What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Suspended License in Mississippi

To reinstate a suspended license in Mississippi, you must first find out why your license was suspended, because the reinstatement process depends entirely on the reason. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your suspension record, and you cannot move forward without knowing whether it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or another cause. Each reason has different requirements, different fees, and different timelines.

Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a DUI program, provide proof of child support payment, or submit medical clearance — before the DPS will consider your reinstatement request. After that is done, you submit a reinstatement process to the DPS, pay the reinstatement fee, and wait for approval. The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your process, but only if all your documents are complete and correct the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety directly to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because reinstatement requirements vary by suspension type.
  • You must resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a required program, or provide proof of compliance — before you can request reinstatement.
  • The reinstatement fee in Mississippi is $100 for most suspension types, but some suspensions require additional fees or proof of insurance.
  • You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through the Mississippi DPS website if your suspension type allows it.
  • Reinstatement approval typically takes two to four weeks; during that time your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Your first step is to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver License Bureau directly. Call them at 601-987-1500 or visit a local DPS office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff will tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to resolve it.

Common suspension reasons in Mississippi include: unpaid traffic fines or court costs; DUI or DWI conviction; failure to pay child support; failure to maintain auto insurance; medical suspension (vision or health issues); failure to appear in court; accumulation of points on your driving record; and suspension ordered by another state. Each one has a different path to reinstatement. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, for example, you need to pay those fines. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and provide proof of insurance. If you were suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you need proof of current coverage.

Resolving the Reason for Suspension Before You explore

You cannot request reinstatement until the underlying issue is resolved. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the fine and pay it in full. Ask for a receipt or written confirmation of payment — you will need this when you explore for reinstatement. If the fine was issued by a municipal court, contact that court directly. If it was a state traffic violation, contact the district court in the county where the violation occurred.

If your suspension was for a DUI or DWI conviction, you must complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) before reinstatement is possible. This is a state-mandated educational program, and you must enroll through an approved provider. The program typically takes several weeks to complete. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit with your reinstatement request. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of current auto insurance with a minimum liability limit of 15/30/25 (15,000 bodily injury per person, 30,000 per accident, 25,000 property damage).

If your suspension was for failure to pay child support, contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services or the court that issued the order. Obtain written proof that your child support obligation is current or that you have made an approved payment arrangement. If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, obtain a current proof of insurance document from your insurance company showing coverage that meets Mississippi's minimum requirements.

Gathering Your Reinstatement Documents

Before you submit your reinstatement request, collect all required documents. Every reinstatement requires: a completed reinstatement process form (available from the DPS website or at any DPS office); proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension (receipt of paid fines, SATOP certificate, proof of child support payment, proof of insurance, or medical clearance, depending on your suspension type); your current driver's license or state ID; and proof of Mississippi residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If your suspension was for a DUI, you will also need proof of current auto insurance and proof of completion of the SATOP program. If your suspension was medical-related, you will need a letter from your physician stating that you are medically fit to drive, or documentation that you have met the specific medical requirements the DPS outlined. If you were suspended for accumulating too many points, you may need to take a defensive driving course — the DPS will tell you this when you call. Keep copies of everything you submit; do not send originals unless the DPS specifically requests them.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request

You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: by mail, in person at a DPS office, or online through the Mississippi DPS website. The online option is available only for certain suspension types, so confirm with the DPS that your suspension type can be handled online before you attempt it.

If you submit by mail, send your completed process form, all required documents, and the $100 reinstatement fee (check or money order made payable to "Mississippi Department of Public Safety") to: Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a cover letter listing all documents you are enclosing. Mail takes longer than in-person submission, so allow extra time.

If you submit in person, visit any DPS office with your process, documents, and payment. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit/credit card at most offices. Bring a photo ID. Processing is faster in person, and staff can tell you when ready if any documents are missing or incorrect. If you submit online, follow the instructions on the DPS website carefully; incomplete online submissions are rejected and you will have to resubmit.

Reinstatement Fees and Payment

The standard reinstatement fee in Mississippi is $100. This fee applies to most suspension types. However, if your suspension was for a DUI, you may owe additional fees: a $250 DUI reinstatement surcharge in addition to the $100 base fee, for a total of $350. Some suspensions also require proof of insurance, which itself is not a fee but a requirement you must meet before reinstatement is approved.

Payment must be made at the time you submit your reinstatement request. The DPS does not accept partial payments or payment plans for reinstatement fees. If you are submitting by mail, send a check or money order. If you are submitting in person, you can pay cash, check, money order, or card. If you are submitting online, you will enter payment information as part of the process. Keep your payment receipt; it serves as proof that you submitted your request.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

After the DPS receives your reinstatement request, they will review your documents to confirm that you have resolved the reason for suspension and that all required paperwork is complete. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive. If any documents are missing or incorrect, the DPS will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to submit the missing information. This delays approval, so make sure everything is complete before you submit.

Once your request is approved, the DPS will mail you a notice of reinstatement and a new driver's license (if your current license has expired or been damaged). Your license is reinstated on the date the DPS approves your request, not on the date you receive the physical license in the mail. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from a DPS office. Some suspensions require you to pass a written or road test before reinstatement; the DPS will tell you this in advance if it applies to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DPS approves your reinstatement request. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Mississippi and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact the DPS about a temporary driving permit, though these are granted only in limited circumstances.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

The DPS does not waive or reduce reinstatement fees, and they do not offer payment plans. If you cannot pay the full fee at the time you submit your request, your reinstatement will not be processed. Contact the DPS to ask whether any fee information programs exist in your county, though these are rare. Some legal aid organizations may help; contact your local legal aid office.

How long does reinstatement take if I submit in person versus by mail?

In-person submission is typically faster because staff can review your documents when ready and tell you if anything is missing. In-person reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks. Mail submission takes longer because documents must be received, sorted, and reviewed, and the DPS must mail you a response. Mail submission typically takes three to four weeks or longer.

Do I need a new physical license after reinstatement, or can I use my old one?

If your current license is still valid and has not expired, you can use it after reinstatement. The DPS will send you written confirmation of reinstatement. However, if your license has expired or been damaged, the DPS will issue a new one as part of the reinstatement process. You will receive the new license in the mail within one to two weeks of approval.

What if my suspension was ordered by another state?

If another state suspended your license and you now live in Mississippi, you must resolve the suspension in that state first. Contact the DPS in the state that issued the suspension and follow their reinstatement process. Once that state lifts the suspension, contact the Mississippi DPS and they will remove the reciprocal suspension from your record. This can take several weeks because it involves coordination between states.