Mississippi Driver's License
Requirements
In Mississippi, driver's licenses are issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver Service Bureau. The standard non-commercial credential is a Regular Driver's License (Class R). Mississippi operates a three-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 17: a Learner's Permit at 15 (with parental consent), an Intermediate License at 16 with strict night-driving and passenger restrictions, and a full Regular License at 17. Mississippi does NOT require Driver Education for any age. The state's minimum supervised driving requirement is informal: a parent affidavit. Mississippi has historically had longer wait times at DPS Driver License Stations than most states; the DPS has been investing in the FastPass online system at fastpass.dps.ms.gov to reduce in-person waits. Mississippi issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The DPS operates 30+ Driver License Stations statewide, supplemented by smaller satellite offices in some counties.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Mississippi resident. The DPS Driver Service Bureau requires two documents proving Mississippi residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 60 days of establishing residency. Mississippi does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Mississippi DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Mississippi residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current MS vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent (Form DLS-105) signed in person at a Driver License Station — required for applicants under 18
- Vehicle for road test with valid MS registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Mississippi DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Mississippi driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Mississippi Driver's Manual
Download the current Mississippi Driver's Manual from dps.state.ms.us. The written knowledge test is 30 questions covering MS traffic laws, road signs, hurricane and severe-weather safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (24 correct) to pass.
Apply for a Learner's Permit at 15
Visit any Mississippi DPS Driver License Station with your parent/guardian, required documents, and $1 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner's Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Use FastPass at fastpass.dps.ms.gov to schedule appointments — Mississippi DPS Driver License Stations have historically had long walk-in waits, and FastPass has dramatically reduced them.
Hold Permit for 12 Months
Mississippi requires a 12-month Learner's Permit period for under-18 applicants — one of the longest in the U.S. There is no state-mandated minimum number of supervised driving hours, but a parent affidavit confirming reasonable practice is required at the road test. Most Mississippi parents log 30–60 informal hours.
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test at 16
Schedule the drive test through fastpass.dps.ms.gov. Bring your Learner's Permit, parent consent (Form DLS-105), vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving. The drive test fee is included in the license fee.
Receive the Intermediate License at 16
Pay the $24 Intermediate License fee. The Mississippi Intermediate License has restrictions: no driving 10pm–6am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work, school, or church. No more than 3 non-family passengers under 18. Cell phone use is restricted under MS general distracted-driving law.
Hold Intermediate License for 12 Months
Mississippi requires applicants to hold the Intermediate License for at least 12 months without convictions. Any moving violation during this period resets the 12-month clock.
Upgrade to Full Regular License at 17
On the 17th birthday — after at least 12 months on the Intermediate License with no convictions — the license automatically becomes a full Regular Driver's License. Standard 4-year ($24) or 8-year ($47) renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely. No additional test or office visit required.
Renew Regular License Every 4 or 8 Years
Mississippi offers a choice between a 4-year ($24) or 8-year ($47) Regular License. Most drivers choose the 8-year for the better per-year value. Online renewal is available for some cycles via dps.state.ms.us; every other cycle requires an in-person visit and new photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi DPS Driver License Stations have historically had long walk-in waits — often 2–4 hours at busy locations like Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport. The DPS has been investing in the FastPass online appointment system (fastpass.dps.ms.gov), which has dramatically reduced waits for most transactions. New license applications and REAL ID upgrades still require an in-person visit, but FastPass appointments typically book within 1–3 weeks.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Mississippi DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.