What you need to do to get your Mississippi license back
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Mississippi, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains your suspension record and will not reinstate your license until you've satisfied the underlying cause — whether that's paying a fine, completing a course, or filing an SR22 form with your insurance company.
The reinstatement process itself is straightforward once you know what caused the suspension: you gather the required documents, submit them to DPS, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), and wait for DPS to process your request. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks if you submit everything correctly by mail or in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason for your suspension before you can take any other step.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions: unpaid traffic fines require payment, DUI suspensions require an SR22 form from your insurance company, and administrative suspensions may require a hearing request.
- The $100 reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or insurance requirements tied to your suspension cause.
- You can submit your reinstatement request by mail to DPS or in person at a Driver Services office, and processing usually takes one to two weeks.
Common reasons for suspension in Mississippi and what each requires
Mississippi suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines requires you to pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. A suspension for DUI (driving under the influence) requires you to file an SR22 form — a certificate of financial responsibility — with your insurance company, which then files it with DPS on your behalf. A suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record (12 points in three years) requires you to wait out a mandatory suspension period, which is typically 30 days for a first offense.
Administrative suspensions — those issued without a court conviction, often for refusing a breath test or failing to appear in court — may allow you to request a hearing before DPS. If you believe the suspension was issued in error or want to contest it, you can request a hearing within 10 days of the suspension notice. If you do not request a hearing, the suspension stands and you must complete the reinstatement steps.
Child support arrears, license suspension for non-payment of court-ordered support, requires you to contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services to arrange a payment plan or bring your account current. Once the arrears are resolved, DHS notifies DPS and your license can be reinstated.
How to contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Services Bureau handles all license reinstatement requests. You can reach them by phone at (601) 987-1500 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) to ask why your license was suspended and what documents you need to submit. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
You can also visit a Driver Services office in person. Mississippi has Driver Services offices in Jackson, Gulfport, Tupelo, and Hattiesburg, plus satellite offices in several other cities. The DPS website lists all office locations and hours. Visiting in person can be faster if you have all your documents ready, because staff can review them when ready and tell you if anything is missing.
Documents and fees required for reinstatement
Every reinstatement requires the $100 reinstatement fee, which you can pay by check, money order, or cash. Beyond that, the documents you need depend on your suspension reason. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, bring proof of payment (a receipt from the court or a cancelled check). If it was for DUI, bring the SR22 form filed by your insurance company — your insurer will give you a copy for your records. If it was for points accumulation, you typically need only the fee and proof that the mandatory suspension period has passed.
For child support arrears, bring documentation from the Mississippi Department of Human Services showing that your account is current or that you have an approved payment plan in place. For administrative suspensions, if you are requesting a hearing, submit a written request within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice; DPS will schedule a hearing date and notify you by mail.
Submit your reinstatement request and all documents by mail to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Services Bureau, P.O. Box 958, Jackson, MS 39205, or deliver them in person to any Driver Services office. Include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, the reason for suspension, and what documents you are enclosing.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
Once DPS receives your reinstatement request and fee, they review your documents to confirm you have satisfied the suspension requirement. If everything is in order, they process the reinstatement and mail you a new license or a reinstatement notice within one to two weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, DPS will contact you by mail or phone to ask for what you need.
Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Mississippi and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are unsure whether your reinstatement has been processed, call DPS at (601) 987-1500 to check the status of your request.
SR22 insurance and DUI reinstatement
If your suspension was for DUI or refusal to submit to a breath test, Mississippi law requires you to file an SR22 form before your license can be reinstated. An SR22 is not insurance itself — it is a certificate your insurance company files with DPS to prove you carry the minimum liability coverage required by state law. You must obtain this form from your insurance company, and they will file it directly with DPS on your behalf.
You will need to carry an SR22 for three years from the date of your DUI conviction or refusal. During that time, if your insurance lapses or you cancel your policy, your license will be suspended again automatically. Your insurance company will notify DPS if your coverage ends. Once the three-year period ends, you can drop the SR22 and return to standard insurance, though you will still pay higher premiums as a high-risk driver for several years after that.
Reinstatement by mail versus in person
You can reinstate your license entirely by mail if you prefer not to visit a Driver Services office. Mail your reinstatement request, the $100 fee, and all required documents to the address above. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, phone number, and a brief description of what you are submitting. DPS will process your request and mail your new license or reinstatement notice to the address on file.
Reinstatement in person is faster if you have all your documents ready. You can walk into any Driver Services office, submit your request and fee, and staff will review your paperwork on the spot. If anything is missing, they can tell you when ready, and you can often provide it the same day. In-person reinstatement typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if your file is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DPS office to submit my reinstatement request if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi, even to conduct business related to your suspension. Arrange a ride with someone else, use a taxi or rideshare service, or submit your reinstatement request by mail instead.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1500 and provide your driver's license number or Social Security number. DPS will tell you the reason and what you need to do to reinstate. This call is free and usually takes just a few minutes.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything by mail?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your request. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for three to four weeks total from when you mail your documents to when you receive your new license or reinstatement notice.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I was suspended by mistake?
If you request a hearing and win, the suspension is dismissed and you do not owe the reinstatement fee. If you do not request a hearing or if your hearing is denied, you must pay the fee to reinstate. Request a hearing within 10 days of receiving your suspension notice if you believe it was issued in error.
What if my suspension was for points and the mandatory waiting period has passed?
Submit the $100 reinstatement fee and a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the date your suspension began. DPS will verify that the waiting period has ended and process your reinstatement. You do not need additional documents for a points suspension reinstatement.