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How to get a driver's license in Mississippi as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Mississippi needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
SSN card or official government correspondence showing all 9 digits, if applicable.

If your country is not on the list

Not stated for foreign licenses; all applicants for a regular license pass the knowledge and eye exams (no road test currently required).

At this time, no skills (road) test is required of any applicant seeking a regular driver's license. www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • I-94
  • Valid visa
  • Resident alien card

License validity: Valid for the applicant's length of stay, up to 4 years; status verified through SAVE.

Any official immigration papers, i.e., I-94, valid visa or resident alien card www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov

Social Security number

SSN card or official government correspondence showing all 9 digits, if applicable.

SSN Card or an official government correspondence displaying full 9 digits, if applicable www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov

Proof of residency

Two proofs of Mississippi residency, no more than 60 days old.

these cannot be more than 60 days old. www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather immigration papers (I-94, visa or green card), birth certificate or accepted document, SSN proof if applicable, and two proofs of residency under 60 days old.
  2. Complete and sign the license application and book an appointment at a Driver License location.
  3. Pass the eye exam and the Class D knowledge (written) exam.
  4. Applicants 17 and older may get the learner's permit and license the same day (no 12-month holding period).
  5. No road skills test is currently required for a regular license.
  6. Pay $24 for the original non-citizen license; it may be delayed up to 30 days for SAVE status verification and is valid only for your length of stay.

Fees

Original non-U.S. citizen license $24; learner's permit $7.

Original Driver License Non U.S. Citizen www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.