How to learn about your Virginia license is suspended right now
You can check your Virginia driver's license status online through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website without paying a fee. Go to dmvnow.com, select "License/Permit Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked.
If you cannot access the online system or need to speak with someone, call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538. Have your license number ready. You can also visit a DMV office in person — there are locations throughout the state, and staff can print your driving record on the spot.
Your license status appears on your driving record, which is a separate document from your license itself. The record shows suspensions, revocations, points, and violations. If you have been suspended, the record will also show the reason and the date the suspension began.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status free through dmvnow.com by entering your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions to restore it.
- Common reasons for suspension in Virginia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the DMV, and accumulating too many points.
- If suspended, you will receive a notice by mail explaining the reason and how long the suspension lasts or what you must do to end it.
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines and jail time.
Why Virginia suspends licenses and how long suspensions last
Virginia suspends licenses for specific reasons, and the length of the suspension depends on the cause. The most common reason is accumulating 12 or more demerit points within 12 months. When you reach 12 points, your license is automatically suspended for 30 days. At 18 points in 12 months, the suspension is 60 days. At 24 points, it is 12 months.
Other reasons for suspension include failing to pay a traffic fine or court costs, failing to appear in court for a traffic violation, failing to pay child support, and medical conditions that the DMV has been notified about. Suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs remain in place until you pay what you owe. Suspensions for failure to appear end once you appear in court or resolve the case.
If you receive a notice that your license has been suspended, the notice will state the reason, the date it began, and either how long it will last or what action you must take to end it. Keep this notice — you may need it to show employers or insurance companies.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once the suspension period ends or you complete the required action, your license is automatically restored or becomes may be able to access for restoration. You do not need to reapply or retake a test unless the DMV specifically requires it.
A revocation is permanent until you meet conditions set by the DMV or the court. Revocation typically results from serious violations such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or accumulating points over a longer period. To restore a revoked license, you usually must wait a minimum period (often one to five years), pay a restoration fee, and sometimes pass a written test or vision test again.
Your DMV record will clearly state whether your license is suspended or revoked. If you are unsure which one applies to you, the online status check or a call to the DMV will clarify.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, do not drive. Driving on a suspended license in Virginia is a separate criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 10 days in jail. A second offense within five years can result in a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 10 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense can result in a fine of $500 to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail.
Next, determine why your license was suspended. Check your DMV record online or call the DMV. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court or the agency that issued the fine and pay what you owe. If it is due to failure to appear in court, contact the court and resolve the case. If it is due to child support, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or the court that issued the order.
Once you have addressed the reason for the suspension, your license will be restored automatically on the date the suspension ends, or you may need to request restoration through the DMV. The notice you received will explain what happens next. If the suspension is for points, you do not need to do anything — it ends on its own. If it is for unpaid fines, you must pay first, then the suspension ends.
Requesting a restricted license while suspended
In some cases, you may be able to request a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is suspended. Restricted licenses are not automatic — you must request one through the DMV, and approval depends on the reason for your suspension.
Restricted licenses are most commonly granted for suspensions due to accumulated points or medical conditions. They are rarely granted for suspensions due to unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or child support issues. To request a restricted license, contact the DMV by phone at 804-367-0538 or visit dmvnow.com to see if you are may be able to access and what documents you need to submit.
If you are granted a restricted license, you will receive a new license card in the mail that specifies where you are allowed to drive and when. Violating the restrictions is a separate offense and can result in additional fines and jail time.
Understanding your DMV driving record
Your driving record is a history of your driving activity in Virginia and, in some cases, out-of-state violations that Virginia has been notified about. It includes traffic violations, points, suspensions, revocations, and crashes. You can view your record online through dmvnow.com or request a copy by mail or in person at a DMV office.
Points remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation, but they do not disappear after two years if you have accumulated more points in the meantime. For example, if you received a violation on January 1, 2023, the points from that violation fall off on January 1, 2025 — but only if you have not received any new violations in the meantime.
Insurance companies can see your driving record and may raise your rates or cancel your policy if you have suspensions, revocations, or multiple violations. Some employers also check driving records, especially for jobs that involve driving. Keeping your record clean by following traffic laws and paying fines on time helps protect your ability to drive and your insurance rates.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Virginia, separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If you are stopped by police while driving on a suspended license, you will be cited and may be arrested. The citation will result in a court date.
At court, you face fines and possible jail time. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $500 and up to 10 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 10 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $500 to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail. The court may also extend your suspension or add additional points to your record.
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended license, you should speak with an attorney. Many people in this situation are unaware their license was suspended, and an attorney can help you understand your options and represent you in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
If your suspension is due to points, it ends automatically on the date specified in your notice — you do not need to do anything. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, it ends once you pay. If your suspension is due to failure to appear in court, it ends once you appear or resolve the case. Restoration is when ready once the reason for the suspension is resolved.
Can I get a hardship license if my license is suspended?
Virginia calls this a restricted license, not a hardship license. You may be able to request one, but approval depends on the reason for your suspension. Restricted licenses are most commonly granted for suspensions due to points or medical conditions. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to learn about you are may be able to access.
Will my insurance know my license is suspended?
Yes. Insurance companies have access to DMV records and will see your suspension. Your insurance company may raise your rates, cancel your policy, or require you to notify them. Check your policy or call your insurance company to find out what happens if your license is suspended.
What if I received a suspension notice but I do not think it is correct?
Contact the DMV when ready at 804-367-0538 or visit a DMV office in person. Bring any documents that support your case, such as proof of payment for a fine or proof that you appeared in court. If the suspension was issued in error, the DMV can correct it.
Can I drive to the DMV to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even to conduct DMV business. If you need to visit the DMV, arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or request a restricted license first if you are may be able to access.