Check your license status through the Virginia DMV website or by phone

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lets you look up your license status online without visiting an office. Go to dmvnow.com, select "License/ID Status Check," 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 prefer to call, the Virginia DMV customer service line is 804-367-0538. Have your license number ready. A representative can tell you your status and, if your license is suspended, explain why and what you need to do to restore it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com has a free License/ID Status Check tool that shows your license status in seconds.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Virginia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspensions.
  • Once you know why your license is suspended, you must resolve that specific issue — paying fines, appearing in court, or providing medical clearance — before the DMV will restore it.
  • Restoring a suspended license usually takes a few business days after you resolve the underlying issue, though some restorations happen the same day.

Why your Virginia license might be suspended

Virginia suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get it back. The most common cause is unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports this to the DMV and your license is suspended.

Other frequent reasons include failure to appear in court for a traffic violation, unpaid child support, and medical suspensions (when a doctor reports that you have a condition that makes driving unsafe, or when you fail a medical exam required by the DMV). Some suspensions also result from accumulating too many points on your driving record within a certain time period.

You can find out the specific reason by checking your status online or calling the DMV. Knowing the reason is essential because you cannot restore your license until you address it.

How to restore your license after suspension

The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the DMV website has a link to find your local court — and ask what amount is due and how to pay it. Courts accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.

If you failed to appear in court, you must go to court and resolve the case. This might mean paying a fine, pleading guilty, or working out a payment plan with the judge. Once the court resolves your case, it notifies the DMV.

For child support suspensions, you must contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or the agency handling your case and bring your payments current or set up a payment arrangement. For medical suspensions, you need to provide the DMV with a medical clearance from a doctor or pass a required medical exam.

What happens after you resolve the issue

Once you have paid fines, appeared in court, resolved child support, or provided medical clearance, the court or agency notifies the DMV. In most cases, your license status updates within one to three business days. Some restorations happen the same day, especially if you pay fines online or in person at a court.

You do not need to request restoration separately — the DMV processes it automatically once the underlying issue is cleared. You can check your status again on dmvnow.com or call 804-367-0538 to confirm your license is restored.

Checking your status before you drive

It is a good idea to check your license status before getting behind the wheel, especially if you know you had a ticket or court date coming up. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Virginia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension.

If you discover your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential purposes, some suspensions can be lifted temporarily through a restricted license or hardship license. Call the DMV at 804-367-0538 to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Understanding points and suspension thresholds

Virginia uses a point system for traffic violations. Each type of violation carries a certain number of points — for example, speeding carries 3 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you were, and reckless driving carries 6 points. If you accumulate 18 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 60 days. If you accumulate 24 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for 90 days.

You can check how many points are on your record through the same dmvnow.com status check. If you are close to the threshold, consider taking a defensive driving course — Virginia allows one course per 12 months, and completing it removes 5 points from your record.

What to do if you disagree with the suspension

If you believe your license was suspended in error or if you have a dispute about the reason, you have the right to request a hearing. Contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit your local DMV office to file a request. You will need to explain why you think the suspension is wrong and provide any supporting documents.

For suspensions related to traffic fines or court cases, you can also contact the court that issued the suspension and ask about your options. If the suspension is based on a medical issue, you can request a hearing to present new medical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension usually last?

The length depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear last until you resolve the issue. Point-based suspensions last 60 days for 18 points in 12 months or 90 days for 24 points in 24 months. Medical suspensions vary based on the condition.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a court date scheduled?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you have a court date to address the underlying issue. If you need to drive, contact the DMV about a restricted or hardship license before you get on the road.

What if I paid my fine but my license still shows as suspended?

The court and DMV need time to communicate. Wait one to three business days and check your status again. If it still shows suspended after that time, call the court that issued the ticket to confirm payment was received, then call the DMV at 804-367-0538.

Do I have to go to the DMV office to restore my license?

No. Once you resolve the underlying issue, the DMV restores your license automatically. You do not need to visit an office or submit paperwork. You can verify restoration online or by phone.

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored once you resolve the issue. A revocation is permanent or long-term and usually results from serious violations like multiple DUIs. You can check which one applies to you through the status check on dmvnow.com.