What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Massachusetts, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever action the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires — usually paying a reinstatement fee, settling unpaid tickets or fines, or completing a mandatory program. Once you have done that, you submit a reinstatement request to the RMV, either in person at a branch office or by mail. The RMV will then restore your license, usually within a few business days if you go in person.
The specific steps depend on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines is different from one for failing a drug test or missing a court date. This guide walks you through finding out why your license was suspended, what you need to do about it, and how to complete the reinstatement process.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the RMV or check your online account to find out the exact reason your license was suspended before you can fix it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 for a standard suspension) plus any fines, court costs, or other amounts owed.
- Some suspensions require proof that you have completed a program, such as a substance abuse assessment or a defensive driving course, before the RMV will restore your license.
- You can request reinstatement in person at any RMV branch office or by mail, and in-person requests are usually processed the same day.
- Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Massachusetts and carries serious penalties including fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
Find out why your license was suspended
The RMV suspends licenses for many different reasons, and you cannot move forward until you know which one applies to you. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the RMV, or violations of drug or alcohol laws.
To find out the reason, log into your account on the RMV website at mass.gov/rmv. Click "License and ID" and then "Check License Status." You will see whether your license is suspended and, in most cases, the reason. If you do not have an online account, you can call the RMV at 857-368-8000 and speak to a representative, or visit a branch office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
Write down the exact reason and any reference or case number the RMV gives you. You will need this information when you request reinstatement.
Settle any fines, fees, or court obligations
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or other money owed to the court system, you must pay those amounts before the RMV will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine — the RMV can tell you which court — and ask what you owe and how to pay.
Many Massachusetts courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail. Some also accept payment in person at the courthouse. Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation or a receipt showing the debt has been cleared. Keep this document; you may need to show it when you request reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement division at 617-660-1234. They will tell you the amount owed and payment options. Again, get written proof of payment.
Complete required programs or assessments
Some suspensions require you to complete a program before reinstatement is possible. The most common is a substance abuse assessment if your suspension is related to alcohol or drug violations. The RMV will have told you during your status check whether a program is required.
If an assessment is required, you must go to a program provider approved by the Massachusetts Office of Alcohol and Drug Policy. The RMV website lists approved providers by region. You will attend an appointment, usually lasting one to two hours, where a counselor evaluates your situation and may recommend treatment. The provider sends a report to the RMV.
For other types of suspensions — such as those related to medical conditions — the RMV may require a letter from your doctor or a report from a medical examiner. The RMV will specify exactly what document you need and from whom.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have settled any fines or completed any required programs, you must pay the RMV reinstatement fee. The standard fee is $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions carry a higher fee — for example, suspensions related to serious traffic violations or drug offenses may cost $250 or more. The RMV will tell you the exact fee when you check your license status.
You can pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request, either in person or by mail. If you go in person, the RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you mail your request, include a check or money order made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."
Submit your reinstatement request
You have two options: reinstate in person at an RMV branch office, or by mail. In-person reinstatement is faster and usually takes just a few minutes once you are called.
In person: Bring your driver's license (if you have it), proof that you have paid any fines or fees owed, proof that you have completed any required programs, and the reinstatement fee. Go to any RMV branch office during business hours. Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to reinstate your license. They will verify that all requirements have been met, take your fee, and process your reinstatement. Your license will be restored when ready, and you can drive that day.
By mail: Send a letter to the RMV at the address listed on the mass.gov/rmv website. Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, proof of payment for any fines or fees, proof of program completion if required, and the reinstatement fee (as a check or money order). Mail it to the RMV's reinstatement processing unit. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks. You can call the RMV to confirm that your request was received and processed.
What happens after reinstatement
Once the RMV processes your reinstatement request, your license is restored and you can legally drive again. If you reinstated in person, this happens the same day. If you mailed your request, you will receive a letter from the RMV confirming reinstatement, usually within one to two weeks.
Your license itself does not change — you do not need a new card or photo. You can start driving as soon as reinstatement is complete. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation, the RMV may impose restrictions on your license, such as requiring an ignition interlock device if your suspension was alcohol-related. The RMV will notify you of any restrictions when they reinstate your license.
Do not drive before your license is officially reinstated. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Massachusetts and can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, and an additional license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until the RMV has officially reinstated your license. If you reinstate in person, your license is restored when ready. If you mail your request, you must wait for the RMV to process it and send you confirmation. Driving before reinstatement is complete is illegal and carries serious penalties.
What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the RMV at 857-368-8000 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some circumstances may allow you to pay the fee in installments, though this is not may provide. You cannot reinstate your license without paying the full fee eventually.
Do I need to take a new road test or written test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement restores your existing license without requiring you to retake any tests. However, if your suspension was for a medical condition, the RMV may require a medical examination or letter from your doctor before reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take if I go in person?
If you go to an RMV branch office with all required documents and payment, reinstatement usually takes less than an hour from the time you arrive. You will receive your restored license the same day and can drive when ready after leaving the office.
What if my suspension was for a reason I disagree with?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the RMV. Contact the RMV's legal department at 857-368-8000 to ask about the hearing process. You must request a hearing before you can reinstate your license if you are contesting the suspension itself.