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new mississippi drivers license - MS

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Under the laws of Mississippi, if you operate any motor vehicle (except road and farm equipment) on the streets or highways, you must have a license or instruction permit. You cannot receive a Mississippi driver's license until you have surrendered to the Department of Public Safety all driver's licenses in your possession.

Regular Operator License - Class R - 17 & Over

You must provide the following information:
  1. A completed, signed Application form. 
  2. A social security card or a printout from the Social Security Administration. (See Below) (Note: metal social security cards are not acceptable.) 
  3. A state issued certified Birth Certificate. Must be original or a certified copy, have a raised seal and be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health.
  4.  If at least 17 years of age, you must pass the written and driving skills test. This may be waived if you are over 17 and have held an out of state license for at least six (6) months. 
  5. You must pay the appropriate fee (See Below).
  6. You must provide Proof of Domicile (See Below)

Intermediate License- Class Y

An intermediate license allows unsupervised driving from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m through 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and no restrictions anytime if going to and from work. At all other times, the intermediate licensee must be supervised by a parent, guardian or other person age twenty-one (21) years or older who holds a valid driver's license under this article and who is actually occupying the seat beside the driver.

To obtain an intermediate license:

  • You must hold a valid learners permit for at least twelve months before you can apply for an Intermediate License.
  • You must present the same information as for a Learner's Permit.
  • You must pass the driving skills test.
  • You must pay the appropriate Fee

Fee

Regular Original/Renewal Driver License (DL) 4-year
$21.00
Regular Original/Renewal Driver License (DL) 8-year
$43.00
Regular DL - Under 18
$6.00
Learner’s Permit
$4.00
14 yr. old Learner’s Permit
$4.00
Intermediate License
$6.00

APPLYING FOR A LICENSE

You must be at least fifteen (15) years old to apply for a temporary permit. You must  hold the temporary  permit for one (1) year before you can upgrade to an Intermediate License. You must hold the Intermediate License for six months and reach the age of 16 ½  before you can upgrade to a regular license. You must be 18 years old before you can obtain a license to drive a school bus. 
 
There are over 60 driver license examining offices throughout the state. You may apply for a Mississippi Driver's License at the driver license office of your choice. For the operating hours of the local driver license office, you may contact the nearest Highway Patrol office or your local law Enforcement agencies. 

PERSONS EXEMPTED FROM HAVING A LICENSE 

You are exempted from having a Mississippi driver's license if:
  1. You are operating any vehicle belonging to a branch of the United States Armed Services. 
  2. You are a non-resident over the age of sixteen (16) and have in your possession a valid driver's license issued to you by the proper authorities in your home state or home country. (If you hold a license from another state, and are over the age of eighteen [18], you may operate a vehicle in the state for a period of sixty [60] days without securing a Mississippi driver's license). 
  3. You are operating any road machine, farm tractor, or farm equipment temporarily on a road or highway.

Your Application

To obtain a license of any type, you must complete an application form furnished by the Department of Public Safety. The completed application must contain your full name, date of birth, home address, social security number, physical description, and a brief history of your physical and mental condition and driving experience and record. You must sign the application after completing it. If you make a 
false statement on the application, you will be  subject to a suspension of your driving privileges. The application will contain a complete record of your examination, and will be sent by the examiner to Department Headquarters, where it will become part of your driving record. Your examiner will not accept the application if it has been soiled, mutilated, or folded where it should not be. Application of persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a school certification form issued by the school principal, headmaster, or county superintendent of education, or his designee. Form must not be over 30 days old. If you are home-schooled, you can obtain a blank Certification of Attendance from a school or from the 
Superintendent of Education and the parents will have their notarized signature on it.

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD REQUIRED

Before your examiner can approve your application, he must visually check your social security card. If you do not have a social security card, you must obtain one. You must have it with you when you apply for a license.

PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED 

If you do not have a driver's license from another state, you must show a certified birth certificate issued by the state and social security card before a license or permit can be issued to you. All persons under 18 years of age must show a certified birth certificate regardless. 

OUT-OF-STATE DRIVERS

If you move to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi driver's license within sixty (60) days. You must obtain a Mississippi license plate (tag) within thirty (30) days. In addition, you must also obtain a Mississippi inspection of your vehicle. 
 
When you apply for a Mississippi driver's license you must surrender any and all driver's licenses from other states and show your social security card. Your driving record in other states will be checked before a Mississippi license is issued to you. 
 
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the Written and Skills Test may be waived. You will be required to pass a vision screening. If you are transferring from another state and your license has been expired over 30 days, you will be required to take the written test. If you are applying from out-of state to obtain a Mississippi license and your license has been lost, you must obtain an 
Affidavit of Inability to Surrender form the Driver License office. You must have your signature notarized on it.

Mailing Address for Department of Public Safety

The mailing address is: 
PO Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205

PROOF OF DOMICILE STATE STATUTE: 63-1-19   (1999 SESSION)

Effective July 1, 1999, any applicant for an original license who is over eighteen (18) years of age must show proof of domicile in this state to receive a license. No post office box number may be used as evidence of domicile. Any proof of residency must contain a physical address. The examiner shall note on the application the type of documentation used to determine domicile. Applicants under 21 years of age may use documentation that applies to their parents' domicile. 
 
The following evidence or other reliable evidence may be considered in establishing, but is not necessarily determinative of domicile. Proof of domicile must be in the applicant's or applicant's spouse's name, or in the event applicant is under 21 years of age, their parents' name.
  1. Electric Bill
  2. Water Bill
  3. Lease or Rent Agreement
  4. Car Tag Registration Receipt
  5. Mortgage Papers
  6. Homestead Exemption Receipt
  7. Bank Statement with Physical Address (no blank checks accepted!)
  8. Notarized employer verification on their letterhead stating address of applicant (must include phone number)
  9. Mississippi license issued to parent or legal guardian when applicant is under 21 years of age.
  10. Voter registration card with 911 address on it.

MILITARY PERSONNEL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS 

Department policy permits non-resident military personnel and their family, and any out-of-state college student, to drive in Mississippi provided they hold a valid driver's license from another state. This same policy applies to auto license plates. 
 
Any person in the armed services of the United States, holding a valid license and is out-of-state due to military service at the time said license expires, may renew said license at any time within (90) days after being discharged. 
 
(From such military service or upon returning to the state, without payment of any delinquent fee or examination, unless the department has reason to believe that the licensee is no longer qualified to receive a license.) Said person shall make proof by affidavit of the fact of such military service and of the fact of such military service and of the time of discharge return. 

APPLICATIONS FOR UNDER 17 YEARS OLD

 If you are under seventeen (17) years old, your application for a Mississippi driver's license or learner's permit must be signed by your parents, if both are living, and have legal custody of you. If neither of your parents are living, then your application may be signed by the person who has legal custody of you (your guardian), or by your employer. If you do not have a guardian or employer, then your application may be signed by a responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligations this act imposes on him. Whoever signs your application must have his or her signature notarized. 
 
If married and under 17, you must show a marriage license in lieu of a School Certification of Attendance.  
 
Any person who signs your application may in the future file with the Commissioner a verified written request that your license or permit be cancelled.

UNAUTHORIZED DRIVING

 It is important to remember that you cannot lawfully drive a motor vehicle without a learner's permit or a driver's license, even if you are accompanied by one of your parents. Driving without a learner's permit or license may make both you and the owner of the car subject to arrest. 

REGULAR LEARNER'S LICENSE 

If you want to learn to drive on the public roads or highways, you must first obtain a learner's permit from an examiner. To be eligible for a learner's permit, you must pass the same examination which is given for a driver's license, except for the driving test and the vehicle inspection. A 
learner's permit is valid for one (1) year, and will entitle you to drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 years or older who is actually occupying the seat next to you. The fee for this permit is $4.00. If you do not pass your road test before your permit expires, it can be renewed within one year, without another test for an additional $4.00 fee. (Your examiner has the right, for justifiable cause, to require you to wait up to thirty (30) days from the date your permit is first issued before allowing you to take your next test.)  To take your road test you must have a valid learner's permit in your possession. 

REGULAR LEARNER'S PERMIT (14 YEAR OLD) 

If you are a high school student at least fourteen (14) years old, and are currently enrolled in an approved high school driver education course, you may apply for a temporary learner's permit. Your driver's education instructor must furnish the examiner with proof that you are presently enrolled in an approved driver education program. 
 
Your temporary permit will be restricted in two important ways: (1) It will be valid only while you are enrolled in an approved driver education course, and (2) It will allow you to drive only a driver education vehicle while accompanied by your driver education instructor. Upon turning age 15, you must go to the driver license office and upgrade to a 15 year old permit. 
 
The Department wants to remind you how beneficial a good driver education program can be. Statistics show that drivers who have had driver education courses are far less likely to be involved in accidents. Because of' this, many insurance companies set lower rates for drivers who have participated in approved high school driver education courses. 

ORIGINAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

You are eligible if: 
1. After August 1, 2009, you have reached the age of sixteen (16) years, six (6) months and have held a intermediate license for six (6) months without certain convictions.  
2. Under 18, present proper  documentation on form obtained from the school or Department of  Education that you are currently enrolled in school. 
3. The Written Test and Skills Test may be waived if you are over 18 years of age and have held an out of state license for at least six (6) months. 
4. You meet the required physical conditions. 
5.  PROOF OF DOMICILE STATE STATUTE: 63-1-19 (1999 SESSION) Effective July 1, 1999, any applicant for an original license who is over eighteen (18) years of age, must show proof of domicile in this state to receive a license. No post office box number may be used as evidence of domicile. Applicants under 21 years of age may use documentation that applies to their parents' domicile. 

A Mississippi driver's license cost $21.00 for a Class R license. A Mississippi driver's license issued to anyone between the ages of 16 and 18 will be issued for one year at a time at a cost of $6.00 per year.

Non-U.S. Citizen License or ID Card 

     If you are a non-citizen, you must meet all other requirements except for providing a social security number for a driver's license or identification card. The license or ID will be valid for 1 year from date of issuance for a fee of $11.00. You must present valid immigration papers for originals or renewals, including a birth certificate (translated from a university), Passport, 1-94, Proof of Domicile and Alien Resident Card if you have one. 

The Examination 

Before you can be issued an original Mississippi driver's license, you must pass the prescribed examinations. If you are under the care of a physician, for any reason, a certificate concerning your physical or mental condition may be required by the examiner before you take the examination. 
 
The examination is designed to answer the following questions about your driving knowledge and abilities: 
1. Do you know the Mississippi traffic laws and the rules of safe driving? 
2. Do you see well enough to drive safely? 
3. Are you able to read and understand the signs used to regulate, warn, and direct traffic on Mississippi roads and highways? 
4. Are you willing to keep your vehicle in safe condition? 
5. Are you a safe and skillful driver? 
6. Do you have any physical or mental handicaps which might interfere with your driving ability? 
7. Do you have the proper attitude toward the rights of pedestrians and other drivers? 
 
So that your examiner may answer these questions fairly and thoroughly, the examination is divided into three parts: a computerized test, an eye test, and a driving test. 
    
If you fail the computerized or driving test, you cannot repeat it the same day. If you should fail to pass the examination after three (3) attempts, you must wait thirty (30) days to take it again. 

COMPUTERIZED TEST 

The questions on your test will be based on information taken from this manual and will concern the Mississippi traffic laws and the rules of safe driving. If you cannot read, have someone teach you this manual. Then ask your examiner for additional information on how to take your test. 
 
If you fail the test, return to this manual and study it carefully and thoroughly. It contains all the information you need. 

EYE TEST

As part of your examination, your eyes will be checked to make sure you see well enough to drive safely. If your eye test shows that you need glasses to improve your vision, you must arrange to have your eyes tested by an eye specialist or optometrist. You will be given an eye form (DE26) to be filled out by your eye specialist or optometrist. 

WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST YOU MUST:

1. Have your application, learner's permit, Social Security card, and certified birth certificate. 
2. Be accompanied by a licensed driver. 
3. Be in a legally licensed motor vehicle. 
4. Be sure the motor vehicle you bring for your road test has all theequipment and passes motor vehicle inspection. 
5. Proof of valid insurance on vehicle prior to Road Test.
 

DRIVING TEST

The driving test is a practical examination of your ability to operate a motor vehicle. It is designed to detect incorrect or dangerous driving habits on your part. Because it determines your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, the driving test is the most important part of the examination.
 
On the day of your examination, you must be accompanied by a person who holds a valid driver's license to the assigned testing place. In your driving test you will use the vehicle you arrive in. It is suggested that you bring the vehicle that you have  been practicing in. 
 
The lights, horn, brakes, inspection certificate and registration of the vehicle will be inspected by the examiner. If the vehicle does not pass this inspection, the driving test will be postponed until you return in a vehicle that meets legal requirements. 
 
A trained examiner from the Department of Public Safety will accompany you on your driving test. (Only you and the examiner may be in the vehicle during the test.) The examiner will tell you where to drive and what driving maneuvers to make. He will make no attempt to trick or confuse you. His only purpose is to make sure that you are able to operate a vehicle safely and in accordance with the traffic laws. He will direct you to execute right and left turns; to make a safe, smooth stop; to back properly; to park and stop on a hill; to parallel park; and to do a turn- about. He will note your posture, use of signals, and how you control the car. He will pay strict attention to your attitude toward pedestrians and how you approach and obey warning signs, stop signs, and traffic lights. He will note if you use driving lanes properly. His observations will be listed on your Record of Examination, and you will be graded accordingly. 
 
Your application will not be approved if you have too many errors in safe driving on the drivingtest, or if you drive dangerously, violate the law,have an accident, or refuse to follow the examiner's instructions. 
 
After you have completed the driving test, the examiner will explain your mistakes. If he cannot approve your application, he will tell you how to qualify for another examination. You must wait at least one full week before re-taking the driving test.
 
No driving test will be given when the streets are wet, slippery, or if the windshield wipers are needed. 
 

RESTRICTIONS

If you are unable to pass the complete examination without some type of aid or special equipment (such as eyeglasses), your license will be restricted accordingly. 

Your Driver’s License

When you have passed all parts of the examination, filed your application, and paid the required fee, you will be issued a Mississippi driver's license. Because you are required to show your license to any law enforcement officer who asks to see it, carry it with you at all times. You are also required to show your license to anyone you are involved with in an accident.