When taking your car abroad, some countries require UK drivers to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) before they can legally drive in them. This international driving permit is in addition to, not a replacement of, your UK driving licence - which you also need to take with you if you're driving and/or hiring a car abroad. International Driving Permit FAQ. You've got questions, we've got answers. As car rental specialists with over 60 years of experience assisting drivers around the world we know all there is to know about how to safely and legally drive in a foreign country.
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SUMMARY: How to Apply for a Mississippi Driver's License
You must apply for a MS driver's licensein person at a DPS office. You will need to pass the vision, written knowledge, and driving tests, and pay the required fee.
This page will give you all the information you need to apply for your first Mississippi driver's license from the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
NOTE: If you're 17 years old or younger, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) page.
New to Mississippi?
Just Moved? Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
If you've recently moved to Mississippi, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license to the state within 60 days of arrival, and register your car within 30 days.
You will need to visit your local MS DPS office and:
- A completed Driver's License Application Form (Form DL-41).
- Surrender your out-of-state driver's license.
- Provide your Social Security card.
- 2 documents showing residency
- Original birth certificate.
- Pass a vision screening.
- Pay the driver's licensing fee.
NOTE: A Mississippi DMV agent will verify your driving record before issuing your new driver's license.
As long as your license from another state is valid you may be exempt from the written test and driving test.
If you don't have your out-of-state driver's license, you can still obtain a MS driver's license by including an Affidavit of Inability to Surrender (available at the MS DPS office) with your application. You will need to have your signature notarized on the form.
Types of MS Driver's Licenses
The Mississippi DPS offers various types of driver's licenses:
- Regular Class R: For operation of non-commercial vehicles.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL): See our Applying for a New CDL page for more information.
- Motorcycle endorsement: Designated on your regular driver's license or your CDL. See our Motorcycle License page for more information.
Apply for a MS Driver's License
To obtain a Mississippi driver's license, you will need to apply in person at your local Mississippi DPS office. You will need:
- A completed Driver's License Application Form (Form DL-41).
- If you're under 17 years old, your parent or legal guardian must sign your form.
- Your Social Security card.
- NOTE: As of August 1, 2014, the Mississippi DPS will no longer accept card scans and printouts.
- A certified birth certificate.
- A passing score on the vision screening.
- Acceptable proof of your Mississippi address, if you're over 18 years old.
- Those under 21 years old may use their parent residency information.
- Payment for the driver's licensing fee.
You will also have to pass both the written knowledge and road tests.
NOTE: If you're a non-U.S. citizen, you will need to provide additional documents. You may also be exempt from needing a Social Security card. See below for more information.
Written Knowledge and Driving Tests
Before your MS driver's license will be issued, you must pass both a written knowledge exam and a driving test.
The questions in the written knowledge exam will be based on information found in the MS Driver's License Manual. In addition, the DPS offers an app to help you study. If you want the ultimate in preparation for the written exam, try an online practice test from our approved partner.
During your driving test, your examiner will grade you on how well you can operate a motor vehicle. You will be tested on your ability to handle the vehicle, obey road rules, and use the proper signals, among other things.
If you fail either the written test or the driving test, you must wait until the next day to re-take it. If you fail 3 times, you will need to wait 30 days until you can re-take it.
Fees for a MS Driver's License
A Mississippi driver's license will cost you:
- $24 for 4 years.
- $47 for 8 years.
Payment must be made by cash, debit card, or credit card only. Checks will not accepted by the MS Department of Public Safety (DPS).
NOTE: Different license validity periods and fees apply for teen drivers. Please visit our teen licensing page for details.
Driver's Licenses for Non-U.S. Citizens
If you're a non-U.S. citizen, you must meet all of the standard requirements for obtaining a MS driver's license, with the exception of providing a Social Security card.
Your driver's license will only be valid for as long as you are legally allowed to stay in the U.S., or for the default length of 4 years.
Your application must include the following valid immigration papers:
- Birth certificate translated by a state-run university or approved translator.
- Passport.
- I-94 printout.
- Proof of domicile.
- Alien resident card (if applicable).
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
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Get behind the wheel all around the world with an international driving permit.(Photo: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images )
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Thanks to the Geneva International Convention of 1949, drivers in a wide variety of countries and regions around the world with similar standards for obtaining a driving license may use their country-issued license to obtain an International Driving Permit. In Hong Kong, obtaining this special permit allows drivers from Hong Kong to drive around the world in many countries, including the United States.
Items you will need
- Hong Kong driving license
- Application
- 2 passport photos
- Identity card
- Proof of residence
- Cash or check fee
Step 1
Obtain a full Hong Kong driver's license from the Transport Department of Hong Kong (td.gov.hk).
Step 2
Download an application for International Driving Permit TD51 from the Transport Department, or go to a licensing office to obtain one. Licensing offices are located in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Step 3
Bring the application, along with two passport-style photos, your Hong Kong identity card and a Hong Kong driver's license, to the Licensing Office. If the address on your identity card is different than your current address, bring a 'proof of address' to the office as well. Alternately, you can mail these forms via registered mail to P. O. Box 68115, Kowloon East Post Office, Kowloon.
Step 4
Submit a fee in cash, as an electronic payment or with a cashier's check made out to 'The Government of HKSAR'.
Step 5
Pick up your international driving permit from the Licensing Office on the same day or wait for the license to be sent in the mail if you have submitted by mail.
References
About the Author
Emily Manthei holds a masters degree from the University of Edinburgh and has written for publications as diverse as the 'Oxford Journal of Theological Studies,' 'Emanuel Levy Film Reviews,' 'USA Today' and 'Northern Express Magazine.' She also writes screenplays for short and feature films.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
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Manthei, Emily. 'How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong?' Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html. Accessed 26 June 2019.
Manthei, Emily. (n.d.). How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong? Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html
Manthei, Emily. 'How do I Get an International Driver's License in Hong Kong?' accessed June 26, 2019. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/international-drivers-license-hong-kong-63054.html
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