Having your Mississippi driver’s license suspended is stressful, but the path to reinstatement is usually clear. The single most important thing to know is that your steps for reinstatement depend entirely on WHY your license was suspended.
The process for an unpaid ticket is completely different from a DUI. This guide will walk you through the correct steps for your specific situation.
How To Check My License Status In Mississippi
Before you can fix the problem, you must know the exact reason for your suspension and what fees you owe.
- Go to the official DPS Driver Service Bureau website:
driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov - On the main page, click “Check Driver’s License Status.”
- This is a FREE check that will tell you if your license is “VALID” or “SUSPENDED.”
- If suspended, it will show you a list of your reinstatement requirements (e.g., “Failure to Pay,” “DUI,” etc.) and the fees you owe to the DPS.
(Note: This free status check is different from an official Driving Record, which costs $11 and lists your driving history.)
How to Reinstate Your License (Based on Your Suspension)
Find your situation below. Do not complete steps for other suspensions.
Case 1: Suspension for Unpaid Tickets (FTA / FTP)
This is the most common suspension. It means you “Failed to Appear” for court or “Failed to Pay” a fine.
- Contact the Court First: You must first contact the Justice Court in the county where you got the ticket. (This is not the DPS).
- Pay Your Court Fines: Pay the full amount of the original ticket, plus any new court fees or fines.
- Get Court Clearance: Once you pay, the court will electronically send “clearance” to the DPS. This can take 24-48 hours.
- Pay the DPS Reinstatement Fee: After the court has cleared you, log in to the MyDMV portal (see Section 3) or visit a DPS office to pay your $100 reinstatement fee.
Case 2: Suspension for a DUI or Drug Offense
This is the most complex reinstatement and requires you to submit documents.
- Serve Your Suspension Period: You must wait for your mandatory suspension period (e.g., 90 days, 1 year) to end.
- Enroll in MASEP: You must enroll in and complete the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP).You will receive a certificate of completion.
- Get an SR-22: You must contact an insurance company and purchase SR-22 insurance. This is a “Certificate of Financial Responsibility” that the insurance company files for you, and it is typically required for three years. For a full explanation of what this is and how to get it, see our complete guide to SR-22 insurance.
- Pay All Court Fines: You must pay all fines and fees associated with your DUI conviction in court.
- Pay the DPS Reinstatement Fee: Once all steps above are done, you must pay the $175 reinstatement fee to the DPS. This may require an in-person visit to a DPS station to present your MASEP certificate.
Case 3: Suspension for No Insurance
This happens if you were caught driving without insurance or let your policy lapse.
- Get Valid MS Auto Insurance: Purchase a new, valid auto insurance policy.
- Pay the DPS Reinstatement Fee: Log in to the MyDMV portal (see Section 3) or visit a DPS office to pay your $100 reinstatement fee.
Case 4: Suspension for Child Support
Your license will be suspended at the request of the Department of Human Services (DHS).
- Contact DHS: You must first contact the DHS and make arrangements to pay or settle your child support.
- Get Agency Clearance: The DHS will send a “clearance” to the DPS once you have complied.
- Pay the DPS Reinstatement Fee: Once cleared, log in to the MyDMV portal or visit a DPS office to pay your $25 reinstatement fee.
How to Pay Your Reinstatement Fee (The “Online” Part)
The “online reinstatement” in Mississippi refers to paying your reinstatement fee. You can only do this after all other requirements (like court clearance or SR-22) are met.
- Visit the official MS DPS Driver Service Bureau portal: [https://driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/]
- You will need your Driver’s License Number, Date of Birth, and the last 5 of your SSN.
- Follow the prompts to “Pay Reinstatement Fees.”
- The system will show you the fees you owe (see the table below).
- Pay the fee with a valid credit/debit card. Your license should become valid within 24 hours.
Mississippi Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee Details
This table shows the fee you must pay to the DPS, not including your separate court fines or insurance costs.
| Reinstatement Type | DPS Fee |
| Unpaid Ticket (FTA/FTP) | $100.00 |
| No Insurance Suspension | $100.00 |
| DUI / Drug Offense | $175.00 |
| Child Support | $25.00 |
| Judgement Reinstatement | $100.00 |
| CDL Medical Downgrade | $100.00 |
Note: Payment for a CDL Medical Downgrade can only be made at a CDL driver’s license station.
Who Do I Call for Help?
For questions about your specific suspension, you can call the DPS Driver Service Bureau at (601) 987-1224. When you call, press 1 to be directed to the reinstatement office.
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