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How to Get ID & Documents in Mississippi

Mississippi issues state identification cards through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The state offers a free voter ID card, making Mississippi one of the few states where residents can obtain a photo ID at no cost for voting purposes.

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Quick Answer

To get a state ID in Mississippi, visit a DPS driver's license station with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two proofs of Mississippi residency. A standard ID costs $14, but Mississippi offers a free voter ID card to any resident who needs one for voting.

Mississippi ID Agency

Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Website: dps.state.ms.us/driver-services/new-licenses-ids

Phone: (601) 987-1212

State ID Card

Cost: $14 (free voter ID available)

REAL ID: $14 (REAL ID compliant included at no extra charge)

Processing: Temporary document issued same day; permanent card mailed within 10-14 business days

Online renewal: No

Requirements:

  • One primary identity document (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of Mississippi residential address (utility bill, bank statement, lease, government mail)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)

Mississippi offers a free voter photo ID card through the Circuit Clerk's office in each county. This free voter ID is separate from the standard state ID but serves as valid identification for voting. The standard state ID at $14 is relatively affordable. DPS driver's license stations are located throughout the state.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Mississippi State Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics

Cost: $15 (certified copy)

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: Walk-in: same day at Jackson office. Mail: 4-6 weeks. Online through VitalChek: 5-10 business days

Order online: msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,109.html

Mississippi birth certificates can be ordered in person at the Office of Vital Statistics in Jackson, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Only eligible applicants (the person named, parents, legal guardians, or authorized agents) may request copies. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $5 each.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) operates reentry programs that assist individuals with obtaining identification before release. Case managers help inmates gather documents and coordinate with the DPS for state ID applications upon release.

Homeless Provisions

Mississippi does not have a formal statewide homeless ID fee waiver program. The free voter ID provides one form of photo identification at no cost. Local organizations and shelters in Jackson, Gulfport, and other cities sometimes assist homeless individuals with standard state ID costs.

Fee Waivers

Mississippi offers a free voter photo ID card through Circuit Clerk offices. For the standard $14 state ID, no general fee waiver exists. Some community organizations and churches provide financial assistance for ID fees on a case-by-case basis.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in Mississippi: $15 (certified copy).
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DPS. Cost: $14 (free voter ID available).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DPS, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DPS office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DPS as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DPS offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for Mississippi-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DPS to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DPS offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than Mississippi, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in Mississippi but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the MississippiState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in Mississippi and register to vote. See our Mississippi voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More Mississippi Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a free voter ID in Mississippi?
Visit your county Circuit Clerk's office and request a free Mississippi Voter Identification Card. You will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship. This card is specifically for voting purposes but is a valid form of photo identification. There is no charge for this card.
Where do I get a Mississippi state ID?
Standard state ID applications are processed at DPS driver's license stations throughout the state. Find your nearest station on the DPS website. Free voter IDs are available at your county Circuit Clerk's office.
Can I renew my Mississippi state ID online?
Mississippi does not currently offer online renewal for state ID cards. You must visit a DPS driver's license station in person to renew your ID.
How do I get a replacement birth certificate in Mississippi?
Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics. You can order in person at the Jackson office ($15, same day), by mail ($15), or online through VitalChek. You need valid identification to request a copy.
Does MDOC help inmates get ID before release?
Yes, the Mississippi Department of Corrections has reentry programs that help inmates obtain identification documents before release. Case managers assist with gathering birth certificates and Social Security cards and coordinating state ID applications with the DPS.
What is the difference between a voter ID and a standard state ID?
The free voter ID is issued through your county Circuit Clerk's office and is specifically designed for voting. The standard state ID ($14) is issued through the DPS and serves as general-purpose identification for all purposes including employment, banking, and travel. Both are valid forms of photo identification.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DPS, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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