How to restore your suspended license in Mississippi

To get your suspended license back in Mississippi, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations, and each has its own path to restoration. Most commonly, suspensions come from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points. You cannot straightforward reapply; you have to address the underlying reason, pay any required fees, and then request reinstatement through DPS.

The process typically takes two to four weeks once you have completed all requirements, but it can take longer if court involvement is needed. Starting now — rather than waiting — means you know exactly what stands between you and a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212 to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay fines, court costs, or reinstatement fees before DPS will process your request.
  • If your suspension is tied to a court case, you may need to appear in court or provide proof that you have resolved the underlying charge.
  • Once you have met all requirements, submit a reinstatement request to DPS by mail, in person, or through their online system, along with the required fee.
  • You will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a DPS office, depending on which method you use.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you need to do to fix it. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, court information, or fees owed.

If you cannot reach DPS by phone, you can visit a DPS office in person. The main office is located at 1104 Westover Drive in Jackson, but there are branch offices throughout the state. You can also check the DPS website at dps.ms.gov to see if there is a location near you. Bring your driver's license or state ID so staff can pull up your record.

Common reasons for suspension and what to do about each

Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: If your license was suspended because of an unpaid ticket or court fine, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the county clerk's office where the ticket was issued. They will tell you the exact amount and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. Once paid, ask for written confirmation and keep it — you will need to show this to DPS when you request reinstatement.

Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, the court issued a bench warrant for your arrest and suspended your license. You must go to the court that issued the warrant, resolve the underlying case (which may mean pleading guilty, paying a fine, or completing a sentence), and ask the court to lift the suspension. The court will notify DPS once the warrant is cleared, but this can take several days. Bring identification and any documents related to the case.

DUI conviction: A DUI suspension is more complex. You must complete a DUI education program (usually a one-day or multi-day course) and pay a reinstatement fee to DPS. Some DUI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device — a breathalyzer installed in your car that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected. DPS will tell you whether this applies to your case. The education program must be completed before you can request reinstatement.

Accumulating too many points: Mississippi uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period, your license is suspended. You cannot remove these points, but the suspension is temporary. DPS will tell you the date your suspension will be lifted automatically — you do not have to do anything except wait. However, you can request early reinstatement by paying a fee and meeting other conditions; ask DPS whether this is an option for your situation.

Paying reinstatement fees and gathering required documents

Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee to DPS. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $100 to $250. DPS will tell you the exact amount when you call or visit. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method you use to request reinstatement.

Gather any documents that prove you have met the requirements. This might include a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from the court saying the warrant has been cleared, a certificate of completion from a DUI education program, or proof of ignition interlock installation. Keep copies of everything for your records.

Submitting your reinstatement request to DPS

You have three options for requesting reinstatement: by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through the DPS website. The online option is fastest — you can complete the request in minutes and receive confirmation when ready. Visit dps.ms.gov and look for the reinstatement section. You will need your driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and a payment method.

If you prefer to mail your request, send it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, copies of any required documents, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time.

To request reinstatement in person, visit any DPS office with your driver's license, the required documents, and payment. Staff will process your request on the spot and give you a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you.

What happens after you submit your request

DPS will review your request and verify that you have met all requirements. This usually takes two to four weeks. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and a new license card will be mailed to your address on file. If DPS needs more information, they will contact you by phone or mail.

If you requested reinstatement in person, you will receive a temporary permit when ready. This permit allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being printed. Your new license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. If you requested reinstatement by mail or online, you will not receive anything until your new license arrives — there is no temporary permit for these methods.

Once your new license arrives, check it for accuracy. If there are any errors, contact DPS right away to have it corrected.

If your suspension is still active and you need to drive

If your suspension is not yet lifted and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a hardship license (also called a work permit). This is a limited license that allows you to drive only for specific purposes — usually work, school, or medical appointments. You must show DPS that you have a genuine hardship and that you have taken steps to resolve the suspension.

Call DPS at 601-987-1212 to ask whether a hardship license is available for your situation. The requirements and availability vary depending on the reason for your suspension. If approved, you will pay a fee and receive a permit that is valid for a set period. A hardship license does not restore your full driving privileges, but it can help you maintain employment or meet essential needs while your reinstatement is being processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license if I am going to court to resolve it?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional charges and fines. If you need to drive to court, ask the court clerk whether you can request a temporary permit or hardship license. Some courts will issue a limited permit for the specific purpose of attending your hearing.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay all fines?

If you pay fines and submit your reinstatement request in person, you can receive a temporary permit the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks. If you submit by mail or online, expect two to four weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. Court-related suspensions may take longer if the court needs time to notify DPS.

What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?

Contact DPS when ready with your new address. You can call 601-987-1212 or visit a DPS office in person. If your license is already in the mail, DPS may be able to intercept it and redirect it to your new address. If not, you can request a replacement license at your new address once you have moved.

Do I have to take a new written test or driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You straightforward need to resolve the reason for suspension, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit your request. Your new license will have the same class and restrictions as your previous license.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Contact DPS to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some counties offer reduced fees for people with financial hardship, though this varies. You can also ask the court about payment plans for any fines owed. Until you pay the reinstatement fee, your license will remain suspended, but exploring these options may help you move forward.