Mississippi Driver's License Fees by License Type

A Class D driver's license in Mississippi costs $24.00 for a four-year license or $36.00 for an eight-year license. The eight-year option is available only to drivers age 21 and older. If you are under 21, you must purchase the four-year license.

A Class M motorcycle endorsement adds $10.00 to your license fee, whether you are getting it with a new license or adding it to an existing one. If you need both a Class D and a Class M, you pay the Class D fee plus the $10.00 endorsement fee.

Other license classes — such as Class A (heavy truck), Class B (medium truck), and Class C (commercial) — have different fee structures. These are commercial licenses and cost more than a standard Class D. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety website lists the exact fee for each class.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Class D license costs $24.00; an eight-year Class D costs $36.00 and is only for drivers 21 and older.
  • A motorcycle endorsement (Class M) costs $10.00 on top of your Class D fee.
  • Commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C) have separate, higher fees that vary by class.
  • Fees are the same whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license — the cost depends on the license type and term length you choose.

When You Renew Your License

Renewal fees are the same as the original license fee. If your four-year Class D is expiring, you pay $24.00 to renew it for another four years. If you want to switch to the eight-year option at renewal, you pay $36.00 instead.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date, and the fee does not change whether you renew early or at the last moment.

Duplicate and Replacement License Costs

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate license costs $10.00. This is a separate transaction from renewal and does not extend your license expiration date — you still renew on your original schedule.

A duplicate is not the same as a replacement. If your license is damaged but still valid, you can request a duplicate with the same expiration date. If you need to change information on your license (such as your address or name), you may need a replacement, which carries the same fee as a new license of that type.

Where to Pay and Payment Methods

You pay your license fee at any Mississippi Driver's License Examining Station when you explore or renew in person. The examining stations accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some locations may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.

If you are renewing by mail (available for certain renewals), you will mail a check or money order with your process. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety does not process online payments for driver's licenses, so you cannot pay the fee through their website.

Additional Fees You May Encounter

The license fee itself does not include the cost of the written test, road test, or vision screening. Most examining stations charge a separate fee for the written test (usually $5.00 to $10.00) and the road test (usually $10.00 to $15.00). Vision screening is often included in the examining station fee or charged separately at a small cost.

If you fail the written or road test, you typically pay the test fee again when you retake it. Some stations offer a discount if you retake the test on the same day, but this varies by location.

If you need to change your name or address on your license between renewals, some changes are free (such as address updates by mail), while others may require you to get a replacement license and pay the full license fee.

How License Fees Compare Across Mississippi

Driver's license fees are set by the state and are the same at every examining station in Mississippi. You will not pay more or less depending on which county or city you visit. However, some private vendors (such as certain tag agencies) may charge an additional service fee on top of the state license fee if you use their location instead of a state examining station.

If you are moving to Mississippi from another state, your out-of-state license fee does not transfer. You will pay the full Mississippi license fee when you get your new Mississippi license, even if you just paid for a license in your previous state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a four-year license if I am 21 or older?

Yes. You can choose either the four-year license for $24.00 or the eight-year license for $36.00. The eight-year option is available to you, but you are not required to take it. Some people prefer to renew more often if their address or other information changes frequently.

What if I turn 21 before my license expires?

Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. When you renew, you can choose the eight-year option if you wish. You do not need to get a new license just because you turned 21.

Do I have to pay the license fee if I fail the road test?

No. You pay the test fee (not the license fee) to take the road test. If you fail, you pay the test fee again to retake it. You only pay the license fee once you pass the test and are issued your license.

Is there a fee to renew my license by mail?

The license fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail. However, not all renewals are may be able to access for mail renewal — you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid license with no restrictions and no recent violations. Contact your local examining station to confirm whether your renewal qualifies.

What if I need to replace my license before it expires?

If you lost it or it was stolen, a duplicate costs $10.00. If you need to change information on your license (name, address), the cost depends on whether the change requires a replacement. Address changes by mail are usually free; other changes may require a replacement license at the full license fee.