What you need to do to get your Connecticut license back

To reinstate a suspended Connecticut driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. The Connecticut DMV suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many points from violations. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.

Start by contacting the Connecticut DMV directly to learn the specific reason for your suspension. You can call the DMV at 860-263-5700, visit a DMV office in person, or check your status online through the Connecticut DMV website. Once you know the reason, you'll know what steps come next — whether that's paying a fine, clearing a court issue, or submitting medical documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Connecticut DMV by phone, in person, or online to find out exactly why your license was suspended.
  • Different suspension reasons require different actions: paying fines, resolving court matters, clearing child support arrears, or providing medical clearance.
  • Once you've resolved the underlying issue, you'll pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $150) and submit proof to the DMV.
  • Processing time is usually one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed reinstatement request.

Suspension for unpaid fines or traffic violations

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the fine — the DMV can tell you which court — and ask what payment methods they accept. Many Connecticut courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.

Once you've paid, ask the court for a receipt or confirmation letter showing the debt is cleared. Bring this proof to a DMV office or mail it with your reinstatement request form (Form DL-43). The DMV will process your reinstatement after confirming payment with the court.

Suspension for failure to appear in court

If you missed a court date, your license was suspended until you resolve the underlying case. You must contact the court that issued the suspension and either appear for the missed hearing or work with the court to reschedule. Some courts allow you to call ahead; others require you to appear in person.

Once the court matter is resolved — whether you appear, pay a fine, or reach another resolution — the court will notify the DMV. However, it's wise to follow up with the DMV yourself after 5 to 7 business days to confirm the suspension has been lifted. If it hasn't, bring documentation from the court showing the case is closed.

Suspension for child support arrears

Connecticut suspends licenses when child support payments fall behind. To reinstate, you must work with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) or the court handling your child support case. Contact DSS at 1-800-228-5437 or the family court that ordered support to learn how much you owe and what payment plan options exist.

You don't necessarily have to pay the entire arrearage at once — DSS may set up a payment plan. Once you've made an agreed-upon payment or established a plan in writing, DSS will notify the DMV to lift the suspension. This process typically takes one to two weeks after DSS sends the clearance to the DMV.

Suspension for medical reasons

Medical suspensions happen when the DMV has concerns about your ability to drive safely — for example, after a seizure, serious injury, or certain medical conditions. To reinstate, you'll need to submit medical documentation from your doctor stating you're safe to drive. The form you need is the "Medical Examination Report" (Form DL-43M), which your doctor completes.

Submit the completed medical form to the DMV along with your reinstatement request. The DMV's medical review unit will examine it, and you'll receive a decision by mail within two to three weeks. If approved, your license will be reinstated. If the DMV needs more information, they'll contact you.

The reinstatement fee and final steps

Once you've resolved the reason for suspension, you'll pay a reinstatement fee. In Connecticut, this fee is typically $100 to $150, depending on the type of suspension. You can pay by cash, check, or card at any DMV office, or by mail if you're submitting your reinstatement request by post.

Submit your reinstatement request form (Form DL-43) along with proof that you've resolved the underlying issue and your fee payment to the DMV. You can do this in person at any DMV office or by mail to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Keep a copy of everything you send. The DMV will process your request and mail you a new license or notification of reinstatement within one to two weeks.

What to do if your suspension is still active after reinstatement

Sometimes the DMV's records don't update when ready after you've resolved the issue. If you've paid fines, cleared a court matter, or submitted medical documentation but your license still shows as suspended, contact the DMV again with proof of what you've done. Bring receipts, court documents, or letters from DSS showing the matter is resolved.

The DMV can manually verify your status and process your reinstatement on the spot at an office, or they can escalate your case if there's a delay in their system. Don't drive with a suspended license while waiting for confirmation — the suspension remains in effect until the DMV officially lifts it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does reinstatement take after I've resolved the problem?

Processing time is usually one to two weeks after the DMV receives your completed reinstatement request and proof that the underlying issue is resolved. If you submit everything in person at a DMV office, you may receive confirmation the same day, though your physical license will still arrive by mail.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially lifts the suspension. Driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties and can result in additional fines or jail time. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV before driving.

What if I can't pay the full fine right away?

Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about payment plans. Many Connecticut courts allow you to set up installment payments. Once you've arranged a plan in writing, some courts will notify the DMV to lift the suspension while you pay over time, though this varies by court.

Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. You only need to resolve the reason for suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has expired during the suspension period, you may need to renew it, which could involve a vision test.

Where do I find the reinstatement form?

Form DL-43 is available on the Connecticut DMV website, at any DMV office, or by calling 860-263-5700. You can also mail a written request to the DMV address listed above if you prefer not to use the form.