You can suspend your own license by requesting it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, but the process and reasons vary by state
A voluntary suspension is different from a suspension imposed by a court or the DMV for violations. You initiate it yourself, usually by visiting your local DMV office or submitting a written request. The most common reasons people request suspension are to avoid insurance costs while not driving, to prevent accumulating violations during a period when they cannot drive safely, or to comply with a personal decision to stop driving temporarily.
Not every state offers a straightforward voluntary suspension process. Some states allow you to straightforward request it; others require you to surrender your physical license and may charge a fee to reinstate it later. A few states do not have a formal voluntary suspension option and instead recommend letting your license expire or requesting a non-driver ID. Before you contact your DMV, check your state's specific rules on their website or by calling their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Voluntary suspension is a request you make to your state DMV, not something imposed on you for a violation or unpaid fine.
- The process differs by state — some allow suspension by mail or online, while others require you to visit an office in person and surrender your license.
- You will typically need to bring or mail your current license, a completed form specific to your state, and sometimes a fee.
- Reinstating your license after suspension usually costs less than renewing an expired license, but timelines and fees vary by state.
- If your state does not offer voluntary suspension, you may be able to request a non-driver ID or straightforward let your license expire instead.
Why you might request a voluntary suspension
The most practical reason is insurance savings. If you own a car but do not plan to drive it for several months, suspending your license can sometimes help you document non-use to your insurance company, though this varies by insurer and state. Some people suspend to avoid the temptation to drive during a period when they are medically unable to do so safely, such as after surgery or while managing a health condition.
A voluntary suspension also creates a clear record that you chose not to drive during a specific time. This can matter if you are concerned about accumulating violations or if you want to show a court or insurance company that you took deliberate steps to stay off the road. It does not erase past violations, but it demonstrates intent going forward.
How to request suspension in your state
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "voluntary suspension" or "request to suspend license." Most states have a dedicated form — often called a Request for License Suspension or Voluntary Surrender form — that you can read or request by mail. Read the form carefully, because some states ask you to specify a reason, while others do not.
The typical steps are: obtain the form from your DMV website or office, fill it out completely with your name, license number, and date of birth, and either mail it with your physical license or bring both to a local DMV office. Some states now allow you to request suspension online through their portal if you have a login. A few states charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) to process the suspension; others do not. Call your DMV before you submit to confirm whether a fee applies and whether you need to include payment with your form.
Processing time usually ranges from one to four weeks. You will receive written confirmation that your suspension is in effect. Keep this confirmation letter, because you will need it to reinstate your license later.
What happens to your license during suspension
Your license remains valid for identification purposes in most states, but you are legally prohibited from driving. Driving with a suspended license — even a voluntarily suspended one — is a violation and can result in a fine or criminal charge depending on your state. Some states ask you to physically surrender your license when you request suspension; others allow you to keep it but mark it as suspended in their system.
If your state requires you to surrender your license, you will receive a temporary paper permit or receipt showing your suspension is in effect. Use this as your proof of suspension if you need to show it to an insurance company or other party. Your state's DMV database will reflect the suspension, so law enforcement can see it if you are stopped.
Reinstating your license after suspension
To reinstate, contact your DMV and request reinstatement of your voluntarily suspended license. You will need your confirmation letter from the suspension request and sometimes a small reinstatement fee (typically $10 to $25, though this varies). If you surrendered your physical license, you will need to renew it at the same time, which may involve an additional fee and a new photo.
Reinstatement is usually faster than a full renewal — often completed in one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail. Some states allow you to reinstate online if you have an account on their DMV portal. Check your state's website for the current process and any fees before you contact them.
States without a formal voluntary suspension option
A handful of states do not offer a straightforward voluntary suspension process. In these cases, your options are to let your license expire naturally (which means you will need to renew it to drive again) or to request a non-driver ID card instead. A non-driver ID serves as a valid form of identification but does not permit you to drive, and it typically costs less than a license renewal.
If your state does not have a voluntary suspension form on its DMV website, call the DMV directly and ask whether you can request suspension by phone or mail, or whether a non-driver ID is the better option for your situation. Some states' customer service representatives can process a verbal request and mail you confirmation.
How voluntary suspension affects your driving record
A voluntary suspension does not appear on your driving record as a violation or infraction. It is a status change in the DMV system, separate from your record of tickets, accidents, or other violations. Insurance companies can see that your license is suspended, but they typically view a voluntary suspension more favorably than a suspension imposed for a violation.
If you are concerned about how suspension might affect your insurance rates or your ability to reinstate your license later, contact your insurance company before you request suspension. Some insurers have specific policies about suspended licenses and may adjust your coverage or rates accordingly. After reinstatement, your license status returns to active, and the suspension itself does not create a permanent mark on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during a voluntary suspension?
No. A voluntarily suspended license carries the same legal restriction as any other suspension — driving is prohibited. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, even though you requested the suspension yourself.
Will a voluntary suspension lower my insurance rates?
Not automatically. Some insurers may offer a discount if you document that you are not using your vehicle and have suspended your license, but this depends on your policy and insurer. Contact your insurance company to ask about non-use discounts before you suspend.
How long can I keep my license suspended?
Most states allow you to keep a license suspended indefinitely, but you will eventually need to renew it. Check your state's rules, because some states require reinstatement within a certain period or charge a higher fee if reinstatement is delayed beyond a set time.
What if I need to drive before my reinstatement is complete?
You cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is processed and your license status changes back to active in the DMV system. If you need to drive urgently, contact your DMV to ask about expedited reinstatement or whether you can request reinstatement before your suspension period ends.
Do I need a reason to request a voluntary suspension?
Most states do not require you to provide a reason. Some forms ask for one, but it is usually optional. If a reason is required, common acceptable reasons include medical inability to drive, temporary relocation, or personal choice. Call your DMV if you are unsure whether your reason will be accepted.