What you need to do to get your license back
Reinstating a suspended license in Virginia means paying a reinstatement fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), clearing whatever caused the suspension in the first place, and then requesting that the DMV lift the suspension. The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a conviction. Virginia does not automatically reinstate your license when the suspension period ends; you have to take action yourself.
The reinstatement fee is $145 as of the most recent update, though you should confirm the current amount by calling the DMV at 804-367-0538 or checking the Virginia DMV website. You will also need to resolve the underlying reason for the suspension before the DMV will process your reinstatement request.
Key Takeaways
- You must pay a $145 reinstatement fee to the Virginia DMV, plus resolve whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
- If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts to the court that issued them, not to the DMV.
- If the suspension was for unpaid child support, you must contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or the court handling your case to clear the debt.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the Virginia DMV website, or in person at a DMV customer service center.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your complete request and payment.
Suspensions caused by unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket or judgment. The DMV does not collect these payments — only the court can clear this type of suspension. Contact the district court or general district court in the county where you received the ticket to find out the exact amount owed and the payment methods they accept.
Once you have paid the court, ask for written confirmation that your debt is satisfied. Keep this confirmation, because you will need to show it to the DMV when you request reinstatement. Some courts can notify the DMV directly that the debt is paid, but it is safer to have proof in your hands. After the court confirms payment, you can then submit your reinstatement request to the DMV along with the $145 fee.
Suspensions caused by failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic or criminal charge. Before the DMV will reinstate your license, you must resolve the underlying case. This usually means going back to the court that issued the bench warrant or failure-to-appear order and either appearing for the rescheduled hearing or working out a resolution with the prosecutor or judge.
Contact the court clerk in the county where the case is pending and explain that you want to clear the failure to appear. The clerk can tell you whether a warrant is still active and what your options are. Once the court resolves the case — whether by dismissal, conviction, or settlement — ask for written documentation. Bring that documentation to the DMV along with your reinstatement fee and request form.
Suspensions caused by unpaid child support
If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, the Virginia Department of Social Services or the court handling your child support case has the authority to lift the suspension. You must bring your child support account current or reach an agreement with the agency or court about a payment plan. Contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-800-468-8894 or the circuit court in the county where your child support order was issued.
Once you have made arrangements to pay or have paid the arrears, request written confirmation from the agency or court. The confirmation should state that your child support obligation is current or that you have entered into a payment plan. Bring this confirmation to the DMV along with your $145 reinstatement fee. Some child support agencies can notify the DMV directly, but having your own copy of the confirmation protects you if there is a delay in communication between agencies.
Suspensions caused by medical reasons or convictions
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder or loss of consciousness — you must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor before reinstatement. The DMV will provide you with a form (DL 43) that your physician must complete, stating that you are medically safe to drive. Submit this form to the DMV along with your reinstatement fee.
If your suspension resulted from a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or other criminal charge, the suspension period is set by law and you cannot shorten it. However, you can request reinstatement once that period has ended. Some convictions require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive again. Check your court paperwork or contact the court to confirm whether this applies to you. Once any required device is installed and documented, you can submit your reinstatement request with the $145 fee.
How to submit your reinstatement request
You have three ways to request reinstatement: by mail, online, or in person. The online method is usually fastest. Visit the Virginia DMV website and select the reinstatement option. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment information. The DMV accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks online.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (court payment confirmation, medical clearance, child support documentation, or other relevant paperwork), and a check or money order for $145 made payable to the Virginia DMV.
You can also visit a DMV customer service center in person. Bring your identification, proof that the suspension cause has been resolved, and payment for the $145 fee. A staff member can process your request on the spot, though you will still need to wait for the DMV to update its records, which typically takes a few business days.
What happens after you submit your request
After the DMV receives your complete reinstatement request and payment, processing usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, the DMV verifies that the underlying cause of your suspension has been resolved. If you submitted everything correctly and the verification is successful, your license will be reinstated and you will receive written confirmation in the mail.
If the DMV finds that your request is incomplete — for example, if the documentation you provided does not clearly show that the suspension cause has been resolved — they will contact you by mail to ask for additional information. This can add another week or two to the process. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to check the status of your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts also offer payment plans for fines and court costs. The DMV or court may be willing to work with you, but you must reach out before attempting to drive illegally.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No, reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to pay the fee and resolve the underlying cause of the suspension. Your license will be restored with the same class and restrictions it had before.
How long does a suspension last if I do not reinstate it?
Suspension periods vary depending on the cause. Some suspensions are indefinite until you take action, while others last a set number of years. Check your suspension notice or contact the DMV to find out the specific timeline for your case.
What if the court or agency says they already notified the DMV that my debt is paid?
Even if the court or agency says they notified the DMV, submit your reinstatement request anyway. Communication between agencies can be slow or incomplete. Having your own documentation and submitting your own request ensures the process moves forward without unnecessary delays.