What you need to do to get your Mississippi license back

To reinstate a suspended license in Mississippi, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps tied to that reason. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) handles reinstatement, and the process differs depending on whether your suspension came from unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another cause. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out with a reinstated license — you have to resolve the underlying issue first.

The most common reason for suspension in Mississippi is unpaid traffic citations. If that is your situation, you pay the outstanding fine plus a reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions, though this can vary). For DUI-related suspensions, you must complete a substance abuse program and pay reinstatement fees. For child support arrears, the state will not reinstate until the Department of Human Services confirms you are current or have a payment plan in place.

Once you have resolved the cause, you submit proof to MDPS, pay the reinstatement fee, and your license becomes active again — usually within a few business days if you submit in person at a driver's license office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must identify the reason for suspension before you can reinstate, because each reason has different requirements.
  • Unpaid traffic fines require payment of the fine plus a $100 reinstatement fee to MDPS.
  • DUI suspensions require completion of a substance abuse program and payment of reinstatement fees before you can drive again.
  • Child support arrears must be resolved through the Department of Human Services before MDPS will reinstate your license.
  • You can reinstate in person at any Mississippi driver's license office or by mail, and reinstatement usually takes a few business days.

Finding out why your license was suspended

Mississippi sends a suspension notice by mail to the address on file with your driver's license. If you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can check your suspension status directly with MDPS. Call the Driver License Division at 601-987-1212, or visit any driver's license office in person with your ID. They will tell you the exact reason and what you need to do to clear it.

Write down the reason code and the date the suspension took effect — you will need both when you explore for reinstatement. If the suspension is recent and you are unsure of the details, ask the MDPS staff member to explain what documents or payments you need before you leave.

Reinstatement for unpaid traffic fines

If your license was suspended because of an unpaid traffic citation, you must pay the fine to the court that issued the ticket. The reinstatement fee ($100) goes to MDPS, not to the court. You need both payments — one to the court, one to the state — before your license will be reinstated.

To find which court issued your ticket, check your suspension notice or call MDPS and ask. Once you know the court, contact them directly to pay the fine. Many Mississippi courts accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. After you pay the court, bring proof of payment (a receipt or confirmation number) to a driver's license office, along with the $100 reinstatement fee. If you pay by mail, send both the court receipt and the reinstatement fee to MDPS Driver License Division, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205.

Reinstatement after a DUI suspension

A DUI suspension in Mississippi typically lasts 90 days for a first offense, but you cannot reinstate until you have completed a substance abuse program. The state requires this program before your license will be returned, even if the suspension period has ended. You must also pay reinstatement fees to MDPS.

To find an approved substance abuse program, contact MDPS or ask your DUI attorney — they often have a list of programs that meet state requirements. Once you complete the program, the provider will send proof of completion to MDPS. You then pay the reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150 for DUI-related suspensions, depending on the offense) and submit your proof of program completion. Reinstatement is usually granted within a few business days of MDPS receiving both documents.

Reinstatement for child support arrears

If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, MDPS will not reinstate until the Mississippi Department of Human Services confirms you are either current on payments or have a court-approved payment plan in place. You cannot pay a fee to MDPS and bypass this requirement — the suspension will remain until child support is addressed.

Contact the Department of Human Services Child Support Enforcement office at 1-800-434-5437 or visit your local office. Explain your situation and ask what it will take to get current or set up a payment plan. Once you have an agreement in writing, bring that document to a driver's license office along with the reinstatement fee. MDPS will verify the arrangement with the Department of Human Services before reinstating your license.

Where and how to submit your reinstatement request

You can reinstate your license in person at any Mississippi driver's license office or by mail. In-person reinstatement is faster — usually completed the same day if all documents are in order. To find the office nearest you, visit the MDPS website or call 601-987-1212.

Bring your current ID (passport, military ID, or another government-issued document), proof that you have resolved the cause of suspension (court receipt, program completion letter, child support agreement, etc.), and payment for the reinstatement fee. Most offices accept cash, check, or card. If you reinstate by mail, send copies of all documents (not originals) plus a check or money order for the reinstatement fee to MDPS Driver License Division, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

What happens after you submit for reinstatement

Once MDPS receives your reinstatement request and verifies that you have resolved the cause of suspension, your license status changes from suspended to active in their system. If you reinstated in person, you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your new license is printed. If you reinstated by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

You can drive legally once MDPS confirms reinstatement — you do not have to wait for a new physical license card to arrive. If you need to confirm your status before the new card arrives, call MDPS or check online if that service is available through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until MDPS officially reinstates it. If you reinstate in person and receive a temporary permit, you can drive with that permit. If you reinstate by mail, you must wait for MDPS to process your request before you drive legally.

What if I cannot pay the full fine or reinstatement fee right now?

Contact the court that issued the ticket (for fines) or MDPS (for reinstatement fees) and ask about payment plans. Many courts and the state offer installment options. You may also be able to request a hearing to dispute the fine or suspension if you believe it was issued in error.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process you can handle yourself. However, if your suspension was due to a DUI or criminal charge, a lawyer can help you understand your options and may be able to negotiate with the court on your behalf.

How long does reinstatement take if I do it in person?

If all your documents are in order and you have paid all required fees, reinstatement can be completed the same day you visit a driver's license office. If documents are missing or incomplete, staff will tell you what else you need before you leave.

What if my suspension was for a reason I do not understand?

Call MDPS at 601-987-1212 and ask them to explain the reason code on your suspension notice. They can also tell you exactly what steps you need to take to reinstate. If you believe the suspension was a mistake, ask about the process to request a hearing or appeal.