How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a Mississippi DWI Conviction

 

If you are facing a DUI conviction, it is likely that your driver’s license will also be suspended for a period of time. You may be wondering how you get your driver’s license reinstated when that time has passed. Every case is slightly different but there are some basic steps that you can take. If you have additional questions, it can be valuable to talk to a qualified Mississippi DUI lawyer.

 

Be aware that if you are convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, you will receive additional penalties that will be added to the ones already imposed, meaning that your suspension time will be even longer.

 

Steps to Getting Your Mississippi Driver’s License Reinstated

 

First, you must pay the fines in the county where you committed the offense. Then you must pay a license reinstatement fee. You can pay online via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. To find out how much you owe, call 601-987-1224 or 601-987-1231. Then the Department of Public Safety will confirm that your record is cleared, which may take a few weeks. In order to speed the process, you can mail a copy of your court abstract to:

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Attn: Driver Records
1900 East Woodrow Wilson
Jackson, MS 39216
 

Once it has been confirmed, your license will be reinstated. You will receive a letter of clearance for your driver’s license. Do not drive until you have received this letter. As a condition of reinstatement, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle.

 

Hardship Driver’s License

 

In some cases, you may be eligible for a hardship license before your suspension period is over. There’s a $150 filing fee. In order to qualify, you must require your driver’s license in order to continue your employment, continue your education, or to get medical care, such as dialysis or physical therapy. You must prove that not having a driver’s license will be a hardship for one of these three circumstances. In order to prove hardship, it can be beneficial to have a Minnesota DUI lawyer work with you.

 

Check Your Driving Record

 

In some cases, it can be useful to check your driving record. If you would like to do this, you must provide your driver’s license number on the online form and a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) to pay the convenience fee. To get a certified copy, you must contact the Department of Public Safety.

 

Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

 

As a first-time offender, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device on your car for a month or more. As a second or subsequent offender, the court must require the ignition interlock. It is also required for hardship driving privileges for subsequent offenders.

 

So what does that mean for you? You will have to pay to have the device installed on your car as well as the regular maintenance that is required. The device works by asking you to pass a breath test before the engine will start. Then as you drive, it will ask you to pass what are called “rolling” breath tests. If you fail one of these, an alarm will sound until you pull over and turn off the car. Any failed tests as well as any attempts to tamper with or remove the device will result in additional penalties and can affect your ability to get your driver’s license reinstated later.

 

More Information about Getting Your Driver’s License Back

 

If you still have questions about the process, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1224 or use their contact form online.