What you need to do to get your Mississippi license back

To reinstate your Mississippi driver's license, you must first contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended or revoked, then pay any required reinstatement fees and fines, and finally pass any tests the state requires before you can drive legally again. The exact steps depend on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason — and each reason has different requirements and costs.

You cannot straightforward renew your license online or by mail if it has been suspended or revoked. You must go in person to a DPS driver's license office, bring proof of identity and residence, and complete the reinstatement process before you receive a new license card.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Mississippi DPS directly by phone or in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
  • You will owe reinstatement fees (typically $100 to $250) plus any unpaid fines, traffic tickets, or child support arrears that caused the suspension.
  • Depending on the reason for suspension, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or both before your license is restored.
  • If your suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement is possible.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID when you visit the DPS office.

How to find out why your license was suspended

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a record of every suspension and the reason for it. You can call the DPS Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1500 to speak with someone who can tell you exactly why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.

You can also visit a DPS driver's license office in person and ask for a printout of your driving record. This document will show the suspension date, the reason, and any fines or fees owed. Common reasons for suspension in Mississippi include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your record.

Reinstatement fees and what else you may owe

Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the reason for your suspension. This fee is separate from any fines you owe on traffic tickets, any child support arrears, or any other court-ordered payments. You must pay all of these before the DPS will restore your license.

If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic tickets, you will need to pay the full amount of each ticket plus court costs. If it was due to failure to pay child support, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it was due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may also owe fines imposed by the court, and you cannot reinstate your license until those fines are paid in full.

Ask the DPS what payment methods they accept when you call or visit. Some offices accept cash, check, or card in person; some also accept payment by phone or online through the state's payment portal.

Tests and courses required before reinstatement

Whether you must retake a written test or vision test depends on why your license was suspended and how long it has been suspended. If your suspension was for a minor reason (such as an unpaid ticket) and it lasted less than a year, you may not need to retake any test. If it lasted longer than a year, or if the suspension was for a serious reason like a DUI, you will likely need to pass a written test and vision test before reinstatement.

If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you must also complete a driver improvement course approved by the Mississippi DPS before your license can be reinstated. These courses typically cost $50 to $150 and take one to two days to complete. The DPS can provide you with a list of approved providers in your area.

If you are unsure whether you need to retake a test, ask the DPS when you call. They will tell you exactly what is required for your situation.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

When you visit a Mississippi DPS driver's license office to complete your reinstatement, bring the following documents:

  • A valid form of government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card)
  • Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return)
  • Proof of your current residence, dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address)
  • Proof of payment of all reinstatement fees and fines (receipt or confirmation number)
  • Proof of completion of any required driver improvement course (certificate or completion letter)

If any of your documents are in a different name (for example, if you changed your name after marriage), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Where to go and how long it takes

Mississippi has DPS driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours; a few have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether you need to make an appointment, as some offices require one.

The reinstatement process at the office usually takes 30 minutes to one hour. You will be asked to verify your identity, confirm that you have paid all required fees and fines, take a vision test (and possibly a written test), and have a new photo taken for your license. Your new license card will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot reinstate your license by mail or online. Mississippi requires you to appear in person for reinstatement.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Mississippi is a criminal offense. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested, fined up to $500, and sentenced to up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense carries higher penalties. Your license suspension will also be extended, meaning you will have to wait longer before you can reinstate it.

If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to obtain a temporary driving permit from the court that suspended your license. Contact the court in the county where your suspension was ordered to ask whether a permit is available in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money on a traffic ticket?

No. You must pay the full amount of the ticket plus court costs before the DPS will reinstate your license. If you cannot pay in full, contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Once the court approves a plan and you make your first payment, you may be able to reinstate your license while you continue paying.

How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?

If you have already paid all fees and fines and completed any required courses, the office visit takes 30 minutes to one hour, and your new license card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you still need to pay fines or complete a course, add the time it takes to do those things first — which can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

What if I moved out of state after my license was suspended?

You can still reinstate your Mississippi license even if you live in another state. Call the DPS to find out what you owe, pay the fees and fines by phone or mail, and then visit a DPS office in person when you are next in Mississippi. Alternatively, some states have reciprocal agreements that allow you to transfer your reinstatement to a new state license; contact your new state's DMV to ask.

Do I have to retake the written driving test?

It depends on the reason for your suspension and how long it lasted. Call the DPS and ask — they will tell you whether a written test is required for your specific situation. If one is required, you can study the Mississippi Driver's Manual (available free on the DPS website) before your office visit.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

Contact the DPS and ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices will allow you to pay the reinstatement fee in installments. You can also contact a local legal aid organization to ask whether financial information or fee waivers are available in your county.