Reinstatement fees in Mississippi depend on why your license was suspended
Mississippi charges between $100 and $250 to reinstate a suspended driver's license, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $100. A suspension tied to a DUI conviction, drug offense, or failure to pay child support costs $250. If your license was suspended for medical reasons or administrative errors, the fee may be lower or waived entirely — you'll need to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to confirm.
The reinstatement fee is separate from any other costs you may owe. If your suspension resulted from unpaid fines, you must pay those fines before the Department of Public Safety will process your reinstatement. If it resulted from a DUI, you may also need to complete a substance abuse program and provide proof of completion. These additional requirements can delay reinstatement by weeks or months.
Key Takeaways
- Standard reinstatement for traffic violations costs $100; reinstatement for DUI, drug offenses, or child support arrears costs $250.
- You must pay the reinstatement fee plus any underlying fines, court costs, or program fees before your license will be restored.
- The Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes reinstatement requests by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license office.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail; in-person reinstatement is usually completed the same day.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
You can pay the reinstatement fee through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in three ways: online through their official website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at any driver's license office. Online payment is the fastest route — you can submit payment and receive confirmation within minutes. Mail processing takes seven to ten business days. In-person payment at a driver's license office allows you to complete reinstatement the same day if all other requirements are met.
When you pay online or by mail, include your driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended. If you're paying by mail, send your payment to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a written request for reinstatement with your payment. If you're paying in person, bring your identification and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times.
What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee
Once the Department of Public Safety receives your payment and confirms you've met all other reinstatement requirements, they will restore your driving privileges. If you paid online or by mail, you'll receive written confirmation by mail within one to two weeks. Your license will be active as of the date the Department processes your reinstatement, not the date you mailed the payment.
If your reinstatement was delayed because you hadn't completed a required program (such as a DUI education course), your license won't be restored until the Department receives proof of completion. Contact the program provider to request an official completion certificate and submit it to the Department separately from your reinstatement fee.
Reinstatement fees by suspension reason
| Reason for Suspension | Reinstatement Fee | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines or moving violations | $100 | Pay all outstanding fines and court costs |
| DUI or DWI conviction | $250 | Complete substance abuse program; proof of insurance |
| Drug-related offense | $250 | Varies by offense; contact Department of Public Safety |
| Failure to pay child support | $250 | Pay arrears or establish payment plan with child support agency |
| Medical suspension or administrative error | $0–$100 | Contact Department of Public Safety for details |
Finding your suspension reason if you're unsure
If you don't know why your license was suspended, you can look it up through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website or by calling their driver's license bureau at 601-987-1500. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The Department can tell you the suspension reason, the date it took effect, and what you need to do to reinstate.
You can also visit a driver's license office in person and ask a staff member to look up your record. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. This is useful if you need when ready answers or want to understand all the steps required before you start paying fees.
What to do if you can't pay the full fee at once
Mississippi does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees themselves. However, if your suspension is tied to unpaid fines or child support arrears, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those underlying debts. Contact the court that issued the fines or the Mississippi Department of Human Services (child support division) to discuss options.
Some driver's license offices can provide information about local legal aid organizations that may help you understand your options. If cost is a barrier, ask the staff member at your local office whether any fee waivers or reductions are available based on financial hardship — policies vary by situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Department of Public Safety officially restores it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the Department before you drive.
Do I have to reinstate in person, or can I do it entirely by mail?
You can reinstate entirely by mail. Send your payment, driver's license number, date of birth, and a written reinstatement request to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Processing takes one to two weeks. In-person reinstatement is faster if you can visit a driver's license office.
What if I've already paid my fines but my license is still suspended?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to confirm they received your fine payment. Sometimes there's a delay between when you pay and when the court notifies the Department. You may need to provide proof of payment to the Department before they process your reinstatement.
Is the reinstatement fee refundable if I'm denied?
Reinstatement fees are not refunded if your request is denied. However, denial is rare if you've paid all fines and completed required programs. If you're denied, the Department will explain why in writing and tell you what additional steps you need to take.