How to learn about your Vermont license is suspended right now
The fastest way to know is to call the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles at 802-828-2000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They can tell you on the spot whether your license is suspended, why it was suspended, and what you need to do to get it back.
You can also check online through the Vermont DMV website. Go to dmv.vermont.gov and look for the "License Status" or "Driver Record" section. You will need to enter your license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
If you cannot reach the DMV by phone or prefer to check in person, you can visit a DMV office. Vermont has offices in Montpelier, Rutland, and St. Johnsbury. Bring your license or ID so they can look up your record.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to learn your license status when ready, or check online at dmv.vermont.gov if you prefer.
- The most common reasons for suspension in Vermont are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, and driving with a suspended license.
- A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the conditions — usually paying what you owe or completing a required action.
- Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
Why Vermont suspends driver's licenses
Vermont suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you matters because each has a different path to reinstatement. Unpaid traffic fines are one of the most common triggers — if you do not pay a ticket within the time the court gives you, the DMV will suspend your license. Child support arrears is another: if you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments, the state can suspend your license to pressure payment.
Other reasons include driving with a suspended license (which extends the suspension), accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failing a drug or alcohol test, or being convicted of certain crimes. Some suspensions are automatic — for instance, if you are arrested for driving under the influence, your license may be suspended before you even go to court.
Medical reasons can also trigger suspension. If the DMV learns you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — through a doctor's report or a failed medical exam — they may suspend your license until you provide medical clearance.
What happens when your license is suspended
A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Vermont. If you are stopped by police, you face fines starting at $100 for a first offense, and the fines increase with each violation. You can also be arrested and jailed, and your suspension period will be extended.
A suspension is different from a revocation. A suspension is temporary — once you meet the conditions for reinstatement, you can get your license back. A revocation is more serious and usually permanent or very long-term, often following multiple suspensions or serious violations.
While your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for work, personal errands, or any other reason. Some states offer hardship licenses that allow limited driving, but Vermont's rules on this are strict and require a specific court order.
Steps to reinstate your suspended license
The first step is to find out exactly why your license was suspended, because the reinstatement process depends on the reason. Call the DMV or check online to get the specific cause and any conditions you must meet.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the DMV can give you the court's phone number — and ask how to pay. Once the court confirms payment, they notify the DMV, and your suspension is lifted.
If the suspension is due to child support arrears, you will need to work with the Vermont Department for Children and Families or the court handling your case. You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than paying the full amount at once. Once you are current on payments or have an approved plan in place, the suspension can be removed.
For suspensions based on traffic violations or points, you may need to wait out the suspension period or take a defensive driving course to reduce points. The DMV can tell you which option applies to your situation.
Reinstatement fees and requirements
Vermont charges a reinstatement fee to lift a suspension. The fee is typically $100 to $150, though the exact amount depends on the reason for suspension. You pay this fee to the DMV when you request reinstatement.
Beyond the fee, you may need to provide proof that you have met the underlying condition. For example, if your suspension was due to unpaid fines, bring a receipt showing payment. If it was medical, bring a letter from your doctor clearing you to drive. If it was child support, bring documentation from the child support agency showing you are current.
Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or vision test before reinstatement. The DMV will tell you during your call whether this applies to you. If it does, you can schedule a test appointment at any DMV office.
What to do if you need to drive before reinstatement
If your license is suspended and you need to drive — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — you have limited options in Vermont. The state does not issue a standard hardship license like some states do. However, you can petition the court that issued your suspension for a limited license order.
This requires going to court and explaining to a judge why you need to drive and that the hardship is genuine. The judge may grant you permission to drive only for specific purposes (like work or medical care) and only during certain hours. This is not automatic and depends on the reason for your suspension and the judge's discretion.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, paying them when ready is the fastest path to reinstatement. If it is due to child support, contacting the child support agency to set up a payment plan may allow reinstatement sooner than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last in Vermont?
The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay. Suspensions for traffic violations or points typically last 30 days to one year. Child support suspensions last until you are current on payments. The DMV will tell you the specific end date when you call.
Can I get a Vermont license if my license from another state is suspended?
No. Vermont participates in the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions across all states. If your license is suspended in any state, Vermont will not issue you a new license until that suspension is lifted.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing. Contact the Vermont DMV or the court that issued the suspension and ask how to file a hearing request. You will have a chance to present your side of the case to a judge or hearing officer.
Does a suspended license show up on a background check?
Yes. A suspension is part of your driving record and will appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, and insurance companies. This is one reason to resolve the suspension as soon as possible.
Can I get my license back if I move out of Vermont?
You will need to resolve the suspension in Vermont before you can get a license in another state, because of the National Driver Register. However, once your Vermont suspension is lifted, you can explore for a license in your new state.