Mississippi driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

15, and you must show proof of school enrollment.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit fee

$7.00; the permit is valid for 2 years.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Regular (Class R) license fee

$24.00 for a 4-year license or $47.00 for an 8-year license.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a regular license

16.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

2 years.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long you hold the permit

At least 12 months (or until your 17th birthday, whichever comes first). Applicants 17 and older can get the permit and license the same day.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Applicants 17 and older

No 12-month holding period; the permit and license can be issued the same day.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driving on a permit

Only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older sitting in the seat next to you.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent signatures

Applicants under 17 need both parents' signatures (or a guardian's/employer's), and whoever signs must have the signature notarized.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Signer liability and notary

The adult who signs becomes liable for the young driver's negligence and must have the signature notarized.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge exam

A computerized multiple-choice exam based on the Driver's License Manual, taken in person; a headset can read questions aloud.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Where the exam is taken

All knowledge exams are taken in person; phones, earbuds and smart watches are banned from the testing area.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a passed exam counts

A passed computerized exam score is valid for 2 years.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If caught cheating

The test is cancelled and you cannot test again for 6 months (appeals within 30 days).Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

Required with the knowledge exam before a permit is issued.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for a first permit

Signed application, original birth certificate (no photocopies), Social Security card or document showing all 9 digits, 2 proofs of Mississippi residency, name-change papers if needed, and a school attendance form (ages 15-17).Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Proof of residency

Two documents with your name and Mississippi street address (no P.O. boxes); under-21s may use a parent's or guardian's documents.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School attendance form

Required for applicants under 18 who have not graduated (marriage license if married); valid only 30 days.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointments

Not required, but the Driver Service Bureau highly recommends booking one.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Interpreter for the exam

If you need an interpreter, complete the Mississippi Interpreter Oath and bring it and your interpreter to the exam.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice

Applicants under 17 must give an affidavit (Waiver of Road Testing) in which a parent, teacher or guardian certifies at least 50 hours of driving.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test

No road (skills) test is currently required for a regular license.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License at 16

Hold the permit 12 months or until age 17 (whichever is first), then bring the permit, a current school attendance form and the Waiver of Road Testing Affidavit.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver's education (coming)

From July 1, 2027, completing driver's education will be required for all new drivers to get a regular license.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Hardship license (ages 15-17)

A parent can request hardship driving privileges after the teen has held the permit 30 days with no traffic infractions; a certified driver's ed course is required.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Out-of-state permit time

Months held on a valid out-of-state learner's permit count toward the 12-month requirement.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

Class R licenses are issued for 4 or 8 years.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 6 months before expiration.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Allowed every other renewal, for Class R or Class D licenses, up to 12 months after expiration; not available to non-U.S. citizens.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$24.00 for a 4-year Class R renewal (in person or online); $1.00 late fee if expired; online adds a convenience fee and $1.50 postage.Source: ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Long-expired licenses

Expired more than 60 months: bring all documents again and retake the knowledge exam.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Every Mississippi driver's license and ID card is REAL ID compliant and carries the gold star.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline for new residents

Get a Mississippi driver's license within 60 days of moving (license plate within 30 days).Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

With a valid out-of-state license the computerized exam is waived; you still take a vision screening.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Out-of-state license

You must surrender all out-of-state licenses; if lost, a notarized Affidavit of Inability to Surrender is needed.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$11.00.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How to pay at the station

Cash, debit or credit; no personal checks.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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