Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges after suspension or revocation

Mississippi's reinstatement fee depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety sets these fees, and they range from $100 to $250 for most common reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or suspension for medical reasons. If your license was revoked for a DUI conviction, the fee is higher and the process is more involved. You must pay the reinstatement fee before the state will process your request to restore your license.

The fee itself is separate from any other money you owe. If you were suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must settle those debts first. Only after those are paid can you pay the reinstatement fee. Some people assume the reinstatement fee covers everything; it does not. You may also need to complete a driver improvement course, pass a vision test, or provide proof of insurance, depending on the reason for suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi reinstatement fees range from $100 to $250 for most suspensions, with DUI revocations costing more.
  • You must pay any underlying fines or court costs before you can pay the reinstatement fee.
  • The reinstatement fee is nonrefundable, even if your request is denied for other reasons like a failed vision test.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the state receives your payment and all required documents.
  • You can pay the reinstatement fee in person at a Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.

How the fee amount is determined by suspension reason

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety publishes a fee schedule that ties each reinstatement fee to the specific reason your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $100. A suspension for failure to appear in court also costs $100. A suspension for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder or vision loss — costs $150. A suspension for driving with a suspended license costs $200.

DUI-related revocations follow a different structure. A first DUI revocation requires a $250 reinstatement fee plus completion of a substance abuse program before the state will even consider your request. A second or subsequent DUI revocation within ten years costs $500 and also requires the program. These higher fees reflect the mandatory waiting periods and additional requirements the state imposes on DUI cases.

If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services Bureau directly. They can tell you the specific reason and the exact fee you owe. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1500 or visit a local Driver Services office in person.

What you must pay before the reinstatement fee

Many people discover that the reinstatement fee is only part of what they owe. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines to the court that issued the ticket. If your suspension was triggered by failure to appear, you may owe court costs in addition to the original fine. The court, not the Department of Public Safety, collects these payments.

To find out what you owe to the court, contact the court clerk in the county where the ticket was issued or where you failed to appear. You can often find contact information on the county court website. Once you have paid the court, obtain a receipt or confirmation letter. You will need to show this proof when you submit your reinstatement request to the Department of Public Safety.

If your suspension was for a reason other than fines or court costs — such as a medical condition or a DUI — you still owe only the reinstatement fee itself. However, you may be required to complete other steps, such as passing a medical examination or finishing a substance abuse program, before the state will process your reinstatement.

How to submit payment and what documents you need

You have three ways to pay the reinstatement fee: in person at a Driver Services office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. The online option is the fastest; payment is processed when ready and you receive a confirmation number. By mail, allow one to two weeks for processing. In person, you can often complete the transaction the same day, though you may need to wait for an appointment.

Regardless of how you pay, you must submit certain documents along with your fee. You will need a completed reinstatement request form, which the Department of Public Safety provides on its website or at any Driver Services office. You will also need proof that you have paid any underlying fines or court costs — a receipt from the court or a letter from the court clerk. If your suspension was medical-related, you may need a signed statement from your doctor confirming that the condition has been resolved or is being managed. If your suspension was DUI-related, you must provide proof of completion of a substance abuse program.

Bring or mail these documents along with your reinstatement fee payment. If paying online, you will upload documents through the website. If paying by mail, send everything to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a cover letter listing what you are enclosing.

Processing time and what happens after you pay

After the Department of Public Safety receives your payment and all required documents, processing typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, the state verifies that you have paid any outstanding fines, that you meet any medical or program requirements, and that no other holds exist on your license. If everything is in order, the state will mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice, depending on whether your license card itself needs to be replaced.

If the state finds a problem — for example, you did not actually pay the court fine, or you failed to complete a required program — they will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You will have a set period, usually 30 days, to correct the issue. If you do not respond, your reinstatement request will be denied and you will not receive a refund of the reinstatement fee.

Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. However, if your suspension was for a serious reason like a DUI, your license may come with restrictions, such as a requirement to use an ignition interlock device or to carry proof of insurance at all times. Read any letter from the state carefully to understand what conditions explore to your reinstatement.

Payment methods and where to send money

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety accepts payment by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If you are paying online, you can use a credit or debit card through their website. If you are paying by mail, send a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail.

For in-person payment, visit any Driver Services office. They accept cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card. You can find the office nearest you on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. 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 pay online, keep your confirmation number and the receipt. If you pay by mail or in person, request a receipt. These documents prove that you paid and can help if there is ever a dispute about whether your payment was received.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license before reinstating

Driving with a suspended license in Mississippi is a separate criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $200 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. These penalties are in addition to any original reason your license was suspended.

If you are caught driving with a suspended license, you will face a new court case and potentially a longer suspension. This is why it is important to pay the reinstatement fee and complete any required steps as soon as you can. If you cannot afford the fee when ready, contact the Department of Public Safety to ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices may work with you, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my reinstatement is denied?

No. The reinstatement fee is nonrefundable, even if the state denies your request because you did not meet all requirements or because a new issue was discovered. This is why it is important to verify that you have paid all fines, completed all programs, and gathered all required documents before you submit your payment.

What if I owe fines to multiple courts?

You must pay fines to each court that issued a ticket or imposed a fine. Contact each court individually to find out what you owe and how to pay. Obtain a receipt or confirmation from each court. Submit proof of payment from all courts along with your reinstatement request.

How long does a reinstatement stay valid once I receive it?

Once your license is reinstated, it remains valid until the expiration date printed on your license card. Reinstatement does not reset your license expiration date. If your license is set to expire soon, you may want to renew it at the same time you reinstate it to avoid another trip to the Driver Services office.

Can I reinstate my license online without going to an office?

Yes, you can pay the reinstatement fee online and submit documents through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. However, you will still need to pass a vision test and possibly other requirements before your license is fully reinstated. The state will notify you if an in-person visit is required.

What if I lost my license card and need to reinstate it?

Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request as normal. When your reinstatement is approved, the state will issue a replacement license card. There is no additional fee for the replacement card; it is included in the reinstatement process.