What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
Connecticut suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, or not maintaining insurance. To reinstate your license, you must first resolve the reason it was suspended, then submit proof to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends; you have to take action.
The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or failure to appear, you must handle that with the court first. If it was suspended for points or insurance violations, you work directly with the DMV. Either way, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide documentation proving the underlying issue is resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut does not automatically reinstate your license when a suspension ends — you must request reinstatement and pay a fee to the DMV.
- If your suspension is court-related (unpaid fines or failure to appear), resolve the court matter first, then submit proof to the DMV.
- If your suspension is DMV-related (points or insurance), contact the DMV directly to find out what documentation you need and pay the reinstatement fee.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 in Connecticut, and you must submit your request in person, by mail, or online through the DMV portal.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your complete request.
Determine Why Your License Was Suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason. Common reasons in Connecticut include: failure to pay a traffic fine or court-ordered fine, failure to appear for a court date, accumulating 20 or more points within two years, driving without insurance, or violating the terms of a conditional license. If you no longer have the notice, you can check your status on the Connecticut DMV website or call the DMV at 860-263-5700.
When you call or check online, have your driver's license number ready. The DMV will tell you the specific reason for the suspension and what you must do to resolve it. This step is crucial because the path to reinstatement differs depending on whether the suspension came from a court or from the DMV itself.
Resolve Court-Related Suspensions
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or did not appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the suspension. Find the correct court by looking at your suspension notice or by calling the DMV. The court will tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can pay by phone, online, or in person.
Once you pay the fine or resolve the failure to appear (by going to court or arranging a new date), ask the court clerk for written proof that the matter is resolved. The court may send this proof directly to the DMV, but do not assume it will — confirm with the clerk whether you need to submit it yourself. Keep a copy for your records.
After the court confirms the matter is closed, you can then proceed to the DMV with your proof of payment or resolution. The DMV will not process your reinstatement request until the court matter is fully settled.
Resolve DMV-Related Suspensions
If your suspension is for points, insurance violations, or other DMV reasons, contact the Connecticut DMV directly. Depending on the reason, you may need to: provide proof of current insurance, complete a defensive driving course, pay reinstatement fees, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. The DMV will explain what is required when you call or visit.
For insurance-related suspensions, you will need a current insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing that coverage is active. For point-related suspensions, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course, which takes a few hours and costs around $20 to $30. Some courses can be completed online.
Gather all required documents before you contact the DMV or visit in person. Having everything ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance of delays.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request and Fee
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, submit your reinstatement request to the Connecticut DMV. You have three options: submit online through the DMV website, mail your request, or visit a DMV office in person. The online option is fastest if your suspension reason allows it.
You will need to include: proof that the suspension reason has been resolved (court documentation, insurance proof, course completion certificate, or other relevant paperwork), your driver's license number, and the $100 reinstatement fee. Payment can be made by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on which submission method you choose.
If you mail your request, send it to the Connecticut DMV at 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a cover letter stating your name, license number, and the reason for reinstatement. Keep copies of everything you send.
What Happens After You Submit
The DMV typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving a complete submission. You will receive written confirmation by mail when your license is reinstated. During this time, you are not permitted to drive, even if the underlying issue is resolved.
If the DMV finds that your submission is incomplete or that documentation is missing, they will contact you by mail. This can add one to two weeks to the process, so make sure every document is included the first time. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the DMV to confirm receipt and status.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within a few weeks. You can drive as soon as the DMV confirms reinstatement in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates it and sends you written confirmation. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional charges.
What if I cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the DMV to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some situations may allow you to defer payment, but this is not may provide. The DMV phone number is 860-263-5700.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. Reinstatement typically requires only proof that the suspension reason is resolved and payment of the fee. However, if your license has been suspended for more than a certain period or if you have multiple suspensions, the DMV may require a test. Ask when you contact them.
What if the court says they sent proof to the DMV but the DMV says they did not receive it?
Request a copy of the proof from the court and submit it yourself to the DMV. Include a note explaining that you are submitting it because of a communication gap. This ensures the DMV has the documentation on file.
How long does it take to receive my new physical license after reinstatement?
The DMV typically mails a new license within two to four weeks after reinstatement is confirmed. You can drive once reinstatement is official, even if the physical card has not arrived yet.