Mississippi requires you to contact the Department of Public Safety, pay any fines or fees owed, and complete the specific steps tied to why your license was suspended

Your path to reinstatement depends on the reason for suspension. Mississippi suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, drug convictions, medical conditions, or accumulation of points. Each category has different requirements — some require only payment, others require court action or completion of a program. The first step is always to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Bureau to learn which reason applies to your case and what you must do.

You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out with a reinstated license. The DPS will not process reinstatement until the underlying cause is resolved. If your suspension is tied to unpaid fines, you must pay them. If it is tied to child support, the Department of Human Services must notify DPS that arrears are current. If it is tied to a drug conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse program. Understanding your specific suspension reason is the only way to know what comes next.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau by phone at 601-987-1500 or visit in person to learn why your license was suspended and what reinstatement requires.
  • Most suspensions require payment of fines, court costs, or reinstatement fees, but some require court action, program completion, or clearance from another state agency first.
  • The DPS will not process your reinstatement request until the underlying cause is fully resolved — partial payment or partial compliance will not move your case forward.
  • Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after all requirements are met, though court-related suspensions may take longer depending on the court's schedule.

How to find out why your license is suspended

Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1500 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it. This call takes about five minutes and is the only way to know for certain what your next step is.

If you prefer to visit in person, the DPS Driver License Bureau is located at 1104 Woolfolk Building, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Bring your driver's license or state ID. You can also request this information by mail, though it will take longer. Write to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205, and include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Reinstatement for unpaid traffic fines or court costs

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Do not send payment to the DPS — the court must receive it. Contact the court listed on your citation or ticket to learn the exact amount due and payment methods accepted. Many Mississippi courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.

Once the court receives your payment, it will notify the DPS electronically. This notification typically takes three to five business days. After the DPS receives notice that your debt is cleared, your license will be reinstated. You do not need to visit the DPS office or submit a separate reinstatement form for this type of suspension. Your license status will update automatically once the court's notification reaches the DPS system.

Reinstatement for failure to appear in court

If your suspension stems from failure to appear (FTA) at a scheduled court date, you must resolve the underlying case before reinstatement is possible. Contact the court that issued the warrant or citation and ask what is required. You may need to appear in person, pay a failure-to-appear fee in addition to any original fine, or both.

Some courts allow you to resolve an FTA by phone or mail if the original charge was minor. Others require you to appear before a judge. Once the court resolves the case and notifies the DPS, your suspension will be lifted. If you are unsure whether you can resolve it without appearing, call the court clerk's office first — they can tell you what options exist for your specific case.

Reinstatement for child support arrears

If the Mississippi Department of Human Services suspended your license due to unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate it through the DPS alone. You must contact the Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children's Services, to bring your account current or arrange a payment plan. The phone number is 1-800-434-5437.

Once you have paid the arrears or established a payment plan that you are following, the Department of Human Services will send a clearance notice to the DPS. Reinstatement follows automatically after the DPS receives this notice, typically within one to two weeks. If you are behind on support, the department may require you to pay a portion of the arrears when ready and set up a plan for the remainder before they will clear your license.

Reinstatement for drug convictions

Mississippi law suspends licenses for drug-related convictions. The length of suspension varies: a first offense typically results in a six-month suspension, a second offense one year, and a third or subsequent offense two years. You cannot reinstate your license before this suspension period ends, even if you complete other requirements.

After the suspension period has passed, contact the DPS Driver License Bureau to begin reinstatement. Some drug convictions require completion of a substance abuse program or counseling before reinstatement is granted. The court that convicted you will specify whether this is required in your case. Ask the court clerk or your attorney whether a program is mandated. If it is, you must complete it and provide proof to the DPS before your license will be reinstated.

Reinstatement for accumulated points

Mississippi suspends licenses when drivers accumulate too many points from traffic violations. The threshold is 12 points within a 12-month period for drivers under 21, and 18 points within 36 months for drivers 21 and older. If your suspension is point-based, you must wait out the suspension period — typically 30 days for a first suspension — before you can reinstate.

After the suspension period ends, contact the DPS to request reinstatement. There is no fee for point-based reinstatement, and no additional requirements beyond waiting the required time. However, if you accumulate points again after reinstatement, a second suspension will be longer and may require a defensive driving course before reinstatement is granted. Ask the DPS whether a course is required for your specific situation.

Reinstatement fees and what to bring

Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee of $45 for most suspensions. Some suspensions, such as those for medical reasons or administrative errors, may have different fees or no fee at all. The DPS will tell you the exact amount when you call or visit. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card at DPS offices.

If you visit the DPS office in person to pay your reinstatement fee, bring your driver's license or state ID and proof that you have resolved the underlying cause of suspension. This proof might be a receipt from the court showing payment, a letter from the Department of Human Services clearing child support arrears, or a certificate of completion for a required program. The DPS staff will tell you what documents to bring when you call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you face arrest and vehicle impoundment. Do not drive until your license is reinstated.

How long does reinstatement take after I meet all requirements?

Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after the DPS receives notice that you have resolved the underlying cause. Court-related suspensions may take longer if the court is slow to notify the DPS. You can call the DPS to check the status of your reinstatement request.

What if I moved out of state — can I reinstate my Mississippi license from another state?

Yes. You can resolve most suspensions by mail or phone without returning to Mississippi. Contact the court, agency, or DPS by phone or mail to pay fines, arrange child support payments, or request reinstatement. However, you will need to renew your license in your new state of residence once you move.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

Most reinstatements do not require a lawyer. If your suspension is tied to a failure to appear or criminal charge, speaking with an attorney about your options may help, but it is not required. Many courts and the DPS can walk you through the process by phone.

What if I cannot pay the full amount owed right now?

Contact the court or agency involved to ask about payment plans. Many Mississippi courts allow you to pay fines in installments. The Department of Human Services often sets up payment plans for child support arrears. Ask whether a plan is available for your situation before assuming you must pay everything at once.