New Driver's License (4 year license - $24.00 / 8 year license - $47.00) 

In Mississippi, the minimum age to receive a driver's license is 16 years old.

All applicants must provide the following information: 

  • A completed and signed Application 
  • Original Birth Certificate or any acceptable document 
  • SSN Card or an official government correspondence displaying full 9 digits (click here)
  • Two proofs of Residency - Applicants under 21 years of age may use documentation that applies to their parent’s or guardian’s domicile. 
  • Legal Documents are required if going by new name
  • 16 Years of Age – Must have held the learner’s permit for twelve months or until their 17th birthday (whichever occurs first) before qualifying for a Regular driver’s license. When the twelve months are complete in order to obtain a Regular (class R) driver’s license you must provide the following: 1) A valid learner’s permit; 2) An up to date school attendance form; and 3) Waiver of Road Testing Affidavit.
  • 17-Years-Old and Older - are not required to hold the permit for twelve (12) months and may obtain both the learner’s permit and driver’s license on the same day. Must pass the knowledge and eye exam and present all applicable required documents. The Waiver of Road Testing Affidavit is not required for applicants 17 years old and older. 
  • Applicants under 18 years old who have not graduated high school must present a valid school attendance form unless they are married. If married, a marriage license must be presented. If graduated, must present diploma or GED certificate. School Attendance form is valid for only 30 days.

Applicants with a valid out-of-state Learner’s Permit will be given credit for the months they held toward the required 12-month period before receiving a driver’s license.

A new Mississippi resident who holds a valid out of state license is not required to take a knowledge exam. Any new Mississippi resident with an expired out of state license is required to take the knowledge exam.

If a Mississippi resident's driver's license has been expired for more than 60 months, they must retake the knowledge exam.

A driver may renew their driver’s license any time within six (6) months of expiration.

Hardship Driver's License

   Consideration:

     Any Mississippi resident (15-17 years old) who has successfully received a learner's permit and held it for a period of 30 days without any traffic infractions, a parent or legal guardian may request consideration for hardship driving privileges by completing the following:

  1. Request for Hardship Form submitted by e-mail to Hardship@dps.ms.gov
  2. Meet the requirements of law (ALL ARE REQUIRED)​​​​​
  • Complete a certified driver's education course 
  • Have no prior traffic citations
  • Meet school attendance policy 

The following reasons will be considered for hardship request:

  • School Transportation
  • A death-related emergency
  • Assistance for transportation of siblings
  • Medical needs
  • Work requirement
  • Family business requirements (farm included)

   Revocation

     The Commissioner of Public Safety may revoke any hardship driving privilege for any reason, with special consideration to the following reasons:

  1. A request for revocation from any parent or guardian
  2. A citation issued by any law enforcement agency
  3. Law enforcement reporting of criminal activity or dangerous operations of a motor vehicle
  4. State Compulsory academic violations 

   Restrictions

     The hardship licensee will only be allowed unsupervised driving to:

  • school or a school related function
  • to assist with transporting siblings to school or a school related function
  • work
  • medical needs

At all other times the hardship licensee must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other person twenty-one years or older who holds a valid driver's license and who is occupying the seat beside the driver. 

The Hardship Licensee will only be allowed to transport immediate family members, such as, siblings, parents, and/or grandparents. 

The Hardship Licensee will not be allowed to use a cell phone in any matter while driving the vehicle, including handsfree usage. 

Light Commercial License - Class D (4 year license - $29.00/ 8 year license - $57.00)

All other vehicles or combination of vehicles which are not included in Class A, Class B, or Class C and for which a Light Commercial License is required when operating a vehicle commercially under 26,000 pounds such as but not limited to any vehicle with a logo for commercial use, taxicab, limousine, or any vehicle transporting no more than fifteen (15) passengers. You do not need a commercial license to drive a pick-up truck, unless you are transporting hazardous materials in an amount that requires a placard.  The Class D license does not require a Medical Card or a Passenger (P) endorsement. Applicants are required to pass a Class D knowledge (written) exam. You can locate Class D regulations and sample questions in the driver's license manual.

 

The Driver Service Bureau highly recommends all applicants make an appointment at dps.ms.gov/appointment.

*NOTE:  At this time, no skills (road) test is required of any applicant seeking a regular driver's license.