What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License in Hattiesburg

To reinstate your driver's license in Hattiesburg, you must visit the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver's License Bureau office located in Forrest County, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof that you have resolved whatever caused the suspension or revocation. The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving without insurance, or other violations. You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked — you must appear in person at the Hattiesburg office.

The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau is located at 6500 U.S. Highway 45 North, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call ahead at (601) 582-2000 to confirm current hours and any changes due to holidays or staffing. Bring your current identification, proof of residence, and any documents showing that you have resolved the reason for suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau in person; reinstatement cannot be done online or by mail.
  • The reinstatement fee in Mississippi is $25.00, though you may owe additional court costs or fines depending on why your license was suspended.
  • Before you go, contact the Forrest County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to confirm what documents prove your suspension has been lifted.
  • If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you must obtain a clearance letter from the Mississippi Department of Human Services before the DMV will reinstate it.
  • Bring your Social Security number, current address, and proof of residence such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

Suspension Reasons and What You Must Prove

Mississippi suspends licenses for different reasons, and each requires different proof before reinstatement. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must pay the fine or appear in court to resolve the case. Contact the Forrest County Circuit Court Clerk at (601) 545-6000 to find out the exact amount owed and whether you can pay by phone or must appear in person. Once you pay or resolve the court case, ask the clerk for written confirmation that the suspension has been lifted — bring this document to the DMV.

If your suspension was for driving without proof of insurance, you must show the DMV proof that you now carry valid auto insurance. Bring your current insurance card or a letter from your insurance company stating that coverage is active. If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement, at (601) 359-4500 to obtain a clearance letter stating that your account is current or that you have entered a payment agreement. This letter is required before the DMV will reinstate your license.

If your suspension was for accumulating too many points on your driving record, you do not need to prove anything beyond payment of the reinstatement fee — the suspension will have expired on its own after the required waiting period. However, if you are unsure why your license was suspended, call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1500 to check your record before you travel to Hattiesburg.

Documents to Bring to the Hattiesburg Office

Bring your Social Security number (or have it memorized), your current address, and a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a current ID, bring two documents that together prove your identity and address — for example, a birth certificate and a utility bill in your name. The DMV will not accept a suspended or revoked driver's license as proof of identity.

Bring proof of residence dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. A cell phone bill or insurance statement will also work. If you have recently moved and your proof of residence is in a different name (for example, if you are newly married), bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate.

Bring whatever document proves your suspension has been lifted. This might be a court clearance letter, an insurance card, a child support clearance letter, or a letter from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety confirming that your suspension period has ended. If you are unsure what document you need, call the Hattiesburg office at (601) 582-2000 before you go — staff can tell you exactly what to bring.

The Reinstatement Fee and Payment Methods

The Mississippi reinstatement fee is $25.00. The Hattiesburg Driver's License Bureau accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you owe court fines or other costs related to the reason for your suspension, those are separate from the reinstatement fee and must be paid to the court, not to the DMV. Ask the court clerk or the DMV staff which payments go where before you arrive.

If you cannot afford the $25.00 fee, contact the Forrest County Circuit Court Clerk's office to ask whether a fee waiver or payment plan is available. Some courts will waive fees for people with very low income, though this is not may provide. The DMV itself does not offer payment plans or waivers for the reinstatement fee.

What Happens After You Pay the Reinstatement Fee

Once you pay the $25.00 reinstatement fee and provide proof that your suspension has been lifted, the DMV will issue you a new driver's license on the spot. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issuance if you are under 60 years old, or four years if you are 60 or older. You will receive your new license when ready — you do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail.

If you need a duplicate license or want to update your address or other information while you are there, you can do that at the same time. However, any changes beyond reinstatement may require additional fees or documents. Ask the staff what is included in the $25.00 reinstatement fee and what costs extra.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume your suspension has been lifted on its own. Even if the suspension period has passed, you must still visit the DMV in person and pay the reinstatement fee. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Mississippi and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time. Check your suspension status before you drive.

Do not bring only a copy of a court document or clearance letter — bring the original or a certified copy. The DMV staff will need to see the actual document, not a photocopy. If you lost the original, contact the court or the agency that issued it and ask for a certified copy.

Do not go to the Hattiesburg office without calling first to confirm hours and what documents you need. The DMV sometimes closes for training or staffing changes, and the specific documents required can vary depending on your suspension reason. A 15-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.

If You Cannot Visit Hattiesburg in Person

If you live outside Forrest County or cannot reach the Hattiesburg office, you may be able to reinstate your license at a different Mississippi Driver's License Bureau location. Mississippi has offices in most counties. However, you will still need to resolve the underlying reason for your suspension — the location does not matter. Contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1500 to find the office nearest you and confirm that it can handle reinstatement for your specific suspension reason.

Some suspensions, particularly those related to child support or court cases, may require you to appear in the county where the case was filed. If your suspension was issued in Forrest County but you now live elsewhere, call the Forrest County Circuit Court Clerk before you travel to another office to make sure you can resolve it there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV office if my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in arrest, additional fines, and criminal charges. Arrange a ride with someone else or use a taxi or rideshare service. If you are stopped by police while driving to the DMV, you will be cited.

How long does reinstatement take once I arrive at the office?

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents. You will receive your new license the same day. If documents are missing or unclear, the staff may ask you to return with additional proof, which could delay reinstatement by several days.

Do I have to pay court fines before the DMV will reinstate my license?

Yes, if your suspension was for unpaid fines or failure to appear in court. You must resolve the court case first, then pay the $25.00 reinstatement fee to the DMV. The court and the DMV are separate — paying one does not pay the other.

What if I was suspended for multiple reasons?

You must resolve all reasons before reinstatement. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid fines and unpaid child support, you must pay the fines and obtain a child support clearance letter before the DMV will reinstate your license. Call the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1500 to find out all reasons for your suspension.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DMV office to reinstate your license. Mississippi requires the person whose license is being reinstated to sign documents and verify their identity in front of DMV staff.