How to reinstate a suspended license in Mississippi

A suspended license in Mississippi means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, but reinstatement is possible once you meet the conditions that caused the suspension. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) handles reinstatement, and the process depends on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction.

You cannot straightforward reapply; you must first resolve the underlying issue. Once you have, you will need to contact MDPS directly, pay a reinstatement fee, and in some cases provide proof that the problem has been fixed. The timeline varies from a few days to several weeks depending on the reason and how quickly you can document that the issue is resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • The reason for your suspension determines what you must do to get reinstated — unpaid fines, court failures, child support arrears, and DUI convictions each have different requirements.
  • You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to find out what specific documents or payments they need from you before reinstatement can happen.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to MDPS in addition to resolving the original issue.
  • Some suspensions, such as those tied to child support or unpaid fines, may require proof from another agency (like the Department of Human Services or a court) that the debt has been paid.

Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court costs, you will need to pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court or justice court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm the exact amount and whether you can pay by phone, mail, or in person.

Once the court confirms payment has been received, you can then contact MDPS to request reinstatement. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee — the amount varies depending on the type of suspension, so ask MDPS for the exact fee when you call. MDPS will process your reinstatement once both the court debt and the reinstatement fee have been paid.

Suspensions related to failure to appear in court

A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic or criminal matter. To get reinstated, you must first resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or arranging a resolution with the court. This might mean paying a fine, entering a plea, or scheduling a new court date.

Contact the court that issued the suspension to find out what action is needed. Once the court has resolved the case, ask the court clerk to notify MDPS that the suspension can be lifted. You will still need to pay MDPS a reinstatement fee. Some courts can submit the clearance electronically to MDPS, which speeds up the process; others may require you to bring documentation to MDPS yourself.

Suspensions for child support arrears

Mississippi suspends licenses for people who are behind on child support payments. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) handles child support enforcement and is the agency that requested the suspension. To get reinstated, you must bring your child support account current or enter into a payment plan with MDHS.

Contact the MDHS Child Support Enforcement division to discuss your arrears and what payment or arrangement they will accept. Once MDHS confirms that you have met their requirements, they will notify MDPS to lift the suspension. You will still owe MDPS a reinstatement fee. The process typically takes one to two weeks after MDHS sends the clearance to MDPS.

Suspensions for DUI or drug-related convictions

A DUI or drug-related suspension is more complex because it involves both a mandatory waiting period and additional requirements. The length of the suspension depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first-offense DUI suspension typically lasts 90 days to one year; refusal to test results in a longer suspension.

Before you can be reinstated, you must complete the mandatory waiting period, pay any fines or court costs, and in most cases complete a substance abuse treatment or education program. Some first-time offenders may be may be able to access for a hardship license, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons during the suspension period. Contact MDPS or ask your attorney whether a hardship license is an option in your case.

Medical suspensions and vision or hearing requirements

MDPS may suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you failed to renew your license and did not pass a vision or hearing test. To reinstate, you will need to provide medical documentation from a doctor stating that you are safe to drive, or you will need to pass the required vision or hearing test.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or an eye care provider to get the necessary documentation or test results. Once you have the paperwork, bring it to an MDPS office or mail it with your reinstatement request. MDPS will review the documentation and notify you whether reinstatement has been approved.

How to contact MDPS and submit your reinstatement request

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau handles reinstatement requests. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1500 during business hours, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your driver's license number ready and be prepared to explain why your license was suspended.

MDPS will tell you exactly what documents or payments you need to provide. Some people can complete reinstatement by mail or phone; others must visit an MDPS office in person. The main MDPS office is located in Jackson, but there are branch offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the MDPS website. Bring your valid identification, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and payment for the reinstatement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a hardship license?

A hardship license allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered activities. You cannot drive for other reasons. Hardship licenses are available for some suspensions but not all; ask MDPS whether you are may be able to access when you contact them about reinstatement.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license?

The reinstatement fee varies depending on the type of suspension. Most reinstatement fees range from $100 to $250, but you should contact MDPS directly to find out the exact amount for your situation. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or child support payments you may owe.

What if I do not know why my license was suspended?

Call MDPS at 601-987-1500 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you the reason for the suspension and what you need to do to resolve it. If the suspension is related to a court matter or child support, MDPS will direct you to contact the appropriate court or agency.

How long does reinstatement take after I have resolved the issue?

If you resolve the issue in person at an MDPS office and pay the reinstatement fee on the spot, your license may be reinstated the same day or within a few days. If you submit documents by mail, allow two to three weeks. If the suspension involves another agency like a court or MDHS, add extra time for that agency to notify MDPS.

Can I reinstate my license online?

MDPS does not offer full online reinstatement, but you can call to start the process and ask whether your specific situation can be handled by mail or phone. Some reinstatements require an in-person visit to an MDPS office to verify your identity and pay the fee.