Get a REAL ID in Mississippi

Online or in person

Unclear: DPS sources differ · One visit, appointment recommendedDSB's FAQ says all Mississippi licenses and IDs, including online renewals, automatically get the gold star. DPS's 2025 REAL ID release says that if your license has no star, visit a Driver Service Bureau station with your birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of residency. Call DSB at 601-487-7028 to confirm which applies to you. DSB highly recommends all applicants make an appointment; the online scheduler is linked from its site. DSB doesn't say walk-ins are turned away.

Cost

Regular card feeDSB lists no separate REAL ID fee. A Class R license is $24 for 4 years or $47 for 8 years; an ID card is $17 for 4 years or $33 for 8 years. Cash, debit or credit; no personal checks. A non-U.S. citizen's original license is $24 and is valid no more than four years.

You leave with

Card by mailOnce your license is validated, DSB mails it within 48 hours; allow 3-5 business days. For non-U.S. citizens, SAVE checks can delay it up to 30 days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of date of birth
     Original or certified copy; no photocopies. A birth certificate (small card or full size) must have a state seal and certificate number. Non-U.S. citizens bring this too, alongside their immigration documents.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Birth certificate (original or certified copy; DSB's new-resident FAQ asks for a certified long-form certificate)
     • Certificate of Naturalization
     • Certificate of Citizenship
   • Proof of Social Security number
     Must show your full 9-digit number. DPS's REAL ID release says to bring your original Social Security card. Non-U.S. citizens: if applicable.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 or 1099 (returned)
     • Pay stub with your name and full Social Security number
     • U.S. Military DD-214 or National Guard NGB-22
   • Two proofs of Mississippi residency · 2 different documents
     Each must show your name and Mississippi residence address; no P.O. boxes, junk mail, envelopes or handwritten letters. For a license, DSB says they can't be more than 60 days old. Under 21, you may use your parent's or guardian's documents. 21 or older with no bills in your name: you may use your spouse's or parent's with a marriage license or birth certificate.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill (electric, water, gas or cable), internet or phone bill
     • Bank or credit card statement (with physical address)
     • Paycheck stub with name and address
     • Lease, purchase, rental or mortgage papers
     • Medical records or bills from a doctor or hospital
     • IRS or state tax forms or W-2 (returned taxes)
     • Vehicle title, registration or car tag registration receipt
     • Voter registration card (with physical address)
     • Life, health, auto or home insurance policy
     • Property tax statement or homestead exemption receipt
     • School record, transcript or report card
     • Employer ID card with address, or notarized employer letter on letterhead
     • Any official city, county, state or federal document or letter with your address
     • Military discharge papers, orders or documents
     • Proof of Domicile Affidavit (roommate, landlord, parent or guardian) (with their Mississippi license or ID at the same address, or one other accepted document)
     • Federal documents: W-2, Medicaid, child support or Social Security document
     • Bureau of Indian Affairs card or Indian Treaty card
     • Firearm permit or pilot's license
     • Mississippi license issued to your parent or legal guardian
     • Sex offender registration documents

2. Fill out the renewal application

   Renewing at a station means a new photo and DSB's renewal application.

   Renew Driver's License and ID Card ↗

3. Book an appointment

   DSB highly recommends an appointment. Seating is limited, so DSB asks you to limit the number of people per appointment.

   Schedule an appointment ↗

4. Visit a Driver Service Bureau station

   Most stations are open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gulfport Airport office is by appointment only and handles Mississippi duplicates and renewals only, so it can't serve a first Mississippi license or ID. Bring your original documents and pay with cash, debit or credit.

   Driver License Locations ↗

5. Wait for your card

   Once validated, DSB mails your card to your residential address within 48 hours; allow 3-5 business days.