How to reinstate your Mississippi driver's license after suspension or revocation
To reinstate your Mississippi driver's license, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why it was suspended or revoked, pay any required fees, and complete any mandatory steps — such as taking a test or attending a hearing. The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason. Most reinstatements require you to visit a DPS office in person with proof of payment and identification.
The first step is always calling the DPS Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1500 to learn the specific reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to restore it. They will tell you the exact fee, any court requirements, and whether you need to pass a written or driving test before you can get your license back.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Mississippi DPS Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1500 to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you must complete.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount depends on the reason for suspension) and provide proof of payment when you visit a DPS office.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a written test, driving test, or attend a hearing before reinstatement is possible.
- Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to your DPS office appointment to complete the reinstatement process.
Reasons your Mississippi license may be suspended or revoked
Mississippi suspends or revokes licenses for several reasons, and the reinstatement process depends on which one applies to you. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, a DUI or DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, accumulation of too many traffic violations (points), failure to maintain auto insurance, or failure to appear in court for a traffic violation.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket, not to DPS. If it is due to a DUI conviction, you will likely need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement. If it is due to child support arrears, the child support enforcement agency must confirm that you have brought your account current or made an approved payment arrangement.
Call DPS at 601-987-1500 and have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the exact reason and what you must do next.
Paying reinstatement fees and court-ordered amounts
Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. This fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe. You cannot reinstate your license until all court-ordered amounts are paid.
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the court directly — not DPS. Contact the court that issued your ticket to find out the exact amount and accepted payment methods. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify DPS, and your suspension will be lifted.
If your suspension is due to a different reason (such as points accumulation or failure to maintain insurance), you pay the reinstatement fee directly to DPS when you visit an office in person. Ask DPS what the fee is when you call, so you know how much to bring.
Completing required tests or programs before reinstatement
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to pass a written test, a driving test, or complete a mandatory program before DPS will reinstate your license.
If your suspension is due to a DUI or DWI conviction, you must complete an alcohol and drug education program approved by Mississippi. The DPS Driver License Bureau can provide you with a list of approved programs. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (a device that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath) and provide proof of installation to DPS. The length of time you must use the device depends on your conviction and prior history.
If your suspension is due to accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may be required to pass a written knowledge test to show you understand traffic laws. If your suspension is due to a serious violation (such as reckless driving), you may need to pass both a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
Ask DPS which tests or programs explore to your situation when you call. They will tell you where to take the test and how to register for any required programs.
Visiting a Mississippi DPS office to complete reinstatement
Once you have paid all required fees and court amounts and completed any mandatory tests or programs, you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person to finalize your reinstatement. Bring your current identification (such as a passport or state ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), proof of payment for any fees or fines, and documentation of any completed programs or tests.
DPS has offices in most Mississippi counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.ms.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment. Call ahead or check online to see if you need to schedule a time slot.
When you arrive, tell the staff member that you are there to reinstate your license. They will review your documents, confirm that all requirements have been met, and issue you a new license on the spot if everything is in order. If any documents are missing or incomplete, they will tell you what else you need to bring back.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license in Mississippi
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Mississippi is a criminal offense. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be arrested, fined, and have your vehicle impounded. A first offense typically results in a fine of $100 to $500 and possible jail time. A second or subsequent offense carries steeper penalties, including higher fines and longer jail sentences.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to request a temporary driving permit from DPS for essential purposes such as work or medical appointments. Call DPS at 601-987-1500 to ask whether a permit is available for your situation.
Timeline for reinstatement
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how quickly you complete the required steps. If you have only unpaid fines, you can often reinstate your license within a few days of paying the court. If you need to complete an alcohol education program or install an ignition interlock device, the process may take several weeks.
Once you have completed all requirements and visited a DPS office with your documents, your license is typically reinstated when ready. You will receive a new physical license card at that time, or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if the office is out of cards.
Do not wait until the last minute to start the reinstatement process. If you need to complete a program or pass a test, begin as soon as you know your license is suspended so you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to a DPS office to reinstate my license if my license is suspended?
No, driving with a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi, even to go to a DPS office. You must arrange for someone else to drive you, use public transportation, or request a temporary driving permit from DPS for essential purposes. Call 601-987-1500 to ask if a permit is available for your situation.
What if I cannot pay my court fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up a schedule for paying fines over time. Once you have an approved payment plan in place, ask the court if they can lift the license suspension while you make payments, or ask DPS if a temporary permit is available.
Do I need to take a new written test to reinstate my license?
Not always. You only need to take a test if your suspension was due to points accumulation, a serious violation, or a DUI conviction. Call DPS at 601-987-1500 to find out whether a test is required for your specific suspension.
What if I lost my proof of payment or completion of a required program?
Contact the court, program provider, or DPS to request a duplicate receipt or letter of completion. Bring this documentation to the DPS office when you go to reinstate your license. DPS can also look up your payment history in their system if you provide your driver's license number.
How much does it cost to reinstate a Mississippi driver's license?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and ranges from about $50 to $200. Call DPS at 601-987-1500 to find out the exact fee for your situation. This fee is separate from any court fines, restitution, or program costs you may owe.