Two Mississippi state ID credentials are available to qualifying residents, depending on the age of the applicant in question. The state offers a standard ID card and a credential for those who are younger than 18 years of age. If cardholders are younger than 18 years of age during the time of issuance, their credentials will read “Under 18 Until,” along with the date on which they will turn 18. If applicants are younger than 21 years of age, their cards will also read “Under 21 Until,” along with the date of their 21 birthdays.

Additionally, an identification card in MS is blue, while a regular driver’s license is green, and a commercial driving credential is red. To increase durability and reduce instances of tampering, each card includes a security laminate coating and a two-dimensional barcode. To obtain an identification credential, however, customers must present proof of their eligibility to do so, such as a certified copy of their birth certificates. Additional information about these requirements is available in the sections below.

Mississippi DMV ID Requirements

As part of the DMV state ID requirements in Mississippi, most residents may apply for a non-driver identification credential through the Driver Service Bureau, under the Department of Public Safety (DPS). However, applicants must be at least 6 years of age during the time of application, hold a physical disability or be blind. Additionally, applicants must be able to present proof of their Social Security Numbers (SSN) and birthdates.

What do you need to get an ID in Mississippi?

“What do you need to get a state ID credential?” Mississippi residents may ask. To obtain a non-driver identification credential, customers must complete an application and present proof of birthdate, SSN and domicile. In some cases, applicants may need to submit additional documents, as well.

For instance, several documents needed for state ID credentials include a certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate, and other documents, such as:

  • An Application for a Non-Drivers Identification Card. When completing this application, customers must check the box for “ID Card,” and they must provide their full names, SSNs, birthdates and home addresses. Additionally, customers may use this form to register to vote in the state.
  • Proof of SSN. As evidence of an SSN, applicants may present a Social Security card or another government document that displays this government-issued nine-digit number.
  • A Certification of Diabetes (DE 16-A). If applying for a disability credential that helps to identify cardholders as diabetic, customers must complete this form, as well. Additionally, the application must include the name, signature and license number of a physician.
  • Proof of domicile in Mississippi. If DMV ID card applicants are 18 years of age or older, they must present proof of domicile when applying for an original ID credential. Acceptable proof includes a driver’s license, a birth certificate, a court order, an insurance document or a state-issued learner’s permit. However, the document must include a physical address, as Post Office Box numbers are not accepted as evidence of domicile in the state. If customers are younger than 21 years of age, however, proof of domicile may be proved under the name(s) of their parent(s).
  • Payment for the Mississippi DMV ID card fee. To pay the application fee, customers must provide payment in the form of cash, credit or debit cards. Applicants cannot pay with personal checks.

If out-of-state identification card applicants wish to purchase identification credentials in Mississippi, they must submit several other documents as proof of their eligibility to do so. Several documents required for state ID applications include two proofs of state residency, an original Social Security card and a certified, state-issued birth certificate.

If non-U.S. citizens wish to purchase an identification credential in Mississippi, however, they have more extensive documents list from which to choose. Options include:

  • Two proofs of domicile.
  • A Social Security card.
  • Valid immigration papers.
  • A certified copy of a birth certificate.
  • A passport, visa or Permanent Resident card.
  • Proof of legal presence.

After obtaining an identification card, the credential remains valid throughout the duration of the applicant’s stay, up to a maximum of four years. To learn more about these requirements, non-U.S. citizens may call 601-987-1279.

How to Get an ID in Mississippi

Residents cannot apply to get ID online in MS, as customers may only purchase these cards in person, at a local DPS driver license location. To get started, customers must visit their local driver license location to submit their application materials, and provide payment for the applicable fee. Multiple locations are available in districts throughout the state.

To find out where to get state ID credentials, customers may obtain a list of driver license locations on the website of the DPS. After purchasing a credential, the ID will remain valid for four years before cardholders must apply for renewal.

REAL ID Cards in Mississippi

A REAL ID card is an identification credential that complies with federal security standards under the REAL ID Act of 2005. As part of the REAL ID Act, states must meet minimum security standards before they may issue REAL ID-compliant identification credentials that are accepted for the purposes of boarding commercial aircrafts and entering federal facilities.

Since Mississippi is compliant with federal regulations under the REAL ID Act, all MS identification card applicants automatically receive the REAL ID-compliant credential, if they can present proof of their birthdates, SSNs and domicile. However, proof of domicile is only necessary if applicants are 18 years of age or older. After the process to apply for REAL ID credentials is complete, residents may use their cards as proof of their eligibility to enter nuclear power plants, federal facilities and federally regulated commercial aircrafts.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in Mississippi

To replace a damaged or lost ID card in MS, customers may do so online or in person, at a local DPS driver license location. To do so, customers may request a duplicate card on the website of the DPS, or they may visit a DPS office to submit two proofs of state domicile.

In addition to ordering a replacement ID card after the original credential sustains damages or goes missing, customers may renew an identification credential online or in person, at a DPS driver license location. Like the process of replacing an identification credential, in-person applicants must present two proofs of state domicile when renewing a card.

When renewing an ID credential, customers will receive a letter from the DPS if they need to provide a new photograph for their identification document. If applicants need to meet this requirement, they must renew their credentials in person.

DMV ID Costs in Mississippi

How much does an ID cost in Mississippi? Generally, fees vary by credential type, validation period, and whether the applicant holds a qualifying disability or physical impairment. For instance:

  • The cost of purchasing or renewing a four-year ID credential is $17.
  • The cost of purchasing or renewing an eight-year identification credential is $33.
  • The DMV ID cost of purchasing a disability credential is $17 (this excludes blind applicants).
  • The cost of purchasing an eight-year disability credential is $22 (if applicants are blind)
  • The price of obtaining a duplicate identification credential is $11.
Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.