What you can and cannot do online in Mississippi
Mississippi allows you to reinstate your driver's license online through the Department of Public Safety website, but only for certain suspension reasons. The online reinstatement process works if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court — but not for suspensions tied to DUI convictions, medical disqualifications, or point accumulation.
Before you start, check your suspension reason. You can look this up on the Mississippi DPS website by entering your driver's license number, or call the DPS at 601-987-1500 to confirm why your license was suspended. Knowing the reason matters because attempting to reinstate online for an ineligible suspension will waste time and you'll have to visit a driver's license office in person instead.
The online system accepts payment by credit card or debit card. Once you pay any outstanding fines or fees through the website, your reinstatement is processed when ready in most cases, and you can print a temporary driving permit while your physical license is mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Online reinstatement in Mississippi works only for suspensions caused by unpaid fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear — not for DUI or medical suspensions.
- You must know your suspension reason before starting; call 601-987-1500 or check the DPS website to confirm it is may be able to access for online processing.
- The online system accepts credit or debit card payment and processes reinstatement when ready once fees are paid.
- After online reinstatement, you receive a temporary permit to print and drive while your new physical license is mailed to your address on file.
- If your suspension reason is not may be able to access for online reinstatement, you must visit a driver's license office in person with required documents and payment.
Steps to reinstate online through the Mississippi DPS website
Go to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website and locate the driver's license reinstatement section. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Enter these details and the system will pull up your suspension record, showing the reason and the total amount owed.
Review the charges carefully. The amount may include the reinstatement fee (which varies), any unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure-to-appear fees. Once you confirm the total, proceed to payment. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.
when ready after payment, the system will offer you the option to print a temporary driving permit. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your new physical license is being printed and mailed. Print it on standard white paper and carry it with your Social Security card or other ID as proof of identity.
What happens after you pay online
Your reinstatement takes effect as soon as your payment clears, which is usually within minutes for credit and debit card transactions. The Mississippi DPS will mail your new physical license to the address currently on file with the department. Standard mail delivery typically takes 7 to 14 business days, though this can vary depending on postal service delays.
If you need to update your mailing address before reinstatement, you can do so on the DPS website during the reinstatement process, or you can call 601-987-1500 to request an address change. Do this before you pay if possible, so your new license goes to the correct location.
If you do not receive your physical license within 21 days of reinstatement, contact the DPS to verify the mailing address and request a replacement card. Keep your temporary permit and confirmation number until the physical license arrives.
When you must go to a driver's license office instead
If your suspension was caused by a DUI conviction, medical disqualification, point accumulation, or a suspended commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot reinstate online. You will need to visit a Mississippi driver's license office in person with the required documents for your specific suspension type.
Similarly, if you attempt online reinstatement and the system rejects your request, it means your suspension reason is not may be able to access for online processing. In that case, stop and contact the DPS or visit a local office to find out what documents and steps you need. Trying multiple times online will not change the outcome and may delay your reinstatement.
Bring your current ID, proof of residence (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), your Social Security card, and payment for any outstanding fines or reinstatement fees. Some offices accept cash, check, or card; call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.
Fees and costs for online reinstatement
The reinstatement fee itself is set by Mississippi and does not vary based on how you reinstate. However, the total amount you owe depends on your suspension reason. If suspended for unpaid fines, you pay the original fine plus the reinstatement fee. If suspended for child support arrears, you pay what you owe in back support plus the reinstatement fee. If suspended for failure to appear, you may owe a failure-to-appear fee in addition to the reinstatement fee.
The online system will show you the exact total before you enter payment information, so you will know the full cost before your card is charged. There are no hidden fees added after payment.
If you cannot afford the full amount at once, some courts or child support enforcement offices offer payment plans. Call the court that issued your suspension or the Mississippi Department of Human Services (for child support) to ask about installment options. You may not be able to reinstate online if you are on a payment plan; the office handling your case can explain your options.
Temporary permit and waiting for your physical license
The temporary permit you print after online payment is a legal driving document in Mississippi. It shows your name, license number, and expiration date, and it is valid for 30 days. You must carry it with a photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID) when you drive. A temporary permit alone is not enough; you need both documents together.
Do not laminate the temporary permit, as some officers will not accept a laminated copy. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle in a safe place where it will not get wet or torn.
If your physical license does not arrive within 21 days, or if you lose your temporary permit before the physical license arrives, contact the DPS when ready. You can request a replacement temporary permit or check on the status of your physical license by phone at 601-987-1500.
Troubleshooting common online reinstatement problems
If the system says your license cannot be reinstated online, the most common reason is that your suspension is not may be able to access for online processing. Double-check your suspension reason by calling 601-987-1500 before trying again. Entering your information multiple times will not change whether you are may be able to access.
If your payment is declined, verify that your card details are entered correctly, that your card has not expired, and that your card issuer has not blocked the transaction. Some banks flag out-of-state government payments as suspicious; call your bank to ask them to approve the charge, then try again. If the problem persists, you can pay in person at a driver's license office instead.
If you receive a confirmation number but do not see the temporary permit option, refresh the page or log back in to the DPS website. The permit link should appear in your account. If it still does not appear after 24 hours, call the DPS to confirm your payment was processed and request a temporary permit by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license online if I was suspended for a DUI?
No. DUI suspensions are not may be able to access for online reinstatement in Mississippi. You must visit a driver's license office in person with proof of DUI education completion, a reinstatement fee, and any other documents required by the court. Call 601-987-1500 to find out what documents you need before you go.
How long does it take to get my physical license after I pay online?
The reinstatement is when ready once payment clears, but the physical license is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 14 business days. Your temporary permit is valid for 30 days, so you have time to drive while you wait. If you do not receive it within 21 days, contact the DPS.
What if I moved and my address on file is wrong?
Update your address on the DPS website during the reinstatement process if possible. If you realize the address is wrong after you have already paid, call 601-987-1500 right away and ask them to change it. They may be able to intercept your license and reroute it, or you may need to request a replacement card mailed to your new address.
Can I use my temporary permit to drive out of state?
Your temporary permit is valid in Mississippi and is recognized by law enforcement in other states as proof of a valid license. However, some states have different rules about temporary documents. If you are traveling out of state, bring your temporary permit along with a photo ID to be safe.
What if my payment went through but the system did not give me a confirmation number?
Log back into the DPS website with your license number and Social Security number. Your account should show your reinstatement status and a link to print your temporary permit. If the permit link is not there after 24 hours, call 601-987-1500 with your payment confirmation from your bank to verify the transaction was received.