What you pay to get your license back after suspension
California charges a reissuance fee to restore your driving privilege after a suspension ends. The fee is $100, and you must pay it before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will reinstate your license. This is separate from any fines, court costs, or other penalties tied to why your license was suspended in the first place.
The suspension itself has an end date — that date depends on the reason for the suspension. Once that date passes and you have paid the reissuance fee, your license becomes active again. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV specifically requires it as part of your suspension terms.
If you are unsure whether your suspension has ended, you can check your status on the DMV website or call the DMV directly. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, so confirming the end date before you drive is important.
Key Takeaways
- California's reissuance fee to restore a suspended license is $100, and you must pay it after your suspension period ends.
- The suspension end date depends on the reason for the suspension — a DUI suspension is longer than a suspension for unpaid traffic fines, for example.
- You can check your suspension status and end date on the DMV website or by calling the DMV before paying any fee.
- Paying the fee does not remove the suspension from your driving record; it only restores your right to drive.
Why your license was suspended and how long it stays suspended
California suspends licenses for many reasons, and each has a different suspension length. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered traffic school non-completion typically lasts until you pay the fine or complete the requirement. A suspension for a DUI conviction lasts a minimum of six months for a first offense, longer for repeat offenses. A suspension for accumulating too many points on your record (the point system tracks moving violations) lasts until you meet the DMV's requirements, which may include a defensive driving course.
Some suspensions are automatic — the court or DMV triggers them without you having to do anything. Others require a notice in the mail. If you received a suspension notice, it should state the reason and the earliest date your license can be reinstated. If you did not receive a notice but believe your license may be suspended, checking your DMV record online is the fastest way to find out.
How to pay the reissuance fee
You can pay the $100 reissuance fee online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Paying online is the fastest option — you can do it from home, and the DMV processes it within a few business days. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to pay online.
If you pay by mail, send a check or money order for $100 to the DMV address listed on your suspension notice. Include a copy of the notice and your driver's license number so the DMV can match the payment to your record. Mail payment takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your suspension end date is approaching.
Paying in person at a DMV office lets you confirm your payment when ready and ask questions about your specific suspension. Bring your driver's license, proof of the suspension end date, and a check or money order. Some DMV offices accept card payments as well.
What happens after you pay the fee
Once the DMV receives and processes your payment, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again. The DMV will send you a confirmation by mail, though you do not have to wait for it to drive — your record is updated in their system as soon as the payment clears. You can verify reinstatement by checking your status online or calling the DMV.
Your driving record will still show the suspension and the reason for it. This record is visible to insurance companies and law enforcement, and it may affect your insurance rates. The suspension stays on your record permanently, though its impact on your rates usually decreases over time.
If you cannot pay the fee right away
If your suspension has ended but you cannot afford the $100 reissuance fee, you have limited options. The DMV does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for the reissuance fee itself. However, if your suspension was caused by unpaid fines, some courts offer payment plans or fee reductions based on financial hardship — contact the court that issued the fine to ask about options.
Some community organizations and legal aid groups offer help with traffic fines and DMV fees for people with low income. Search online for "traffic fine information" or "DMV fee help" plus your county name to find local resources. The State Bar of California also maintains a list of legal aid organizations by county.
Suspensions tied to unpaid traffic fines or court orders
If your suspension is because you did not pay a traffic fine or did not complete a court-ordered requirement like traffic school, you must resolve that issue before the suspension end date passes. Paying the fine or completing the requirement does not automatically lift the suspension — the court or DMV must process it first, which can take several days to a few weeks.
Once the underlying issue is resolved, the suspension is lifted automatically. You then have a window of time to pay the reissuance fee and restore your license. If you wait too long, the DMV may issue a new suspension for other reasons, so paying the reissuance fee promptly is wise.
Suspensions for DUI or serious violations
If your suspension is tied to a DUI conviction or other serious violation, the suspension length is set by law and cannot be shortened. A first DUI suspension lasts a minimum of six months; a second within ten years lasts a minimum of one year. During the suspension period, you may be able to request a restricted license that lets you drive to work or school, but this requires a separate request to the DMV and approval from the court.
Once the suspension period ends, the process is the same: pay the $100 reissuance fee and your license is restored. However, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device (a device that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath) before you can drive. The court order will specify whether this is required and for how long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my suspension is in effect if I pay the reissuance fee early?
No. The reissuance fee only works after your suspension period has ended. Paying it before the end date does not lift the suspension. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, fines, and an extended suspension.
What if I lost my driver's license and my suspension just ended?
You will need to replace your license and pay the reissuance fee. The replacement fee is separate from the reissuance fee — you will pay both. You can do this in one visit to the DMV office or online if you are replacing a lost license online.
Does paying the reissuance fee remove the suspension from my driving record?
No. The fee restores your right to drive, but the suspension and its reason remain on your record permanently. Insurance companies and law enforcement can still see it. The impact on your insurance rates usually decreases over time.
How do I know if my suspension has actually ended?
Check your status on the DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth, or call the DMV directly. Do not assume the suspension has ended based on the date you received the notice — verify it before driving.
What if the DMV says I still owe money before they will reinstate my license?
Ask the DMV what you owe and why. You may have unpaid fines, court costs, or other fees beyond the reissuance fee. Get the details in writing so you know exactly what to pay and to whom.