How Maryland suspends licenses and what you need to do first
Maryland suspends driver's licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions, accumulating too many points, or not paying child support. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends a notice by mail telling you why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. The suspension takes effect on the date shown in that notice, usually 30 days after it is mailed.
Your first step is to read the suspension notice carefully. It names the reason for suspension and lists exactly what you must do — pay a fine, appear in court, submit a medical form, or contact a child support agency. You cannot drive legally once the suspension date passes, even if you have not received the physical notice. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Maryland.
If you have not received a notice but believe your license may be suspended, you can check your status on the MVA website or call the MVA at 410-787-7758. Have your driver's license number ready. The MVA will tell you the reason for suspension and the exact steps to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland suspends licenses for unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, too many points, or unpaid child support — the suspension notice tells you which one applies to you.
- You must complete the specific action listed in your suspension notice before the MVA will restore your license, and different reasons require different steps.
- Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal charge in Maryland and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
- The MVA website and phone line can confirm whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
- Restoration usually takes a few business days after you complete the required action, but you should not drive until you receive written confirmation from the MVA.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If you received a traffic ticket and did not pay the fine or court costs, Maryland will suspend your license. The notice tells you the amount owed and where to pay it — usually the District Court in the county where you received the ticket. You can pay by mail, online through the court's website, or in person at the courthouse.
Once you pay in full, the court sends a release to the MVA. The MVA then removes the suspension, but this can take five to ten business days. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation from the MVA that your license is restored. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the court listed in your notice to ask about payment plans or a hearing to reduce the fine.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date for a traffic violation or criminal charge, Maryland will suspend your license. The suspension notice includes the court name, case number, and the original charge. You must contact that court and either appear in person or have an attorney appear on your behalf to resolve the failure to appear.
The court may require you to pay a fine for missing the hearing, in addition to resolving the original charge. Once the court clears the failure to appear, it sends notice to the MVA. Restoration typically takes five to ten business days after the court processes your case. If you cannot appear in person, call the court to ask whether you can resolve it by phone or mail.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Maryland assigns points to your driving record for traffic violations. If you accumulate 8 points in 24 months, your license is suspended for 6 months. If you accumulate 12 points in 24 months, your license is suspended for 1 year. The suspension notice tells you how many points you have and which violations caused them.
You cannot remove points or shorten the suspension period. You must wait out the full suspension time. During the suspension, you can request a hearing with the MVA if you believe the points were recorded incorrectly. To request a hearing, write to the MVA at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, or call 410-787-7758. After the suspension period ends, you can request license restoration through the MVA website or by mail.
Suspensions for medical reasons
Maryland may suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — seizures, severe vision loss, or loss of consciousness, for example. The MVA sends a notice and may require you to submit a medical report from your doctor. The form is called the Medical Evaluation Report and must be completed by your physician.
Your doctor fills out the form describing your condition and whether you are safe to drive. You submit the completed form to the MVA. The MVA reviews it and decides whether to restore your license, continue the suspension, or require additional testing. This process can take two to four weeks. If your condition improves, ask your doctor to complete a new form stating that you are now safe to drive.
Suspensions for unpaid child support
If you owe child support and fall behind on payments, the Child Support Enforcement Administration can request that Maryland suspend your license. The suspension notice includes the amount owed and contact information for the child support office. You must contact that office to set up a payment plan or arrange to catch up on arrears.
Once you make a payment arrangement or catch up on what you owe, the child support office notifies the MVA. The MVA then removes the suspension, usually within five to ten business days. If you dispute the amount owed or believe there is an error, contact the child support office to request a hearing before paying.
Restoring your license after suspension ends
After you complete the required action for your suspension — paying a fine, appearing in court, waiting out a points suspension, or submitting medical forms — you must request restoration from the MVA. You can do this online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The MVA will charge a restoration fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension but is typically between $100 and $150.
When you request restoration, have your driver's license number and the reason for suspension ready. The MVA processes restoration requests within a few business days. You will receive written confirmation by mail. Do not drive until you have that written confirmation in hand. If your license was suspended for points, you may also be required to complete a driver improvement course before restoration.
Consequences of driving on a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a separate criminal offense. A first offense can result in a fine up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, or both. A second offense within three years can result in a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A third or subsequent offense can result in a fine up to $2,000, up to 120 days in jail, or both.
If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded. You will also face additional court costs and legal fees. Your license suspension may be extended as a result of the criminal charge. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons while your license is suspended, contact the MVA to ask about a work permit or conditional license, though these are rarely granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a work permit to drive while my license is suspended?
Maryland rarely issues work permits or conditional licenses during suspension. You must submit a written request to the MVA explaining why you need to drive — for example, to get to a job you cannot lose or to receive medical treatment. The MVA reviews the request and decides whether to grant it. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about the process and what documentation you need to submit.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay a fine?
After you pay a traffic fine, the court sends notice to the MVA, which typically takes five to ten business days. The MVA then removes the suspension from your record. You should receive written confirmation by mail. Do not drive until you have that confirmation, even if you believe the suspension has been lifted.
What if I move out of Maryland while my license is suspended?
Your Maryland license suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you obtain a license in another state, Maryland can still suspend it or report the suspension to the other state's licensing authority. You must resolve the suspension with Maryland before you can legally drive in any state. Contact the MVA to complete whatever action is required for your suspension.
Can I appeal a suspension for medical reasons?
Yes. If you disagree with the MVA's decision to suspend your license for medical reasons, you can request a hearing. Write to the MVA at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, and include your driver's license number and the reason you believe the suspension was incorrect. The MVA will schedule a hearing where you can present evidence, including a letter from your doctor.
Do I have to pay the restoration fee if I was suspended for points?
Yes. Regardless of the reason for suspension, you must pay a restoration fee to the MVA when you request that your license be restored. The fee is typically between $100 and $150. You can pay by mail, online, or in person at an MVA office. The fee is non-refundable even if your restoration request is denied.