Mississippi requires you to contact the Department of Public Safety and pay reinstatement fees, but the exact process and cost depend on why your license was suspended or revoked
A suspended or revoked license in Mississippi is not permanent. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles reinstatement, and you can move forward once you meet the conditions that led to the suspension or revocation. Those conditions vary — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than one for a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support.
The first step is always the same: contact the DPS Driver License Bureau to find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to clear it. You cannot reinstate online or by mail in most cases. You will need to appear in person at a DPS office with the required documents and payment.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau by phone or in person to learn the specific reason for your suspension or revocation and what must be done to clear it.
- Reinstatement fees in Mississippi range from $100 to $250 depending on the reason for suspension, and you must pay this fee at a DPS office when you explore to reinstate.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must pay those debts first or show proof of a payment plan before DPS will reinstate you.
- If your suspension was due to a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and provide proof before reinstatement is possible.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after you meet all requirements and pay fees, though you receive your new license at the DPS office on the day you complete the process.
Why your license was suspended or revoked
Mississippi suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI or refusal to submit to a breath test, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, and driving without insurance.
A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored once you meet the conditions. A revocation is more serious and usually means your license has been taken away for a longer period or until specific requirements are met. Both require action on your part before you can drive legally again.
You may not know the exact reason if you did not receive a notice or if time has passed. The DPS Driver License Bureau can tell you over the phone or you can visit in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Contacting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau is the only office that can reinstate your license. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1500 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Ask specifically what must be done to reinstate your license and what documents you need to bring.
If you prefer to visit in person, DPS has driver license offices in Jackson and other locations across the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website. Bring your current identification, your Social Security number, and any documents related to the reason for suspension (such as proof of payment for fines or child support, or completion of an alcohol education program).
When you call or visit, write down the name of the person who helps you and the exact requirements they give you. This protects you if there is confusion later about what you were told to do.
Reinstatement fees and payment
Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. The fee is typically between $100 and $250. You must pay this fee at a DPS office — it cannot be paid by phone or mail. Bring a check, money order, or cash. Some offices accept debit or credit cards, but call ahead to confirm.
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or child support, you must also pay those debts before DPS will reinstate you. If the amount is large, ask the court or child support office whether you can set up a payment plan. Once you have a written agreement, bring it to DPS as proof that you are addressing the debt.
If you cannot pay the full reinstatement fee at once, contact DPS to ask whether a payment plan is available. Policies vary, so it is worth asking directly rather than assuming it is not possible.
Clearing suspensions for unpaid fines or child support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines or appear in court to arrange a payment plan. Contact the court that issued the ticket to learn the current balance and payment options. Once you have paid or have a court-approved payment plan in writing, bring proof to DPS when you explore for reinstatement.
If your suspension was due to failure to pay child support, contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement. They can tell you the amount owed and whether a payment plan is available. Bring written proof of payment or a payment agreement to DPS.
DPS will not reinstate your license until these debts are cleared or a formal payment plan is in place. Partial payment usually is not enough — the debt must be paid in full or you must have a signed agreement from the court or agency.
DUI suspensions and alcohol education requirements
If your license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI conviction or refusal to submit to a breath test, reinstatement requires more than just paying a fee. You must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. This is typically a multi-week course, and you must provide proof of completion before DPS will reinstate your license.
Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle — a device that tests your breath before the engine will start. If this applies to you, DPS will tell you when you call. You must have the device installed and provide proof before reinstatement.
The timeline for DUI reinstatement is longer than for other suspensions because you must complete the education program first. Plan for several weeks. Once you have proof of completion and any other required documents, you can explore for reinstatement at a DPS office.
What to bring to the DPS office
Bring your current identification (passport, state ID, or military ID), your Social Security number, and your driver's license if you still have it. Bring proof of whatever cleared your suspension — a receipt showing payment of fines, a letter from child support showing the debt is paid, a certificate of completion from an alcohol education program, or proof of ignition interlock installation.
Bring the reinstatement fee in the form accepted by your local DPS office (cash, check, money order, or card — confirm by phone first). If you are explore for a new license photo, bring a second form of ID and be prepared to have your photo taken.
Arrive during business hours. DPS offices can be busy, so plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour. You will receive your new license on the day you complete the reinstatement process, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail if you request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. You must wait until DPS officially reinstates your license before you drive. Once you complete the reinstatement process at a DPS office, your license is active when ready.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DPS Driver License Bureau directly at 601-987-1500 and ask whether a payment plan is available. Policies vary by office. If a payment plan is not available through DPS, you may be able to set up a payment plan for any underlying fines or child support through the court or agency that imposed the debt.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you meet all requirements and pay the fee in person at a DPS office, your license is reinstated on that day. If you requested a replacement license by mail, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. For DUI suspensions, the timeline is longer because you must complete an alcohol education program first.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement is an administrative process handled by DPS, not a legal matter. You can handle it yourself by contacting DPS, paying the fee, and providing proof that you have met the conditions. If you have questions about the underlying reason for suspension (such as a DUI case), a lawyer can help, but reinstatement itself does not require one.
What if I moved out of state — can I reinstate my Mississippi license?
You can reinstate your Mississippi license by mail or phone in some cases, but you will need to contact DPS directly to ask. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact the DPS Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1500 to discuss your options.