Virginia suspends and revokes licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles, not Fairfax County
Fairfax County does not reinstate driver licenses. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only agency that can restore your driving privileges. If your license was suspended or revoked in Virginia, you must work with the state DMV, not any county office.
The reason for the suspension or revocation determines what you must do to get your license back. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, driving under the influence, or not paying child support. Each path to reinstatement is different.
If you live or work in Fairfax County, you can visit a local DMV office to start the reinstatement process, but the decision and approval come from the state level. The Fairfax County DMV office is located at 4010 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, and handles transactions for residents in that area.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia DMV, not Fairfax County, suspends, revokes, and reinstates driver licenses.
- You must first find out why your license was suspended or revoked, because each reason has its own reinstatement steps.
- You can check your license status and the reason for suspension online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling 1-804-367-0538.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or court costs before the DMV will restore your license.
- The Fairfax County DMV office can help you submit documents and pay fees, but cannot make the final reinstatement decision.
How to find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the specific reason. The Virginia DMV maintains your suspension or revocation record and can tell you what triggered it. You have several ways to find this information.
Call the Virginia DMV at 1-804-367-0538 during business hours. Have your driver license number or Social Security number ready. The staff can tell you the reason for suspension, any fines or court costs owed, and what steps you must take to reinstate.
You can also check online through the Virginia DMV website at dmvnow.com. Log in with your driver license number and date of birth to view your driving record and suspension status. This shows the reason code and any associated fines or fees.
If you received a notice in the mail from the DMV or a court, that document usually explains the reason and lists what you owe. Keep any court documents, traffic citations, or DMV correspondence you have received.
Reinstatement for unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or restitution, you must pay what you owe before the DMV will reinstate. The amount owed may include the original fine, court processing fees, and a reinstatement fee charged by the DMV.
Contact the court that issued the citation to confirm the exact amount owed. In Fairfax County, traffic cases are handled by the Fairfax County District Court. You can call the court clerk's office or check online through the Virginia court system website at courts.state.va.us.
Once you have paid the fine and court costs, the court sends notice to the DMV. The DMV then processes your reinstatement. This can take one to two weeks after payment is received. You do not need to visit the DMV office in person for this type of reinstatement, though you will need to pay the reinstatement fee.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. The DMV will not reinstate your license until the court confirms full payment or an approved plan is in place.
Reinstatement after suspension for points or moving violations
Virginia uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, the DMV suspends your license. The number of points that trigger suspension depends on your age and driving history.
For a standard suspension due to points, you must wait out a suspension period set by the DMV. This period is usually 30 to 90 days, depending on how many points you had. During this time, you cannot drive legally.
After the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement from the DMV. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies but is typically between $100 and $200. You can pay this fee at any DMV office, by mail, or online through dmvnow.com.
Some point suspensions require you to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. The DMV notice you received will state whether this is required. If it is, you must complete the course and provide proof to the DMV before your license is restored.
Reinstatement after a DUI or reckless driving conviction
A suspension or revocation for driving under the influence or reckless driving follows stricter rules than other violations. These cases often require court involvement and may involve an ignition interlock device.
For a first DUI offense, Virginia law requires a mandatory minimum suspension period. You cannot reinstate your license until that period has passed. The court that convicted you will have set this period, and the DMV will have a record of it.
Before reinstatement, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The court order will specify whether this is required and for how long.
You must also pay the reinstatement fee and any court costs. Some DUI cases require you to show proof of completion of a substance abuse program or counseling. Contact the court that handled your case to confirm all requirements before you attempt to reinstate.
Reinstatement for failure to appear or child support issues
If your license was suspended because you failed to appear in court for a traffic case, you must resolve that court matter first. This means either appearing in court, paying the fine, or working out an arrangement with the court.
Contact the Fairfax County District Court to find out what case is outstanding and what the court requires. You may be able to resolve it by phone or mail, or you may need to appear in person. Once the court matter is resolved, notify the DMV and pay the reinstatement fee.
If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, the suspension is handled by the Virginia Department of Social Services, not the DMV directly. You must work with the child support enforcement office to bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once child support is current, the enforcement office notifies the DMV, and you can reinstate by paying the reinstatement fee.
For child support reinstatement, contact the Fairfax County Department of Family Services at 703-324-7000 to confirm your status and what is owed.
Steps to complete reinstatement at a Fairfax County DMV office
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension — paid fines, completed a course, or satisfied court requirements — you can complete the reinstatement process. You can do this in person at the Fairfax County DMV office or by mail.
If you go in person, bring your current identification, your driver license (if you have it), proof that you have resolved the suspension reason (court receipt, course completion certificate, or child support payment confirmation), and payment for the reinstatement fee. The office is located at 4010 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Hours and wait times vary; check dmvnow.com for current information.
You can also mail your reinstatement request and payment to the Virginia DMV. Include a completed reinstatement form (available on dmvnow.com), a copy of your identification, proof of resolution, and the reinstatement fee. Mail to the address provided on the form. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service, usually two to four weeks.
After the DMV processes your reinstatement and approves it, your license is restored. You will receive a new license by mail if you applied by mail, or you can receive it when ready if you applied in person. You can then legally drive again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Virginia?
The reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. You may also owe the original fine, court costs, or other fees related to the violation. Call the Virginia DMV at 1-804-367-0538 to find out the exact total amount you owe.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a work permit?
Virginia does not issue work permits or restricted licenses for most suspensions. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally, even to work. The only exception is a restricted license for certain DUI cases, which the court must order. Contact the court that handled your case to ask about this option.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay what I owe?
If you pay in person at a DMV office, reinstatement can be processed the same day. If you pay by mail or online, it usually takes one to two weeks for the DMV to process and restore your license. During this time, your license is still suspended.
What if I moved out of Virginia but still have a Virginia license?
You can still reinstate your Virginia license even if you no longer live in the state. You can pay the reinstatement fee and submit documents by mail to the Virginia DMV. However, if you now live in another state, you may want to get a license from your new state instead and let your Virginia license remain inactive.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatements. The process is straightforward: resolve the reason for suspension, pay the fee, and submit your request to the DMV. If your suspension is tied to a criminal case or you are unsure about court requirements, speaking with a lawyer may help clarify what you owe.