What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Mississippi
To reinstate a suspended or revoked Mississippi driver's license, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Bureau, pay any reinstatement fees, resolve the reason for suspension or revocation, and pass any required tests. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support.
Mississippi does not allow online reinstatement for most suspension types. You must visit a Driver License Bureau office in person, bring required documents, and complete the process there. Some suspensions require you to show proof that the underlying issue has been resolved before the bureau will reinstate you.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Mississippi Driver License Bureau office in person with your current ID and proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved.
- Reinstatement fees range from $20 to $100 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay these fees before your license is reinstated.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or child support, you must show proof of payment or a payment plan before reinstatement.
- DUI-related suspensions require you to complete a substance abuse program and may require an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
- Medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance form stating you are safe to drive before the bureau will reinstate your license.
Suspension Reasons and What You Must Resolve First
Mississippi suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires different proof before reinstatement. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, DUI or DWI conviction, failure to pay child support, medical conditions, and failure to maintain insurance.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the fines in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket. Bring proof of payment or a letter from the court showing your payment plan. If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, you must show proof of current auto insurance coverage. If it was for child support arrears, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services or the court handling your case and show proof that you have paid the arrears or entered a payment agreement.
For DUI or DWI suspensions, the requirements are more complex. You must complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment program, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. For medical suspensions, you must obtain a medical clearance form from your doctor stating that you are medically safe to drive. Bring this form with you when you visit the bureau.
Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process
Start by calling the Mississippi Driver License Bureau at the office nearest you to confirm what documents you need and what fees explore to your specific suspension. You can find office locations and phone numbers on the Mississippi DPS website. Ask the staff member whether your suspension can be lifted when ready or whether you need to wait for approval after submitting documents.
Gather the documents required for your suspension type. You will always need your current ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of residence (utility bill or lease dated within 30 days), and proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved. If you are unsure what counts as proof, ask the bureau staff when you call.
Visit the Driver License Bureau office in person during business hours. Bring all required documents and payment for the reinstatement fee. The fee is typically $20 for a suspension and up to $100 for a revocation, but the exact amount depends on the reason. Pay by cash, check, or debit card — accepted payment methods vary by office, so call ahead to confirm.
The bureau staff will review your documents and process your reinstatement on the spot if everything is in order. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents You Must Bring to the Bureau
| Suspension Reason | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines | Proof of payment or court letter showing payment plan; current ID; proof of residence |
| DUI/DWI conviction | Substance abuse assessment completion letter; ignition interlock device proof (if required); current ID; proof of residence |
| Child support arrears | Proof of payment or payment agreement from DHHS or court; current ID; proof of residence |
| Medical suspension | Doctor's medical clearance form; current ID; proof of residence |
| Failure to maintain insurance | Current auto insurance declaration page; current ID; proof of residence |
Reinstatement Fees and Payment
Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that varies based on the reason for suspension. A standard suspension reinstatement fee is $20. A revocation reinstatement fee is typically $100. Some suspensions carry additional fees — for example, if your license was suspended for failure to maintain insurance, you may owe a $100 fee in addition to proof of current coverage.
Call your local Driver License Bureau office before you visit to confirm the exact fee for your suspension type. Fees can change, and some offices may charge slightly different amounts. Payment is due at the time of reinstatement and must be made in person at the bureau office.
DUI and Medical Suspensions: Special Requirements
If your license was suspended because of a DUI or DWI conviction, you cannot straightforward pay a fee and walk out. Mississippi requires you to complete a substance abuse assessment through an approved provider. The assessment determines whether you need treatment, and you must complete any recommended program before the bureau will reinstate your license.
Additionally, a DUI suspension may require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The length of time you must use the device depends on your conviction history and the court's order. Bring proof that the device has been installed when you visit the bureau.
For medical suspensions, your doctor must complete a specific form stating that you are medically safe to operate a motor vehicle. This form is available from the Mississippi Driver License Bureau. Your doctor must sign and date it, and you must bring the original (not a copy) to the bureau office. If your medical condition has not improved, the bureau will not reinstate your license.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Is Denied
If the bureau denies your reinstatement request, they will provide a written explanation of why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines or child support still outstanding, failure to complete a required program, or a medical condition that has not been cleared by a doctor.
If you believe the denial was made in error, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer. Contact the Driver License Bureau to request a hearing within 10 days of the denial. You will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue your case. The hearing officer's decision is final unless you pursue further legal action through the Mississippi courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary permit while waiting for my permanent license?
Yes. If your reinstatement is approved, the bureau will issue a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days. You can drive legally during this time. Your permanent license will be mailed to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the bureau.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Mississippi does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts allow payment plans for traffic fines that led to suspension. Contact the court that issued your ticket to ask about a payment plan. For child support arrears, contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services to discuss payment options. The bureau itself does not offer fee waivers or payment plans.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get reinstated?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your license was suspended for medical reasons, the bureau may require you to pass a vision test or written test to confirm you understand current traffic laws. Ask the bureau when you call to confirm whether testing is required for your suspension type.
How long does reinstatement take?
If all your documents are in order and you pay the fee, reinstatement is usually completed the same day you visit the bureau. You will receive a temporary permit when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If documents are missing or incomplete, the bureau will tell you what is needed and how long approval will take.
What if my suspension was for unpaid child support but I cannot locate the court handling my case?
Contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Children's Services. They maintain records of all child support cases and can tell you the current status of your case and what you owe. They can also provide a letter showing that you have paid arrears or entered a payment plan, which you can bring to the Driver License Bureau.