered at driver license offices across the state.
Mississippi Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System
The state has a GDL system for teens:
- Learner’s Permit (age 15)
- Must be held for 12 months
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
- Intermediate License (age 16½)
- No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. (exceptions for work/school)
- No more than one unrelated minor passenger
- Full License (age 17)
- No restrictions if previous stages were completed without violations
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Mississippi
If you’re moving to Mississippi, you must transfer your license within 60 days of residency.
Steps:
- Visit a local driver service office
- Surrender your valid out-of-state license
- Provide required documents (ID, SSN, residency proof)
- Pass a vision test
- Written and road tests are usually waived if your license is current
Mississippi Driver License Renewal
You can renew:
- Online at driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- In person (required for REAL ID or expired licenses)
Mississippi licenses are valid for 8 years for most drivers.
Mississippi Driver License Fees (2025)
License Type | Fee |
---|---|
Class R Driver License (8 years) | $24.00 |
Learner’s Permit (1 year) | $7.00 |
Intermediate License | $24.00 |
Motorcycle Endorsement | $6.00 |
CDL (varies by class) | Starting at $40 |
Duplicate/Replacement License | $11.00 |
Services Offered at MS DPS
- Driver license and REAL ID issuance
- Learner’s permits and road tests
- Out-of-state license transfers
- Motorcycle and CDL endorsements
- License renewal and replacement
- ID cards for non-drivers
Required Documents Checklist
✅ Certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
✅ Social Security card
✅ Two proofs of Mississippi residency
✅ School compliance form (under 18)
✅ Out-of-state license (if transferring)
✅ Legal documents for name change (if applicable)
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For appointments, test scheduling, or document checklists, visit the Mississippi Driver Service Bureau.
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