What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in Massachusetts, you must first contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. The reason for suspension determines what you do next — some suspensions require you to pay a fine, others require you to complete a program or provide proof of insurance, and some require all three. Once you have completed the required steps, you submit proof to the RMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and your license becomes valid again.
The RMV does not automatically reinstate your license when the suspension period ends. You must take action. If you drive with a suspended license, you face criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the RMV by phone, mail, or in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
- Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, or DUI-related violations — each has different reinstatement requirements.
- You must complete all required steps (paying fines, submitting insurance proof, completing a program) before the RMV will process your reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee is $100 in Massachusetts, and you must pay this fee along with proof that you have met all other requirements.
- After the RMV approves your reinstatement, your license is restored when ready and you can legally drive again.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the RMV directly to learn the reason for your suspension. Call the RMV at 617-351-4500 (this is the main customer service line for the Boston office). You can also visit an RMV branch in person or mail a written request to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, 630 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
The RMV will tell you the suspension reason and provide a list of what you must do to reinstate. Write down or request a copy of these requirements in writing — do not rely on memory. Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain auto insurance, failure to pay child support, DUI-related violations, medical suspension, or accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
Common Reasons for Suspension and What Each Requires
Unpaid traffic fines: You must pay the outstanding fine in full. Contact the court that issued the ticket (the RMV will tell you which court) and ask how to pay. You can often pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once paid, request a receipt or confirmation letter showing the fine is settled.
Failure to maintain auto insurance: You must provide proof of current auto insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send proof of insurance directly to the RMV, or obtain a copy yourself and submit it. The proof must show that coverage was active during the period you were driving without insurance, or that coverage is active now if the suspension is recent.
Failure to pay child support: Contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement Program. You must either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once an arrangement is made, the state will notify the RMV and your suspension will be lifted. This process can take several weeks.
DUI-related suspension: Requirements vary depending on whether this is your first offense and how long ago it occurred. You may need to complete an alcohol education program, pay a fine, and provide proof of insurance. The RMV will specify which programs are approved. Some suspensions are mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
Complete All Required Steps Before Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Do not contact the RMV to request reinstatement until you have finished every requirement they listed. Submitting an incomplete request delays the process and may result in rejection. Gather all documents as you complete each step: receipts for paid fines, proof of insurance, certificates of completion for programs, or payment plan agreements.
If one of your requirements is an approved alcohol education program (often called a DUI school or substance abuse program), the RMV maintains a list of certified providers. Contact one directly to enroll. These programs typically run four to eight weeks and cost between $300 and $600. The program will issue you a certificate of completion, which you will need to submit to the RMV.
Keep copies of everything you submit. The RMV processes thousands of requests and documents can be lost in the mail or misfiled. Having copies allows you to resubmit quickly if needed.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request and Pay the Fee
Once all requirements are complete, contact the RMV to submit your reinstatement request. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person. If you mail your request, send it to Registry of Motor Vehicles, 630 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. Include a letter stating your name, license number, and that you are requesting reinstatement. Attach copies (not originals) of all documents proving you have met the requirements.
Include a check or money order for $100 — this is the reinstatement fee. Make the check payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash through the mail. If you submit your request in person at an RMV branch, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you submit by mail, send your request via certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you proof that the RMV received your documents. Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the RMV receives your complete request.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
The RMV will review your documents to confirm that all requirements have been met. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and your license will be restored. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests — your existing license straightforward becomes valid again.
If the RMV finds that your request is incomplete or that documents are missing, they will contact you by mail or phone. Respond promptly with the missing information. If you do not respond within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), your request may be denied and you will have to start over.
Once your reinstatement is approved, you can legally drive when ready. You do not need to wait for a new license to arrive in the mail — your old license is valid as soon as the RMV processes the reinstatement. However, if your license has expired, you will need to renew it separately.
If Your License Was Suspended for Medical Reasons
Medical suspensions occur when the RMV receives a report that you may have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely. To reinstate, you must provide a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor. The RMV will send you the specific form required. Your doctor must certify that you are medically fit to drive and that any condition has been treated or managed.
Submit the completed medical form to the RMV along with the $100 reinstatement fee. The RMV may require additional testing or evaluation depending on the nature of the medical issue. Processing time for medical reinstatements can be longer than other types — allow four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the RMV officially approves your reinstatement. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the RMV before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about payment plan options. Many courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have a payment plan agreement in writing, submit it to the RMV along with your reinstatement request. Some suspensions will be lifted once a payment plan is established, even if the full amount has not been paid yet.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you submit by mail with all required documents, expect two to four weeks. If you submit in person at an RMV branch, processing may be faster. Medical suspensions and child support-related suspensions can take longer — up to six weeks. Call the RMV to check the status of your request if you have not heard back after four weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case or if you are unsure about your requirements, consulting with a lawyer may be helpful. Legal aid organizations in Massachusetts offer free consultations for people with low incomes.
What if I lost my driver's license and it was suspended?
You must reinstate the suspension first. Once your license is reinstated, you can then explore for a replacement license. Contact the RMV to learn whether you can complete both processes at the same time or whether you must reinstate first.