What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Mississippi, you must first find out why your license was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do next. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations, and each one has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out with a new license; you have to address the underlying reason first.

The most common suspension reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical suspension (for seizures or certain conditions), or a conviction for driving under the influence. Once you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension, you contact DPS to request reinstatement, pay the reinstatement fee, and take any required tests or steps.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before you can move forward.
  • Different suspension reasons require different actions — paying fines, appearing in court, resolving child support arrears, or completing a DUI program — before reinstatement is possible.
  • Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you submit a reinstatement request to DPS, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), and may need to pass a written or driving test.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after DPS receives your complete reinstatement request.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 or visit their office in person to learn the suspension reason. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you exactly what caused the suspension and what you must do to clear it.

You can also check online through the DPS website, though calling is faster if you need to act soon. Write down the suspension reason and any case numbers or court information they give you — you will need this when you file for reinstatement.

Resolve the Issue That Caused the Suspension

Once you know the reason, take the action required for that specific suspension type:

  • Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Some courts accept online payment; others require a check or in-person payment.
  • Failure to appear in court: Contact the court that issued the bench warrant. You may need to appear in person to resolve the failure to appear, or the court may allow you to resolve it by phone or mail. Ask the court clerk what your options are.
  • Unpaid child support: Contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children's Services, or the child support enforcement office in your county. You will need to bring your arrears current or set up a payment plan that the court approves.
  • DUI conviction: Complete a DUI education program (also called a substance abuse treatment program) approved by the state. DPS will provide a list of approved providers. You must finish the program and obtain a certificate of completion before you can request reinstatement.
  • Medical suspension: Obtain medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to DPS. The doctor must confirm that the condition (such as a seizure disorder) is now controlled or resolved.

Keep all receipts, court documents, certificates, or letters confirming that you have completed the required action. You will submit these with your reinstatement request.

Submit Your Reinstatement Request to DPS

Once the underlying issue is resolved, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to request reinstatement. You can do this by mail, in person, or by phone. Gather the following before you contact them:

  • Your driver's license number or Social Security number
  • Proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (receipt, court letter, certificate, payment confirmation)
  • A valid form of identification
  • Payment for the reinstatement fee

If you are mailing your request, send it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a cover letter stating your name, license number, and the reason for reinstatement, along with copies of your supporting documents. Do not send original documents; DPS will not return them.

If you prefer to handle it in person, visit a DPS office. The main office is located in Jackson, but there are regional offices throughout the state. Call 601-987-1500 to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours.

Pay the Reinstatement Fee

The reinstatement fee in Mississippi is currently $100 for most suspension types. Some suspensions (such as those related to medical conditions) may have different fees; DPS will tell you the exact amount when you contact them. You can pay by check, money order, or cash, depending on whether you are mailing or visiting in person.

If you are mailing your request, include a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash by mail. If you are visiting an office in person, you can pay by cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

Take Any Required Tests

Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to pass a written test, a driving test, or both before your license is reinstated. DUI suspensions almost always require a written test about traffic laws and substance abuse. Medical suspensions may require a driving test to confirm you can operate a vehicle safely.

DPS will tell you whether you need a test when you submit your reinstatement request. If a test is required, you will schedule it at a DPS office. Bring a valid form of identification and arrive early. The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws and is the same test new drivers take; you can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, available free on the DPS website.

Receive Your Reinstated License

After DPS processes your request, pays the fee, and completes any required tests, your license will be reinstated. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. DPS will mail your reinstated license to the address on file, or you can pick it up in person at a DPS office if you prefer.

Once your license arrives or you pick it up, check it when ready to confirm the expiration date and that all information is correct. If anything is wrong, contact DPS right away to have it corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in additional fines, jail time, or a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your reinstated license before you drive.

What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed for the reason my license was suspended?

Contact the court or agency involved (the court for fines, the child support office for arrears, the DUI program provider for program costs) and ask about payment plans. Many courts and agencies will work with you to set up a schedule. You may also be able to request a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship, though approval is not may provide.

How long does reinstatement usually take?

Processing takes one to two weeks after DPS receives your complete request with all supporting documents and payment. If your request is incomplete, DPS will contact you to ask for missing information, which delays the timeline. Submitting everything at once speeds up the process.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself. However, if your suspension is related to a court case or criminal charge, you may want to consult a lawyer about how to resolve that issue before requesting reinstatement.

What if my license was suspended for multiple reasons?

You must resolve all suspension reasons before your license can be reinstated. Contact DPS to confirm every reason listed, then address each one. Once all issues are cleared, submit your reinstatement request with proof that each one has been resolved.