How to restore your suspended North Carolina license
To get your suspended license back in North Carolina, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspends licenses for different causes: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions, or accumulating too many points. Each path to restoration is different, and some require you to contact a court or agency other than the DMV.
Start by calling the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visiting an NC DMV office in person with your driver's license or ID. Tell them your name and date of birth, and they will tell you the specific reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Write down the reason and any case or ticket number they give you — you will need this information to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV will not restore your license until the reason for suspension is resolved, so your first step is calling 919-715-7000 to learn why it was suspended.
- If the suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the court that issued the ticket, not the DMV.
- If the suspension is for failure to appear in court, you must contact the court listed on your paperwork and resolve the case before the DMV can lift the suspension.
- Once the underlying reason is cleared, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV and request a new license.
- Some suspensions require a medical evaluation or a hearing before restoration is possible.
Suspensions for 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 court that issued the ticket. The DMV does not collect these payments — only the court can clear this type of suspension. Call the courthouse in the county where you received the ticket and ask for the traffic or criminal division. Give them your case number (which the DMV should have provided) and ask how much you owe and where to send payment.
You can usually pay by phone, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify the DMV electronically, and your suspension will be lifted within one to three business days. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court about a payment plan — many courts will work with you on a schedule rather than hold your license hostage.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date. To clear this, you must contact the court that issued the suspension and resolve the underlying case. Call the courthouse in the county where the case is pending and explain that you missed your court date. The court will either reschedule you or, in some cases, allow you to resolve the matter by phone or mail if the charge is minor.
Once you appear in court or the case is resolved, the court will lift the suspension and notify the DMV. This process can take several weeks depending on how busy the court is and whether you need to appear in person. If you are unsure which courthouse to contact, the DMV can provide the county and case number.
Suspensions for child support arrears
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services. They manage child support enforcement and will tell you the amount owed and your options for payment. You can call the local child support office in your county or contact the state office at 1-800-992-9996.
Once you make a payment arrangement or pay what is owed, the Division of Social Services will notify the DMV, and your suspension will be lifted. Some arrangements allow you to get a limited license to drive to work or court while you are paying down arrears — ask the child support office whether this option is available to you.
Suspensions for medical reasons or point accumulation
If your license was suspended because of a medical condition, you will need to provide medical documentation showing that the condition no longer prevents you from driving safely. Contact the DMV to learn what type of evaluation or letter from a doctor is required. You may need to visit your physician and have them complete a specific DMV form.
If your suspension is for accumulating too many points on your driving record, the suspension is automatic and will be lifted after a set period — usually 12 months for a first suspension. During this time, you cannot drive. Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement from the DMV. Some point-based suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course before the DMV will restore your license.
Paying the reinstatement fee and requesting a new license
Once the reason for your suspension has been cleared, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV. As of 2024, this fee is $100 for most suspensions, though it may vary depending on the type of suspension. You can pay this fee at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website.
After you pay the reinstatement fee, you can request a new license. You will need to visit a DMV office in person and bring your ID or passport, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card. The DMV will issue you a new license on the spot, though you may be able to renew by mail if you have a valid ID and meet other requirements.
What to do if you cannot locate your paperwork
If you do not have the ticket, court paperwork, or case number, the DMV can still help you find this information. When you call 919-715-7000 or visit an office, provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. The DMV will search their records and tell you the reason for suspension and the court or agency involved.
If the suspension is very old and records have been archived, it may take longer to locate the information. In this case, ask the DMV whether you can request a hearing to dispute the suspension or whether there is an alternative path to reinstatement. Some very old suspensions can be cleared through a formal request to the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I resolve the suspension?
Once the underlying reason is cleared and you pay the reinstatement fee, the DMV usually lifts the suspension within one to three business days. If you pay in person at a DMV office, you can receive your new license the same day. If you pay by mail, allow one to two weeks for processing.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in North Carolina and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you have a genuine hardship, some courts will issue a limited license for work or medical appointments — contact the court that suspended your license to ask about this option.
What if I paid the fine but my license is still suspended?
The court and DMV communicate electronically, but this can take one to three business days. If more than three days have passed since you paid, call the court to confirm they received your payment and ask them to contact the DMV directly. Keep your receipt from payment as proof.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license back?
For most suspensions, you do not need a lawyer. You can contact the court or agency directly and resolve the issue yourself. However, if the underlying case is complex or you are unsure how to proceed, a lawyer can help you navigate the process and may be able to negotiate a payment plan or reduced fees.
Can I get a hardship or limited license while my suspension is active?
Some suspensions allow for a limited license for work, school, or medical treatment. Contact the court or agency that suspended your license and ask whether a limited license is available. The DMV can also provide information about hardship license options when you call.