What You Need to Do to Get Your Mississippi License Back

To reinstate your Mississippi driver's license, you must contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Bureau, pay any reinstatement fees owed, and meet the specific requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked. The process and cost depend on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason. Most people can complete the reinstatement by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, but some suspensions require you to take additional steps like completing a defensive driving course or installing an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is even possible.

The reinstatement process typically takes between one day (if you go in person) and four weeks (if you mail your request). You will need your driver's license number, proof of payment for all fines and fees, and documentation of any completed programs. Once approved, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long your license was suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Mississippi DPS Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1212 or visit in person to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
  • You will owe a reinstatement fee (typically between $100 and $150) plus any unpaid fines or court costs that triggered the suspension.
  • Some suspensions require you to complete a course, install a device, or wait a set period before you can reinstate, so confirm your may be able to access before paying fees.
  • Once you have met all requirements and paid all fees, you can reinstate online, by mail, or in person depending on your suspension type.
  • Your reinstatement may require you to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long your license was suspended.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. The Mississippi DPS maintains your driving record and the reason for suspension. Call the Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1212 or visit a DPS office in person to request this information. You can also check your record online through the Mississippi DPS website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth.

Common reasons for suspension in Mississippi include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of too many points on your driving record, a DUI or DWI conviction, driving without insurance, failure to pay child support, or a medical suspension. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements and fees. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires you to pay those fines, but a DUI suspension may require you to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. Knowing the reason is essential because it determines what you must do next and how much you will pay.

Pay Your Reinstatement Fee and Any Outstanding Fines

Mississippi charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the type of suspension. A standard reinstatement fee is typically between $100 and $150, but the exact amount depends on your suspension category. You will also owe any unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or other fees that led to the suspension in the first place. The DPS will not process your reinstatement until all fees and fines are paid in full.

You can pay by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. If you are paying by mail, send a check or money order along with your reinstatement request to the address provided by the Driver License Bureau. If you pay online, you will need your driver's license number and the amount owed. Payment by credit or debit card is usually available online and at DPS offices, though a processing fee may explore. Ask the DPS about payment plan options if you cannot pay everything at once.

Complete Required Programs or Wait Periods

Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to complete a course or wait a certain amount of time before you can reinstate. A DUI suspension, for example, typically requires you to complete an alcohol and drug education program approved by the Mississippi DPS. You must provide proof of completion to the DPS before reinstatement. Some DUI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period — usually six months to one year — and you must provide proof of installation and monitoring.

A suspension for accumulating too many points may require you to wait a set period (often 30 to 90 days) before you can reinstate. A medical suspension may require you to provide a doctor's clearance or pass a medical examination. A suspension for driving without insurance may require you to show proof of current coverage. Contact the DPS to confirm what is required for your specific suspension type and whether you have already met those requirements or still need to complete them before paying any fees.

Submit Your Reinstatement Request

Once you have paid all fees and fines and completed any required programs or wait periods, you can submit your reinstatement request. In Mississippi, you can reinstate your license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. By mail, send your reinstatement request form (available from the DPS website or by calling the Driver License Bureau) along with proof of payment and proof of program completion if required. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned.

Online reinstatement is available for some suspension types through the Mississippi DPS website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment information. In-person reinstatement at a DPS office is the fastest option — you can walk in, pay your fees, show proof of completion if needed, and receive confirmation on the spot. DPS offices are located in most county seats and larger cities across Mississippi. Check the DPS website for office locations and hours near you.

Pass Any Required Tests or Exams

Depending on how long your license was suspended, you may need to pass a vision test or written exam before your reinstatement is final. If your license was suspended for more than one year, you will likely need to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening. If your suspension was shorter, you may only need the vision test. Some suspensions do not require any test at all — the DPS will tell you what applies to your case.

If you need to take a written exam, you can schedule it at any DPS office. Study materials are available on the Mississippi DPS website and cover the same topics as the original driver's license test. The vision test is quick and can usually be done at the same office visit where you submit your reinstatement request. Once you pass any required tests, your license will be reinstated and you can pick it up or have it mailed to you.

Reinstatement Timeline and What to Expect

The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how you submit your request. In-person reinstatement at a DPS office is usually completed the same day, though you may need to wait for test results if you are taking a written exam. Mail-in reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks from the date the DPS receives your request. Online reinstatement, when available, is usually processed within one to three business days.

Once your reinstatement is approved, you will receive your license by mail or can pick it up in person at a DPS office. Your new license will have a new expiration date. If you reinstated online or by mail, you may receive a temporary driving permit that allows you to drive while you wait for your physical license to arrive. Keep this temporary permit with you while driving until your permanent license arrives. Driving with a suspended license before reinstatement is complete is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

Not usually. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Mississippi and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. However, if you reinstate online or by mail, you may receive a temporary driving permit that allows you to drive during the processing period. Ask the DPS whether a temporary permit is available for your suspension type.

What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?

Contact the Mississippi DPS or the court that issued the fines to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. You may be able to reinstate your license once you have paid a portion of the fines and set up a plan to pay the rest, though this varies by case. Call the Driver License Bureau at 601-987-1212 to discuss your options.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself by contacting the DPS and following their requirements. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case (such as a DUI) or if you are having trouble understanding what is required, speaking with a lawyer may help clarify your options.

What if my license was suspended for a medical reason?

A medical suspension requires you to provide proof that the medical condition has been resolved or managed. This usually means a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. Submit this letter to the DPS along with your reinstatement request and payment. The DPS may also require you to pass a vision test or medical examination before reinstatement.

Can I reinstate my license if I still owe child support?

No. If your license was suspended for failure to pay child support, you must bring your child support account current before the DPS will reinstate your license. Contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services or your local child support enforcement office to find out what you owe and set up a payment plan if needed.