Virginia reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Virginia driver's license ranges from $145 to $500, depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $145. A suspension for a drug conviction or DUI costs $500. If your license was suspended for accumulating too many points, the fee is $145. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) charges these fees when you submit your reinstatement request.

Beyond the reinstatement fee itself, you may owe other money before the DMV will process your request. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid court fines or restitution, you must pay those amounts first — the DMV will not reinstate you until the court confirms payment. If your suspension was for a drug or alcohol conviction, you may also need to pay for a substance abuse assessment and any treatment the assessment recommends.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees in Virginia range from $145 for traffic violations to $500 for drug or DUI convictions.
  • You must pay any outstanding court fines or restitution before the DMV will process your reinstatement request.
  • Some suspensions require you to complete a substance abuse assessment and pay for any recommended treatment before reinstatement.
  • You submit your reinstatement request to the Virginia DMV in person, by mail, or online through the DMV website.

How to find out your specific reinstatement fee

The fastest way to learn your exact fee is to contact the Virginia DMV directly. Call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 or visit a local DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The DMV staff can tell you the reason for your suspension and the exact amount you owe.

You can also check your suspension status online through the Virginia DMV website. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Check License Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The website will show whether your license is suspended and the reason, though it may not display the exact reinstatement fee — calling the DMV is more reliable for that number.

What you need to submit for reinstatement

To reinstate your license, you will need to complete a reinstatement request form and submit it with your fee. The form is called the "process for Reinstatement of Driving Privilege" (Form DL-44). You can read it from the DMV website, pick one up at a local DMV office, or request one by mail.

Along with the form and your fee, bring or mail a valid form of identification — your passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. If your suspension was for a drug conviction, you will also need to provide proof that you completed a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment. The DMV will not process your reinstatement without this documentation.

Where to submit your reinstatement request

You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request. The fastest is in person at a Virginia DMV office. Bring your completed form, your fee (cash, check, or debit card), and your identification. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you can walk out with a temporary license while your permanent one is mailed to you.

You can also mail your request to the Virginia DMV. Include your completed form, a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, and a copy of your identification. Mail it to the address listed on the DMV website for your region. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Some reinstatement requests can be submitted online through dmvnow.com, but only if your suspension was for certain traffic violations and you have no outstanding court fines. Check the website to see if your situation qualifies for online reinstatement.

Additional costs you may encounter

If your suspension was for a drug or alcohol conviction, Virginia law requires you to complete a substance abuse assessment before reinstatement. The assessment itself costs between $100 and $300, depending on the provider. If the assessment recommends treatment, you will need to pay for that as well — costs vary widely depending on the type and length of treatment.

If you need a new physical license card because yours was suspended or expired during the suspension period, the DMV charges $20 for a replacement. If you want to renew your license at the same time you reinstate it, that costs an additional $40 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal.

What happens after you submit your reinstatement request

Once the DMV receives your request and fee, they will verify that you have paid any outstanding court fines and completed any required assessments or treatment. This verification step usually takes one to two weeks. If everything is in order, the DMV will mail your reinstated license to the address on file.

If you submitted your request in person at a DMV office, you will receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being mailed. If you submitted by mail or online, you will not have a temporary license, so plan accordingly.

If the DMV finds that you still owe court fines or have not completed required treatment, they will send you a notice explaining what is missing. You will need to resolve those issues and resubmit your request before reinstatement can be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a suspended license while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Virginia and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. If you submitted your request in person at a DMV office, you will receive a temporary license valid for 45 days. If you submitted by mail, you cannot drive legally until your reinstated license arrives.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

The Virginia DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was triggered by unpaid court fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court. Contact the court that issued the fine to ask about payment options. Once you have paid the court fine, you can then pay the DMV reinstatement fee.

How long does reinstatement take if I submit in person?

If you submit your request in person at a DMV office and everything is in order, the DMV will process it when ready and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If documents are missing or court fines are unpaid, processing will be delayed.

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

No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. However, if your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it, which may require a vision test at the DMV office.