What you need to do to reinstate a suspended North Carolina license
To reinstate a suspended North Carolina driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. North Carolina suspends licenses for different violations, and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get it back; you have to address the underlying reason the state suspended it.
The most common reasons for suspension in North Carolina are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, driving with a revoked license, accumulating too many points, and DWI convictions. Each one requires a different step before the Division of Motor Vehicles will restore your driving privileges.
Start by contacting the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm your suspension status and the exact reason. You can call them at 919-715-7000, visit a DMV office in person, or check online through the NC DMV website. Having this information in writing before you take any other step will save you time.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the NC DMV first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because the reinstatement process differs by reason.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before the DMV will reinstate you.
- For suspensions related to child support, you must contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to resolve the arrearage.
- After resolving the underlying issue, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by reason) and may need to visit a DMV office in person.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a remedial course or wait a set period before reinstatement becomes available.
Suspensions due to unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the courthouse in the county where you received the ticket and ask for the exact balance. Many courthouses now accept payment online, by phone, or by mail, though some still require in-person payment.
Once you have paid, ask the courthouse for written confirmation of payment. Keep this document — you will need to show it to the DMV. After the court reports the payment to the state system (which usually takes a few business days), you can contact the DMV to request reinstatement. You will also owe a reinstatement fee, which is $50 for most suspensions in North Carolina.
Suspensions related to child support arrears
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) initiated the suspension, not the DMV. You must contact DHHS directly to resolve the arrearage. Call the Child Support Enforcement section at 1-800-992-9996 or visit your local DHHS office.
Work with DHHS to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once DHHS confirms that you have resolved the issue (either through full payment or an approved arrangement), they will notify the DMV to lift the suspension. This process typically takes one to two weeks after DHHS receives confirmation of your payment or agreement.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date and your license was suspended as a result, you must contact the courthouse where you were supposed to appear. Explain that you missed the date and ask what you need to do to clear the failure to appear. In many cases, you can reschedule the hearing by phone or mail without returning to court in person.
Once you have rescheduled or resolved the original charge, the court will notify the DMV. After the DMV receives that notification, you can request reinstatement and pay the $50 reinstatement fee. If you are still facing criminal charges related to the missed appearance, resolve those first — the DMV will not reinstate your license while an active warrant exists.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
North Carolina suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 12 or more points within a three-year period. Points are assigned based on traffic violations — for example, speeding 10 miles over the limit is 2 points, and reckless driving is 4 points. If you have reached this threshold, your license is suspended for 60 days for a first offense, 12 months for a second offense within five years, and permanently for a third offense within five years.
You cannot shorten a points-based suspension by paying a fee. You must wait out the suspension period. After the suspension period ends, contact the DMV to request reinstatement. You will need to pay a $50 reinstatement fee and may be required to pass a written driving test or vision test, depending on how long your license was suspended.
Suspensions for DWI convictions
A DWI conviction in North Carolina results in a mandatory license revocation (not just suspension), and the length depends on whether it is your first offense and whether you caused injury or property damage. A first-offense DWI typically results in a one-year revocation. Before you can reinstate your license, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment, and you must serve the full revocation period.
After the revocation period ends, contact the DMV and provide proof that you have completed the required assessment and any treatment. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 for DWI-related revocations) and may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period. The DMV will give you specific instructions based on your conviction details.
The reinstatement fee and final steps
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you will owe a reinstatement fee. For most suspensions, this fee is $50. For DWI-related revocations, it is typically $100. Some suspensions have additional fees depending on the reason — for example, if your license was suspended for driving with a revoked license, the fee may be higher.
You can pay the reinstatement fee at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the NC DMV website. After you pay, the DMV will process your reinstatement, which usually takes one to three business days. You will receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Some people choose to visit a DMV office in person to may support the reinstatement is complete before they drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my license is still suspended?
Contact the NC DMV at 919-715-7000 or visit the DMV website to check your driving record. You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask an employee to look up your status. Having your driver's license number ready will speed up the process.
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in North Carolina and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will face charges even if you are working to resolve the original suspension.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed?
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the courthouse and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. For child support arrears, DHHS also offers payment plans. Ask about these options before assuming you cannot move forward.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
It depends on the reason for suspension and how long it was suspended. For most suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your suspension was for points accumulation and lasted longer than a year, or if it was DWI-related, the DMV may require a written or vision test. The DMV will tell you what is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take after I resolve the issue?
Once you have resolved the underlying reason (paid fines, completed treatment, waited out the suspension period), the reinstatement process itself usually takes one to three business days after you pay the reinstatement fee. Some reasons, like child support, may take longer because the agency that initiated the suspension must notify the DMV first.