What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Mississippi driver's license, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver's License Bureau, pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific conditions that caused the suspension. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or another violation. You cannot straightforward renew; reinstatement requires you to address the underlying reason first.
The Mississippi DPS Driver's License Bureau is the only office that can reinstate your license. You will need to provide proof that you have resolved the issue — whether that means paying fines, completing a required course, or obtaining medical clearance. Once approved, you may need to take a written test, vision test, or both, depending on how long your license has been suspended and the reason for suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Mississippi DPS Driver's License Bureau to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- You will owe a reinstatement fee to the state, and you may owe additional fines or court costs related to the original violation.
- The DPS may require you to retake the written test, vision test, or both before your license is reinstated.
- Some suspensions require proof of completion — such as a defensive driving course certificate or a medical evaluation — before the DPS will process your reinstatement.
Common reasons for suspension in Mississippi
Mississippi suspends driver's licenses for several reasons, and each has different reinstatement steps. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court hearing, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, and failure to maintain auto insurance.
If your suspension is related to child support or unpaid taxes, the Mississippi Department of Human Services or the Department of Revenue may have placed the hold on your license, not the DPS directly. In those cases, you must resolve the debt with that agency first, then contact the DPS to lift the suspension. Medical suspensions — such as for seizures or other conditions affecting safe driving — require a doctor's statement clearing you to drive before reinstatement.
Steps to reinstate your license
First, contact the DPS Driver's License Bureau to confirm your license is suspended and learn the exact reason. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1500 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. Ask them what documents or payments you need to provide and whether you must retake any tests.
Second, resolve the underlying issue. If you owe fines or court costs, pay them to the court that issued the citation or to the Mississippi DPS, depending on what the DPS tells you. If you failed to appear in court, contact that court to resolve the failure-to-appear charge — you may need to appear in person or pay a fine. If your suspension is for unpaid child support or taxes, contact the appropriate state agency and obtain written proof that the debt is paid or a payment plan is in place.
Third, gather required documents. Common documents include proof of payment (receipt or court documentation), a medical clearance letter if applicable, proof of insurance, and a completed reinstatement form. The DPS will tell you which documents explore to your situation.
Fourth, submit your reinstatement request. You can do this in person at a DPS Driver's License office, by mail, or sometimes by phone, depending on the type of suspension. The DPS will tell you the method for your case. If you go in person, bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the reinstatement fee.
Reinstatement fees and costs
Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that varies based on the reason for suspension. The fee typically ranges from $100 to $250, but you should confirm the exact amount with the DPS when you call. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or child support arrears you may owe.
If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you will pay those amounts in addition to the reinstatement fee. If you are on a payment plan for child support or taxes, you may be able to reinstate your license once you have made the first payment and have proof of the agreement in writing.
Testing requirements after reinstatement
Depending on how long your license has been suspended, the DPS may require you to retake the written knowledge test, the vision test, or both. If your suspension lasted more than one year, you will likely need to retake both tests. If it lasted less than one year, you may only need a vision test or no test at all.
If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you will almost certainly need to retake the written test and may be required to complete a substance abuse course before reinstatement. Ask the DPS specifically what tests you must pass before your license is reinstated.
How long reinstatement takes
The timeline depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue and submit your reinstatement request. If you pay fines and submit documents in person at a DPS office, reinstatement can happen the same day or within a few business days. If you submit by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing.
If your reinstatement requires a court appearance or approval from another agency — such as the Department of Human Services for child support — the process will take longer. Contact the DPS after submitting your request to check the status if more than two weeks have passed.
Where to find DPS Driver's License offices
Mississippi has DPS Driver's License offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling 601-987-1500. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; a few have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
If you cannot visit an office in person, ask the DPS whether you can submit your reinstatement request by mail. You will need to include all required documents, proof of payment, and a completed reinstatement form. Mail requests take longer to process but may be your only option if you live out of state or have mobility limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in additional fines, arrest, and further suspension. Wait until the DPS confirms your license is reinstated before driving.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the DPS to ask whether they offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. Some offices may allow you to pay in installments, but this varies. You may also ask the court that issued your original fine whether they offer a payment plan for court costs.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatement cases. The DPS will tell you exactly what you need to do. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or a failure-to-appear charge, speaking with a lawyer about your options may be helpful.
What if my license was suspended for a medical reason?
You will need a letter from your doctor stating that you are medically able to drive safely. The letter should address the specific condition that led to the suspension. Submit this letter to the DPS along with your reinstatement request.
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for reinstatement?
Mississippi does not issue temporary licenses during the reinstatement process. You must wait for full reinstatement before driving legally. However, you may be able to request a hardship license if you need to drive for work or medical appointments; ask the DPS whether this option is available for your situation.