What suspending your license means and why you might do it
Suspending your license in Virginia means you voluntarily ask the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take your driving privileges off the road for a set period. This is different from a suspension imposed by the court or DMV for violations — you are requesting it yourself. People suspend licenses for several reasons: they are moving out of state and do not need to drive, they want to avoid insurance costs while a vehicle sits unused, they are dealing with a medical condition that makes driving unsafe, or they need a break from driving for personal reasons.
The process is straightforward and takes place entirely through the Virginia DMV. You do not need a lawyer, and there is no court hearing. Once your suspension is approved, your license becomes inactive. You can reactivate it later by requesting reinstatement, though you will need to pay a reinstatement fee and meet any conditions the DMV sets.
Key Takeaways
- You request a voluntary suspension by contacting the Virginia DMV in person, by mail, or through their website, and providing your driver's license number and reason for suspension.
- The DMV will confirm your suspension in writing and issue you a document showing your license is suspended — keep this in case you are stopped by police.
- While suspended, you cannot legally drive, but you do not have to pay vehicle registration or insurance on a car you are not using.
- Reactivating your license requires a reinstatement fee (currently $20 in Virginia, though this may vary) and a request submitted to the DMV.
- A voluntary suspension does not appear on your driving record as a violation and will not affect your insurance rates or future license renewal.
How to request a suspension through the Virginia DMV
Start by contacting the Virginia DMV directly. You have three options: visit a DMV office in person, mail a written request, or use the DMV's online services if you have a valid Virginia driver's license and a way to verify your identity. The fastest route is usually in person, because you can hand over your physical license and receive confirmation the same day.
If you go in person, bring your driver's license and a form of identification. Tell the DMV representative you want to suspend your license voluntarily. They will ask why you are suspending it — this is informational only and does not disqualify you. Fill out the suspension request form (the DMV will provide it), sign it, and submit your license. The DMV will keep your license and issue you a suspension confirmation document. This document proves your license is suspended if you are stopped while driving someone else's car or riding in a vehicle.
If you mail your request, send a letter to your local DMV office that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief statement that you are requesting a voluntary suspension. Include your current mailing address. Mail your original driver's license with the letter. The DMV will process it within one to two weeks and send you a confirmation letter and a suspension document by mail. Keep both documents in a safe place.
What happens after you suspend your license
Once the DMV approves your suspension, your license becomes inactive when ready. You cannot legally drive any vehicle, even if you own it or someone else gives you permission. Driving with a suspended license — even voluntarily — is a criminal offense in Virginia and can result in fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your driving record.
However, a voluntary suspension does not count as a violation or infraction. It will not appear on your driving record as a negative mark, and it will not affect your insurance rates or your ability to renew your license later. Insurance companies do not penalize voluntary suspensions the way they do traffic violations or accidents.
You can still own a vehicle while your license is suspended. If you do, you do not have to register it or carry insurance on it during the suspension period — though if you plan to drive it again later, you will need to re-register and insure it before you reactivate your license. Some people suspend their licenses specifically to avoid these costs while a car sits unused.
How long a suspension lasts and when you can drive again
You decide how long your suspension lasts when you request it. You can suspend your license for one month, six months, one year, or any other period you choose. Tell the DMV how long you want the suspension to last when you submit your request. The DMV will note this on your suspension confirmation document.
Your suspension ends automatically on the date you specified. You do not have to do anything on that date — your license straightforward becomes active again. However, if you want to drive before the suspension period ends, you must request early reinstatement from the DMV. This requires submitting a reinstatement request and paying a reinstatement fee (currently $20 in Virginia, though fees can change). The DMV will process your reinstatement request within a few business days, and you can resume driving once it is approved.
Reinstatement: getting your license back before the suspension ends
If your circumstances change and you need to drive before your suspension period is over, contact the Virginia DMV and request early reinstatement. You can do this in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee, which is currently $20 (though you should confirm the current fee with the DMV, as it may have changed).
When you reinstate, the DMV will reactivate your license and return it to you or mail it to your address on file. If you suspended your license because of a medical condition and that condition has improved, the DMV may ask for a medical clearance form from your doctor before approving reinstatement. If you suspended it for other reasons, reinstatement is usually automatic once the fee is paid.
Keep your suspension confirmation document until your license is reactivated. If you are stopped by police during your suspension period and cannot show proof that your suspension is voluntary, you could face charges for driving with a suspended license. The confirmation document protects you by proving the suspension was your choice, not a court or DMV penalty.
What to do if you are stopped by police while suspended
If a police officer stops you while your license is suspended, stay calm and be honest. Tell the officer your license is voluntarily suspended and show them your suspension confirmation document. A voluntary suspension is not a criminal matter, and the officer should not arrest you or issue a citation based on the suspension alone.
However, if you were actually driving a vehicle, that is a different situation. Driving while your license is suspended — even voluntarily — is illegal in Virginia. If the officer determines you were driving, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a Class 3 misdemeanor. This charge carries fines up to $500 and possible jail time. This is why it is critical not to drive during your suspension period, even for short trips or emergencies.
If you are charged with driving with a suspended license, contact a criminal defense attorney. The fact that your suspension was voluntary may be a mitigating factor, but it does not eliminate the charge. An attorney can review the circumstances and advise you on your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I suspend my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Virginia allows you to suspend your license even if you have outstanding traffic tickets or fines, but the DMV may place a hold on your license for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or taxes). Before you request a suspension, contact the DMV to confirm there are no holds on your record that would prevent it.
Will a voluntary suspension affect my insurance rates when I reinstate?
No. A voluntary suspension does not appear on your driving record as a violation, so insurance companies will not see it or use it to raise your rates. Your rates may change for other reasons (age, location, vehicle type), but not because of a voluntary suspension.
What if I move out of state while my license is suspended?
You can request reinstatement from out of state by mail or through the DMV website. You will still need to pay the reinstatement fee. Once your Virginia license is reactivated, you can explore for a license in your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Virginia license; others require you to take a new written test.
Can I suspend my license if I am under 18?
Yes, but you may need a parent or guardian to sign the suspension request. Contact your local DMV office to confirm the requirements for minors in your area, as they vary by location.
Do I have to notify my insurance company if I suspend my license?
You should notify your insurance company that your license is suspended, especially if you are not driving your vehicle. Some insurers will lower your premium during the suspension period, and others may require you to formally suspend your policy. Keeping your insurer informed prevents billing disputes and ensures your coverage is clear.