Check your license status directly through Virginia DMV

The fastest way to learn about your Virginia license is suspended is to check the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website yourself. You can look up your status without calling or visiting an office, and you'll get an answer in minutes.

Go to dmvnow.com (the official Virginia DMV site) and select "License Status Check" from the menu. You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If it's suspended, the page will show you the reason — unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or another cause.

If you don't have your license number handy, you can also call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538. A representative can look up your status over the phone, though wait times vary by time of day. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.
  • The most common reasons for suspension in Virginia are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, and medical suspensions ordered by a doctor.
  • Once you resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, arranging child support, or getting medical clearance — you must formally request reinstatement through the DMV.

Common reasons your Virginia license gets suspended

Virginia suspends licenses for specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you have to do to get it back. The DMV website will show the reason when you check your status.

Unpaid traffic fines or court costs are the most frequent cause. If you received a ticket, were convicted, and didn't pay the fine or court costs by the due date, the court reports this to the DMV and your license is suspended. You must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket, not the DMV.

Failure to pay child support is another common trigger. The Virginia Department of Social Services reports non-payment to the DMV, which suspends your license automatically. You'll need to contact your local child support enforcement office or the obligor to arrange payment or a payment plan.

Medical suspension happens when a doctor or hospital reports to the DMV that you have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe — seizures, loss of consciousness, severe vision problems, or similar issues. You cannot drive until a doctor clears you and you submit that clearance to the DMV.

Other reasons include failure to maintain car insurance, too many points on your driving record, driving without a valid license, or suspension ordered by another state that Virginia recognizes.

What to do if your license is suspended

Once you know why your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. The DMV website or phone representative will tell you which agency or court you need to contact.

If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court listed on your suspension notice. Ask what the exact balance is and whether you can pay by phone, online, or mail. Some courts allow payment plans. Once the court receives full payment, they notify the DMV, but this can take several business days. Do not assume your license is reinstated when ready after you pay — check the DMV website again a few days later to confirm.

If the suspension is due to child support, call your local child support enforcement office (you can find the number through the Virginia Department of Social Services website). They can tell you the exact amount owed and discuss payment options. Like court fines, the DMV is notified after payment is received, but reinstatement is not automatic or when ready.

If the suspension is medical, you must see a doctor and get written clearance that you are safe to drive. Some suspensions require clearance from a specific type of doctor — a neurologist for seizure disorders, an ophthalmologist for vision problems. Submit the clearance form directly to the DMV. The form is available on dmvnow.com under "Medical Evaluation".

How to request reinstatement after resolving the issue

Resolving the underlying problem — paying the fine, arranging child support, or getting medical clearance — does not automatically reinstate your license. You must formally request reinstatement from the DMV.

You can request reinstatement online at dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at any DMV customer service center. Online is fastest. You'll need to provide proof that you've resolved the issue: a receipt showing payment, a letter from child support enforcement confirming the debt is paid or a plan is in place, or a medical clearance form signed by your doctor.

There is a reinstatement fee of $145 for most suspensions. Some suspensions have different fees — check the DMV website for your specific situation. You can pay this fee when you request reinstatement.

After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the DMV processes it within one to three business days. You'll receive a letter confirming your license is reinstated. You do not need a new physical license card unless yours has expired for other reasons.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Virginia is a crime. If you're stopped by police, you face a fine of $100 to $500, possible jail time (up to 60 days for a first offense), and additional court costs. A second offense within ten years carries steeper penalties.

Beyond legal consequences, driving on a suspended license can complicate reinstatement. Some courts and agencies view it as a sign you're not taking the suspension seriously, which can delay your case or result in additional fines. Your car can also be impounded, and your insurance company may cancel your policy if they learn you were driving illegally.

If your license is suspended, arrange a ride, use public transportation, or ask someone else to drive until your reinstatement is complete. The suspension is temporary, and the consequences of ignoring it are much more expensive and time-consuming than resolving it.

Checking your status if you're out of state

If you live outside Virginia but hold a Virginia license, you can still check your status online at dmvnow.com or by phone at 804-367-0538. The process is the same. If your license is suspended, you'll need to resolve the issue and request reinstatement through the same channels, even if you're not in Virginia.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with Virginia, meaning a suspension in one state may affect your driving privileges in the other. If you've moved to another state and your Virginia license is suspended, check with your new state's DMV to see whether the suspension applies there as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension last if I don't fix it?

A suspension remains in effect indefinitely until you resolve the underlying issue and request reinstatement. There is no automatic expiration date. The longer you wait, the more likely additional fines or penalties will accumulate, especially if the suspension is due to unpaid court costs or child support.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Virginia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines and you can show financial hardship, you may petition the court for a payment plan or reduced fine. Contact the court that issued the suspension to ask about your options. Medical suspensions cannot be waived with a hardship license.

Will my insurance know my license is suspended?

Your insurance company can see your driving record, including suspensions, through the DMV database. If they discover your license is suspended and you continue to pay premiums, they may cancel your policy. If you're in an accident while your license is suspended, your insurance will likely deny your claim. Tell your insurance company about the suspension and ask whether you should suspend your policy temporarily.

What if I think the suspension is a mistake?

If you believe your license was suspended in error, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit a customer service center with documentation supporting your position. For example, if you believe you paid a fine but the court didn't report it, bring your receipt. If the suspension is due to a court order you believe is wrong, you may need to contact the court directly or consult a lawyer about contesting the order.

Do I need to take a test to get my license back after reinstatement?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not retake the written or driving test unless your license has expired for reasons unrelated to the suspension. If your license expired while it was suspended, you'll need to renew it through the normal process, which may include testing depending on how long it's been expired.