The fee to restore your New Jersey driver license depends on why it was suspended or revoked
New Jersey does not charge a single flat restoration fee. Instead, you pay different amounts based on the reason your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or another violation. You will also need to pay the standard license renewal fee on top of any restoration fee.
The restoration process itself involves submitting documents to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and sometimes attending a hearing or completing a program. The fees vary, and some violations require you to complete additional steps before you can even pay to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- Restoration fees in New Jersey range from around $100 to $500 or more, depending on the reason for suspension or revocation.
- You must pay the standard driver license renewal fee (currently $24 for a four-year license) in addition to any restoration fee.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a program, such as an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) course for DUI-related suspensions, before you can restore your license.
- The Motor Vehicle Commission website lists the specific fee for your situation, or you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to confirm the exact amount you owe.
Common reasons for suspension and their associated fees
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, you typically pay a restoration fee of around $100 to $150, plus the renewal fee. The MVC will not process your restoration until the court confirms that your fines are paid.
A DUI or drug-related conviction carries a much higher restoration fee — often $500 or more — and you must complete an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program before you can restore your license. The IDRC program itself has a separate cost, usually between $200 and $400 depending on the provider.
If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points on your driving record, the restoration fee is typically $100 to $150. A suspension for refusing a breathalyzer test or for driving with a suspended license also carries its own fee structure, which the MVC can confirm when you contact them.
How to find out your exact restoration fee
The fastest way to learn what you owe is to call the Motor Vehicle Commission at 609-292-6500. Have your driver license number ready. The MVC representative will tell you the restoration fee, any other fees you owe, and what documents or completed programs you need to submit.
You can also visit the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc and look for the "License Suspension and Revocation" section, which lists fees by violation type. If you are unsure which category applies to your situation, the phone call is worth the wait — getting the wrong information can delay your restoration by weeks.
What happens after you pay the restoration fee
Once you have paid all required fees and submitted the necessary documents, the MVC processes your restoration request. This typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a new physical license in the mail or can pick one up at an MVC office if you pay for expedited processing.
If your suspension was for a serious violation like DUI, the MVC may require you to pass a written test or vision test before your license is restored. The representative you speak with will tell you whether this applies to you.
Documents you will need to submit
At minimum, you will need to submit a completed process form, which the MVC provides. If your suspension was for unpaid fines, you will need proof from the court that those fines are now paid. If it was for a DUI, you will need a certificate of completion from the IDRC program you attended.
Some suspensions require a medical evaluation or a letter from your doctor. Others require proof of insurance. The MVC will specify exactly what you need when you call or visit their website — do not guess, because submitting incomplete paperwork will delay your restoration.
Payment methods and where to send your fee
You can pay your restoration fee by check, money order, or credit card. If you are paying by mail, send your payment along with your process and supporting documents to the address the MVC provides. If you are paying in person at an MVC office, you can use cash, check, money order, or card.
Some MVC offices allow you to pay online before you visit, which can speed up the process. Check the MVC website or call ahead to see whether your local office offers this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my restoration is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the MVC officially restores it. Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written confirmation from the MVC before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the restoration fee right now?
Contact the MVC to ask about payment plans. Some situations may allow you to pay in installments, though this depends on the reason for your suspension. The MVC can discuss your options when you call 609-292-6500.
Do I have to go to an MVC office in person to restore my license?
Not always. Many restorations can be completed by mail. However, some violations require an in-person hearing or test. The MVC will tell you whether you need to visit an office when you contact them about your specific situation.
What if I lost my paperwork showing why my license was suspended?
The MVC has a record of your suspension. Call them with your driver license number, and they will tell you the reason and what documents you need to submit for restoration. You can also request a copy of your driving record from the MVC for a small fee.