You can apply for a new driver's license at your local driver's license office in Mississippi. Obtain a Mississippi Driver's Handbook or Manual to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a Mississippi driver's license:

1. Applicants must be 15 years or older. In fact, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) grants full Class R license to applicants who are 15 ½ years with a 180 days learner's permit. Any individual under 18 has to provide a Certificate of Attendance from their school.
2. Applicant has to submit the Social Security card or a certification from the Social Security Administration. A metallic Social Security card is unacceptable.
3. A copy of the Birth Certificate has to be submitted.
4. Applicants must provide proof of Mississippi residency in the form of lease agreement, mortgage documents, electricity bills, water bill, bank statements and notarized employer's certification etc.
5. Applicant could be enrolled in the driver's education program by the time he/she is 14. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
6. Everyone must pass the vision, written, and driving tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.

NEW RESIDENTS

A new resident must visit the nearest driver's license office to apply for a Mississippi license and needs to submit the following documents:

1. A valid out-of-state license.
2. Proof of domicile or residency.
3. Social Security card or a print out from the Social Security Administrator.

In some cases the written and skills tests may be exempted. Non-US citizens residing in Mississippi may apply for a Mississippi driver's license, as long as they can provide proof that they are legally authorized to be in the United States, and meet all the other requirements. Non-US citizens are permitted to drive in Mississippi with an International Driver's Permit for a period of a year after which it is desirable to obtain a Mississippi Driver's License. Note that a Mississippi driver's license issued to a foreign national will expire no later than the last date on which they are authorized to be in the United States by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

FEES

The cost for a regular, original, non-commercial (Class R) Mississippi driver's license is $20. For applications under the age of 18, a fee of $5 is levied. For learner's permit of a 14 or a 15 year old, a fee of $3 is levied.

VALIDITY

The validity of a Mississippi driver's license is based on the driver's age at the time the license was issued. For drivers below 18, the license is valid until their 18st birthday, after which it may be renewed.

LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual who is 14-15 years old can legally drive in Mississippi with a learner's license or permit. Enrollment in a driver's education program is a necessity to obtain certain driving privileges at the age of 14. See more information on learner's licenses here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Renewing Your License.
• For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
• It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in Mississippi.
• New drivers see our Driver Education , Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.