What you need to pay and where to send it

Connecticut charges a reinstatement fee of $150 to restore a suspended license. You pay this fee directly to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not to a court or police department. The fee is non-refundable even if your suspension is later overturned on appeal.

Before you pay, confirm the reason for your suspension — some suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue first (like paying a traffic fine or completing a safety course) before the DMV will accept your reinstatement fee. Paying the fee alone will not restore your license if other conditions remain unmet.

You cannot pay the reinstatement fee online through the DMV website. You must pay in person at a DMV branch, by mail, or through a third-party vendor that the DMV has authorized to collect fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut's reinstatement fee is $150, payable only to the DMV, not to courts or police.
  • You must resolve the reason for suspension (unpaid fines, failed tests, or other conditions) before the DMV will accept your reinstatement fee.
  • Payment options are in-person at a DMV office, by mail with a check or money order, or through an authorized third-party vendor.
  • Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing if you pay by mail; in-person payment is processed the same day.

Paying in person at a DMV office

Walk into any Connecticut DMV branch with your driver's license (or ID card if your license was suspended) and a check or money order for $150 made payable to "State of Connecticut DMV." Cash is also accepted at most locations, but call ahead to confirm your branch accepts it. Bring your Social Security number or driver's license number so staff can look up your record and confirm the suspension details.

Processing takes about 15 minutes. The DMV will issue you a receipt showing your reinstatement fee payment. Your license will be restored in the DMV system when ready, though you may need to wait for a replacement card to arrive by mail if your physical license was suspended or expired during the suspension period.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some branches offering extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website for your nearest office location and current hours before you go.

Paying by mail

Send a check or money order for $150 made payable to "State of Connecticut DMV" to the address listed on your suspension notice. Include a letter with your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief statement that you are paying the reinstatement fee for your suspended license.

Mail processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your payment. The DMV will send you a receipt and confirmation of reinstatement by mail. During this waiting period, your license remains suspended, so do not drive.

If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 to verify that your payment arrived and was processed correctly. Keep a copy of your mailed check or money order receipt as proof of payment.

Paying through an authorized vendor

The Connecticut DMV has authorized certain check-cashing and financial services businesses to collect reinstatement fees on its behalf. These vendors charge a processing fee on top of the $150 reinstatement fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the vendor. The vendor forwards your payment to the DMV and provides you with a receipt.

Processing time through a vendor is usually 3 to 5 business days. Ask the vendor for a receipt showing both the reinstatement fee and any processing fee charged. Keep this receipt until you receive written confirmation from the DMV that your license has been reinstated.

To find an authorized vendor near you, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 and ask for the current list of locations. Vendor locations and hours vary, so confirm before you visit.

What happens after you pay

Once the DMV processes your reinstatement fee payment, your license is restored in the system and you are legally permitted to drive again. If your physical license was suspended or expired during the suspension period, the DMV will mail you a replacement card within 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before the replacement card arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at any DMV office. Bring your receipt showing reinstatement fee payment and a valid ID. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your new card.

Check your driving record online through the DMV website to confirm that the suspension has been lifted. Your record should show the reinstatement date and the fee payment. If the suspension still appears active after 10 business days, contact the DMV to investigate.

If you cannot pay the full fee right now

Connecticut DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. The full $150 must be paid before your license can be restored. However, if your suspension was caused by unpaid traffic fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan for that underlying debt, which could then allow the suspension to be lifted without paying the reinstatement fee separately.

Contact the court that issued the fine or the Connecticut Department of Social Services if your suspension is related to child support. Explain your situation and ask whether a payment arrangement is available. Once that debt is resolved or a plan is in place, contact the DMV to see if the suspension can be lifted without the reinstatement fee.

If your suspension is for a different reason (such as a failed medical exam or incomplete safety course), you must complete that requirement first. The reinstatement fee is then due before your license is restored.

Common reasons your reinstatement fee payment might be rejected

The DMV will not process your reinstatement fee if your suspension is still active for an unresolved reason. For example, if you were suspended for unpaid fines and you have not paid them, the DMV will reject your fee payment and tell you to resolve the fine first. Similarly, if your suspension requires you to complete a defensive driving course or medical evaluation, you must finish that before paying the fee.

If you pay the fee but your suspension is not lifted within 10 business days, contact the DMV when ready. Bring your receipt and ask staff to review your record. Sometimes a suspension has multiple reasons, and only one was resolved — the DMV will tell you what else needs to be done.

Do not assume your payment was lost if processing takes longer than expected. The DMV processes thousands of payments weekly, and mail delays or system updates can add time. Call before you resubmit payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement fee payment is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV processes your payment and updates your record. If you need to drive urgently, request a temporary driving permit at a DMV office once you have paid the fee and have a receipt showing payment. The permit is valid for 30 days.

What if I paid the reinstatement fee but my license is still showing as suspended?

Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 with your receipt and driver's license number. Staff can look up your payment and check whether it has been processed. If it has been processed, your record may not have updated yet — this can take up to 10 business days. If it has not been processed, the DMV will investigate why and help you resolve it.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee in Connecticut if I move to another state?

Yes. Your Connecticut suspension remains on your driving record even if you move. Other states can see your suspension history through the National Driver Register. You must pay the Connecticut reinstatement fee to clear the suspension from your record, or you may face problems obtaining a license in your new state.

Is the $150 reinstatement fee the only cost to get my license back?

The reinstatement fee is the only fee the DMV charges. However, if your suspension was caused by unpaid fines, child support, or other debts, you will need to resolve those separately. Some vendors also charge a processing fee (typically $5 to $15) on top of the reinstatement fee if you pay through them instead of directly to the DMV.

Can I get a refund if my suspension is overturned on appeal?

No. The reinstatement fee is non-refundable. Even if you later win an appeal and the suspension is reversed, the DMV will not return the $150 you paid.