Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
No, Mississippi only allows drivers to get a copy of their certified driving record online or in person. If you are requesting your driving record in person, be ready to do the following:

An online request will require you to enter a credit card number to complete the transaction. A Mastercard, Discover, American Express or Visa is accepted.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
The state of Mississippi may allow eligible drivers to attend traffic school to have their ticket dismissed. If you are considered qualified, either the court or MS Department of Public Safety will notify you. You will need to complete the class in the allotted time given to you and submit payment to attend. For more information, contact the MS Department of Public Safety or the county clerk s office that has your ticket details.

For more information: Traffic/Driving Schools in Mississippi

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
Depending on what county issued your citation, you may have the option to pay traffic ticketsin any of the methods listed below:
  • Online
  • In Person
  • By Mail

For further instructions, review the information on your ticket to find out about the options available to you. Counties such as Pike and Gulfport may allow you to pay traffic tickets online. Payment for online transactions must be made with a credit card or debit card.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you have reason to suspect that an unauthorized individual has accessed your MS drivers record, then it is imperative that you contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at your earliest convenience. For driver record related information, contact Wendell Wright at 601-987-1231 or email: wwright@dps.ms.gov. You can also visit a nearby Department of Public Safety branch to speak to a customer service agent. Make sure to bring any documents or information you have with you, along with your MS drivers license.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
In Mississippi, a driver can request a copy of their driving record in person at the DMV, by mail or online. If the request is completed online, you will need to have a credit card available, along with your MS drivers license number, which the DPS website will ask you to enter Your transaction will also come with a convenience fee.

You can send your request by mail when filling out the Consent to Release Records form. Follow the instructions in the form and mail it to the address listed on the bottom. Proper fee for payment will be required.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
In certain situations, the state of Mississippi allows eligible drivers to take MS defensive driving school in order to get a ticket dismissed. Not all drivers are qualified for this program; therefore you should contact the MS Department of Public Safety or the county that issued your citation to get further details. If you are approved for the course, you must have payment ready and any requested documentation.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
The state of Mississippi only allows drivers to get another person s DMV driving record either by mail or making an in-person request. A Drivers Records Request form will need to be filled out in the process. Only authorized individuals or agencies may get a copy of somebody else s record.

Similar to obtaining your own driving record, you will need to submit proper payment and have your drivers license number available.

When making your request, you must first have the driver whose information you are requesting provide their signature on the Drivers Records Request form, thus giving you their consent.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
By law, Mississippi drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test if they are suspected of driving under the influence will immediately lose their driving privileges. Your case will be brought to the Commissioner of Public Safety for review. Refusing to take the test will result in a MS drivers license suspension of 90 days minimum. You are required to follow the reinstatement requirements set by the MS DPS in order to have your license reinstated.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
Even though MS does not have an established point system, it does allow certain drivers to complete a defensive driving course to have their ticket dismissed. To find out if you are qualified, get in touch with your traffic court, the county that issued your citation or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You will need to verify that you are eligible to enroll in this traffic school program before signing up for attendance.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
The state of Mississippi does not have a point system in place. However, there are several offenses and violations that can result in a drivers license suspension. Some of these include but are not limited to the following:

If you do have a license suspension and would like to find out why it has been suspended, you will need to visit a local Department of Public Safety office.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
The state of Mississippi may allow certain drivers to complete a traffic school course to remove the number of points on their record. To find out if you are considered eligible, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. You can reach them by phone at 601-987-1212 during regular business hours.

Their mailing address is listed below:

Mississippi Department of Public Safety PO Box 958 Jackson, Mississippi 39205

For more information: Traffic/Driving Schools in Mississippi

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
In the event that you lost your traffic ticket, you will need to contact the county that issued your citation. Visit the county clerk website for contact information about representatives you can call and speak to. You can also try contacting the municipal court you know your traffic ticket information was forwarded to. If all else fails, call the Department of Public Safety so they can provide you with additional guidance about who you should get in touch with.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
A confiscated license due to a suspension will require you to abide by the terms of the notice you receive from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety before your driving privileges can be restored. Reinstatement requirements for your drivers licensemay include but not be limited to these below:
  • Completion of community service hours
  • Completion of an alcohol awareness program
  • Possible jail time
  • Payment of reinstatement fees

You can find out more about your specific DUIcase by contacting the MS Department of Public Safety at 601-923-7700. Or, visit a branch in your area.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

What are the different types of driving records?
The state of Mississippi provides two different types of driving records:
  • Certified driving record
  • Non-certified driving record

To check driving record, you will need to have your drivers license number available, along with payment for any applicable fees. If mailing your request, you must send a $11 certified check to the Department of Public Safety.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety imposes serious consequences and penalties for driving while intoxicated offenses. Every offense is different; however, if convicted of a DUI, you may face the following:
  • Required community service hours
  • Required completion of an alcohol awareness training
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
  • Payment of reinstatement fees
  • Possible imprisonment time

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

What happens if I don’t pay for my traffic ticket from another state?
Mississippi regularly receives information about traffic violations and convictions from other states. Hence, failure to pay an out-of-state traffic fine will result in the same consequences as failing to pay a traffic ticket in your home state. If you do not wish to plead guilty to the traffic offense, you can contest the out-of-state traffic citation. Contact the Court or the DMV in the state that issued the traffic ticket to find out more. Also, consult a traffic attorney to help you with your case.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
In general, commercial drivers face higher penalties than those who operate passenger vehicles. To begin with, you are required to notify your employer of any offense you have committed within 30 days. The severity of your offense will also determine whether or not you will have a suspended license. Situations that result in a Mississippi drivers license suspension include these:

Learn more by contacting the MS Department of Public Safety at 601-987-1212.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

What information does a driving record contain?
Your MS drivers record will contain key information about your driving history. Personal details may include the following:
  • Your name
  • Your current address
  • Your date of birth
  • Offenses and violations
  • Accidents you have been involved in
  • The current status of your drivers license

If you are ordering your own driving record, you can do so online, as well as in person or by mail. The Department requires individuals to fill out a Consent to Release Record form when inquiring information about their own record.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
The monetary penalties associated with a Mississippi DUI varies, depending on whether or not this is your first offense, as well as other factors.DUI convictions hold the following fines:
  • First conviction – $250 – $1,000
  • Second conviction – $600 – $1,000
  • Third or any other additional DUI convictions within five years – $2,000 – $5,000

These fines may vary and fluctuate. To find out the specifics of your case, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and follow the reinstatement requirements on your suspension notice.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
The cost of traffic ticket depends on a number of factors, primarily the type of offense you committed. Your traffic ticket will contain this information. Look at both the front and back of your ticket to find out about the cost, as well as any late fees you may be charged if you pay after the payment deadline. If the information is unclear, contact a listed phone number on the ticket, or visit the county website that issued your citation.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety charges an $11 fee (may vary) to get a copy of your driving record, or that of someone else s. You can make your request online, by mail or in person. However, the Department does not allow individuals who need a copy of another person s record to request this information online. To request somebody else s Mississippi DMV driving record, your options to complete the process are either by mail or in person at a DMV office. You will need to fill out a Drivers Records Request form as one of the requirements.

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
The state of Mississippi will suspend a commercial driving license for the period of a year if you are convicted of a first DUI. You will be required to immediately notify your employer of your conviction. In order to have your drivers license reinstated, you must fulfill the requirements set forth in your suspension. This may include but not be limited to:
  • Completion of community service hours
  • Completion of an alcohol awareness class
  • Completion of your suspension period
  • Possible imprisonment sentence

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
Minors often face harsher penalties for DUI/DWIconvictions. If you are under the age of 21 and convicted of driving under the influence, your Mississippi drivers license will face immediate suspension. To find out what your suspension entails, contact the Department of Public Safety. You must meet all reinstatement requirements before your driving privileges can be restored. Failure to do so will result in greater penalties.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
Depending on the type of offense you have committed, different requirements will be in place to get your license reinstated. The below consequences are for adult drivers who have a BAC level of .08 percent or those under 21with a BAC level of 0.2 percent:

First offense:

  • License suspension for 90 days
  • $250 fine (may vary)
  • Completion of alcohol awareness program

Second offense in five years:

  • License suspension for one year
  • $500 fine (may vary)
  • Completion of alcohol awareness program

If you are convicted of an MS DUI, you may face jail time. For the first conviction, your imprisonment can be up to 48 hours.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
If you have been ordered to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle as the result of a DWI, you must go to an MS DPS-approved provider. Get in touch with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to inquire about a list they can provide you. The Department can be reached at 601-923-7700. You can also visit a branch in your area and speak to a customer service agent for further assistance.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
If the municipal or county that issued your ticket has an implemented online system, you may find your traffic finesinformation by simply entering your citation number. To proceed with online payment for your ticket, you may also be asked for the following details:
  • Your first and last name
  • Your address
  • Your date of birth
  • Your phone number

Be sure to have payment in the form of a debit card or credit card at hand, as you will be unable to complete your transaction without this information.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Your traffic ticket may not yet be reflected on your Mississippi driving record if you just had it issued. If you would like to request a copy of your driving record, you can do so online, by mail or in person. A convenience fee is charged for online transactions, and you must have your drivers license number at hand.

Mail requests must be sent to the address below:

MS Department of Public Safety Attn: MVR 1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Jackson, MS 39216

For more information: Your Mississippi Driving Record

Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
Mississippi does not implement a point system to track traffic violations and convictions. However, the state still records your traffic citations and penalties on your drivers record. Therefore, if you receive an out-of-state traffic ticket you can either pay the ticket, thus pleading guilty to the traffic offence, or you can hire a traffic attorney and contest the traffic citation.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
Mississippi does not implement a point system to track traffic violations and convictions. However, in some cases, you may be considered eligible to enroll in a traffic school course. By completing this class, you may have your ticket dismissed. Those who are qualified to attend the defensive driving program will be notified by the court of the MS Department of Public Safety. If you are unsure about whether or not you can attend this program, contact the DMV.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Mississippi

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
Those who are convicted of DUI for the first time are required to complete a Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program, also known as MASEP. The enrollment fee for this course is $190 (subject to vary). It can be made payable by money order or check. If you would like more information about the program, contact them at 1-800-678-2534 or email: masep@ssrc.msstate.edu. Their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5p.m.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Mississippi