What happens when your Mississippi license is suspended or revoked
When the Mississippi Department of Public Safety suspends or revokes your driver's license, you lose the legal right to drive in the state. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored on a specific date or once you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent unless you take action to have it reinstated, which requires you to request reinstatement and meet the requirements that led to the revocation in the first place.
The reason for suspension or revocation matters because it determines what you must do to get your license back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving under the influence convictions, or failure to maintain car insurance. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended or revoked before you can take the next step.
- Suspensions end automatically on a set date, but revocations require you to request reinstatement and pay a fee, usually between $100 and $250.
- You may need to pay outstanding fines, provide proof of insurance, or complete a defensive driving course depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after you submit all required documents and fees to the Department of Public Safety.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 or visit their office in person to learn the specific reason your license is no longer valid. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. The staff member will tell you whether your license is suspended (temporary) or revoked (permanent), the date it happened, and what caused it.
You can also check your license status online through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, though calling is faster if you need when ready answers about what you owe or what documents you need to gather. Write down the exact reason and any reference number the staff member gives you — you will need this information when you submit your reinstatement request.
Understand the difference between suspension and reinstatement
A suspension is automatic and temporary. Your license will be restored on a specific date without you having to do anything, as long as you have met any conditions (such as paying a fine or attending court). Check with the Department of Public Safety to confirm the restoration date. If you have met all conditions before that date, you can request early reinstatement by paying a reinstatement fee, usually $100 to $150.
A revocation requires you to formally request reinstatement. You cannot straightforward wait for it to end. You must submit a written request to the Department of Public Safety, pay a reinstatement fee (typically $150 to $250), and provide proof that you have met all conditions related to the reason for revocation. For example, if your license was revoked for a DUI conviction, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and provide proof of completion.
Gather documents and pay any outstanding obligations
Before you contact the Department of Public Safety about reinstatement, collect the documents you will need. These typically include proof of payment for any outstanding traffic fines, proof of current car insurance, your driver's license number, and your Social Security number. If your suspension or revocation was related to a court case, bring documentation showing you have resolved that case.
If your license was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you will need a current insurance card or letter from your insurance company showing that coverage is active. If it was suspended for unpaid fines, you will need a receipt showing payment or a letter from the court confirming the debt has been satisfied. Some suspensions require completion of a defensive driving course — if yours does, you will need a certificate of completion from an approved provider.
Submit your reinstatement request to the Department of Public Safety
You can request reinstatement in person, by mail, or by phone. The fastest method is usually in person at a Department of Public Safety office, where staff can verify your documents when ready and process your request the same day. Bring all required documents, your payment for the reinstatement fee, and a valid form of identification.
If you mail your request, send it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement, your driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended or revoked, proof that you have met all conditions, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks to process after the department receives them.
By phone, call 601-987-1500 and ask to speak with someone in the Driver License Division about reinstatement. They can tell you exactly what documents to mail or bring in person and may be able to answer questions about whether you have met all requirements.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee for a suspended or revoked license in Mississippi ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the reason for suspension or revocation and whether it is your first reinstatement. The Department of Public Safety will tell you the exact amount when you contact them. You can pay by cash, check, or money order — credit cards are not accepted at most offices.
If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, include a check or money order made payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are requesting reinstatement in person, bring cash or a check. The fee is non-refundable, even if your reinstatement request is denied.
Wait for confirmation and receive your reinstated license
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the Department of Public Safety will review your documents to confirm you have met all conditions. This review typically takes one to two weeks. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the department needs additional information or documents, they will contact you by phone or mail. Check your mailbox regularly and answer calls from unknown numbers during this period. If your request is denied, the department will explain why and tell you what additional steps you need to take before you can request reinstatement again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your license is reinstated and you receive your new license card. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Mississippi and can result in additional fines and jail time.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1500 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some offices may allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this varies by location and reason for suspension or revocation.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license reinstated?
Not for most suspensions or revocations. You will keep your current license class and endorsements. However, if your license was revoked for a serious offense like a DUI, the Department of Public Safety may require you to pass a written test or driving test before reinstatement. They will tell you if this applies to your situation.
How long does reinstatement take if I do everything correctly?
If you submit all required documents and payment in person, reinstatement can be processed the same day, and you will receive your new license card within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail your request, allow one to two weeks for processing plus 7 to 10 days for mail delivery.
What if my license was revoked and I have already waited several years — can I still reinstate it?
Yes. Revoked licenses can be reinstated at any time as long as you meet the conditions that led to the revocation. Contact the Department of Public Safety to find out what those conditions are. Some revocations, particularly those related to multiple DUI convictions, may have additional requirements or waiting periods.