Check your license status directly through Virginia DMV
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you check whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid without visiting an office. You can do this online through their website, by phone, or in person — and you'll get an answer the same day.
The fastest method is the online status check at dmvnow.com. Go to the homepage, select "License and ID Status" under the "Check Status" section, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. This works 24 hours a day.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 1-888-337-8268. Have your driver's license number ready. The wait time varies, but you'll reach a representative who can look up your status and explain why it's suspended if that's the case.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia DMV's online status checker at dmvnow.com tells you in seconds whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid.
- You can also call 1-888-337-8268 with your license number to speak with a representative about your status.
- A suspension usually means you can get your license back once you resolve the underlying issue — paying a fine, completing a course, or clearing a traffic hold.
- A revocation is permanent until you go through Virginia DMV's reinstatement process, which varies by reason.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Virginia or most other states until it's reinstated.
What a suspension means versus a revocation
Virginia distinguishes between a suspension and a revocation, and the difference matters for what you do next. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period or until you complete a specific action, after which you can get it back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.
A revocation is more serious and permanent. It means Virginia has cancelled your license entirely, usually because of a serious offense like a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or multiple suspensions. Reinstating a revoked license requires going through Virginia DMV's formal reinstatement process, which can take months and may require a hearing, proof of insurance, or other documentation.
When you check your status online or by phone, the DMV will tell you which one applies to you. If it's a suspension, ask what action will lift it. If it's a revocation, ask what the reinstatement requirements are.
Why your license might be suspended in Virginia
Virginia suspends licenses for many reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines how to fix it. The most common cause is accumulating 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month period from traffic violations. Each violation adds points — speeding adds 3 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit, reckless driving adds 6 points, and so on.
Other frequent reasons include failing to pay a traffic fine or court costs, failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket, or having an unpaid judgment from a traffic case. Virginia also suspends licenses for non-driving reasons: failure to pay child support, failure to pay court-ordered restitution, or a medical condition that makes driving unsafe.
If you're under 18, your license can be suspended for violating Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) rules — for example, driving with passengers under 20 years old without a supervising adult, or driving between midnight and 5 a.m. without a parent or guardian in the car.
How to find out why your license is suspended
When you check your status online at dmvnow.com, the system will show whether your license is suspended but may not always explain the reason in detail. If the reason isn't clear, call the DMV at 1-888-337-8268 and have your license number ready. A representative can tell you the specific reason and what action will lift the suspension.
Write down the reason and any action required — for example, "pay $250 fine to the Fairfax County Circuit Court" or "complete a defensive driving course." Ask for the important date if there is one, and ask whether you can take action before the suspension period ends to get your license back early.
If the reason involves a court case or unpaid fine, you may also need to contact the court directly. The DMV representative can give you the court's phone number and case number if you have one.
Steps to reinstate your suspended license
Once you know why your license is suspended, the steps to get it back depend on the reason. If it's a points suspension, you straightforward wait out the suspension period — usually 30, 60, or 90 days depending on how many points you had. Once the period ends, your license is automatically reinstated. You don't need to do anything or pay a fee.
If it's a fine or court cost, pay it to the court that issued it. Contact the court's traffic division with your case number, and they'll tell you the exact amount and where to send payment. Once the court confirms payment, they notify Virginia DMV, and your suspension is lifted within a few business days.
If it's a defensive driving course requirement, enroll in an approved Virginia course (the court or DMV can provide a list), complete it, and submit proof of completion to the court. The court then notifies DMV.
If it's a medical suspension, you'll need to see a doctor, have them complete Virginia DMV's medical evaluation form, and submit it to DMV. DMV will review it and decide whether to reinstate your license.
What to do if you need to drive before your license is reinstated
Driving with a suspended license in Virginia is illegal and carries serious penalties — a fine of $100 to $500, possible jail time, and an additional suspension period. Do not drive until your license is reinstated.
If you have a legitimate need to drive — for work, medical appointments, or court — you may be able to request a restricted license or hardship license from Virginia DMV. This is not available for all suspension reasons, but it's worth asking about when you call the DMV. A restricted license lets you drive only for specific purposes like work or medical treatment, and only during certain hours.
To request a restricted license, contact Virginia DMV at 1-888-337-8268 and explain your situation. They'll tell you whether you're may be able to access and what documentation you need to submit. The process usually takes a few days to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
A suspension itself is temporary — once it's lifted, you can drive again. However, the traffic violations or other incidents that caused the suspension remain on your driving record for three to five years, depending on the type of violation. This affects your insurance rates and can be seen by law enforcement if you're pulled over.
Can I drive in another state if my Virginia license is suspended?
No. Most states recognize suspensions from other states through the National Driver Register, so driving in another state with a suspended Virginia license is illegal. You could face charges in that state as well.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
If you believe the suspension is a mistake or unfair, you can request a hearing with Virginia DMV. Call 1-888-337-8268 and ask how to file a hearing request. You'll need to submit your request in writing within a certain timeframe, and DMV will schedule a hearing where you can present your case.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my license?
For a points suspension, no — reinstatement is automatic and free once the suspension period ends. For other reasons, you may need to pay court fines or fees, but there's no separate reinstatement fee to Virginia DMV itself.
How do I check my driving record to see all violations?
You can order a copy of your Virginia driving record from dmvnow.com or by mail. The online version is faster and costs around $7. Your record shows all violations, points, and suspensions from the past three to five years.