What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Massachusetts, you must first find out why your license was suspended, then complete whatever the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires for that specific reason. The steps are different depending on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a drug conviction, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or something else. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back — you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
The fastest way to find out what you owe and what you need to do is to contact the RMV directly. You can call their customer service line, visit an RMV branch in person, or check your status online through the RMV website. Bring your driver's license number or your date of birth and full name. They will tell you the reason for the suspension and exactly what steps to take next.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the RMV by phone, in person, or online to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- If suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or the RMV before reinstatement is possible.
- If suspended for a drug conviction or failure to appear in court, you may need to work with the court system or a lawyer before the RMV can reinstate you.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through the RMV, which may involve a fee and a waiting period.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or medical exam before your license is returned to you.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine, parking ticket, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed. The RMV will tell you how much you owe and to which court or agency the payment should go. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail; others require you to appear in person.
Once you have paid, the court sends a notice to the RMV confirming the payment. There is usually a delay of a few business days before the RMV updates its records. After that delay, you can request reinstatement. Some suspensions for unpaid fines also require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the RMV itself, which is separate from the fine you already paid. Ask the RMV whether a reinstatement fee applies to your case.
Suspensions for drug convictions
Massachusetts suspends licenses automatically when someone is convicted of a drug offense, even if the offense had nothing to do with driving. The length of the suspension depends on the type of conviction and whether it is a first or repeat offense. A first drug conviction usually results in a six-month suspension; a second conviction results in a two-year suspension.
You cannot reinstate your license until the suspension period has ended. Once the time has passed, contact the RMV to request reinstatement. You may be required to pay a reinstatement fee. If you believe your suspension was issued in error or if you have questions about the length of your suspension, you can request a hearing with the RMV, though this process takes time and may require a lawyer.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date, your license was likely suspended as a way to encourage you to show up. To reinstate it, you must resolve the underlying case — usually by appearing in court, paying a fine, or working out an agreement with the prosecutor. Contact the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.
Once the court case is resolved, the court notifies the RMV. As with fines, there is usually a delay of a few business days before the RMV updates its records. After that, you can request reinstatement from the RMV. If you are unable to appear in court because of a genuine hardship, speak with the court clerk about your options; some courts will work with you to reschedule or handle the matter by phone or mail.
Suspensions for medical reasons
The RMV can suspend your license if a doctor reports that you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive, or if you fail to submit a required medical exam. To reinstate your license, you must provide documentation from a doctor stating that you are now safe to drive, or you must complete the medical exam the RMV requested.
The specific form or exam required depends on your condition and why the suspension was issued. Contact the RMV to find out exactly what medical documentation they need. Once you submit the paperwork and the RMV approves it, you can request reinstatement. This process may take several weeks because the RMV must review the medical information before clearing you to drive.
The reinstatement request process
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must formally request reinstatement from the RMV. You can do this in person at an RMV branch, by mail, or online through the RMV website if your suspension type allows it. Check the RMV website to see which methods are available for your specific situation.
When you request reinstatement, have your driver's license number or date of birth and full name ready. If you are requesting reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the RMV with your name, date of birth, license number, and a brief explanation of what you have done to resolve the suspension. Include any documentation that proves you have met the requirements — such as a court receipt showing payment, a medical form, or a letter from the court.
The RMV will review your request and send you a notice by mail. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive it in the mail or be told to pick it up at an RMV branch. If the RMV needs more information, they will tell you what is missing. The entire process usually takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if you request reinstatement in person at a branch.
Reinstatement fees and waiting periods
Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee when you request your license back. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension. As of now, reinstatement fees in Massachusetts range from about $50 to $100, though you should confirm the current amount with the RMV because fees can change. Some suspensions do not require a fee; the RMV will tell you whether one applies to your case.
Some suspensions also have a mandatory waiting period — a set number of days you must wait after resolving the underlying issue before you can request reinstatement. For example, a suspension for a drug conviction has a waiting period equal to the length of the suspension itself. Ask the RMV whether a waiting period applies to you and when you become may be able to access to request reinstatement.
What to do if you need to drive before your license is reinstated
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Massachusetts and can result in criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or a medical emergency before your license is reinstated, contact the RMV about a hardship license or work permit. These are temporary licenses that allow you to drive only for specific purposes — such as driving to and from work or to medical appointments.
A hardship license is not available for all types of suspensions. Drug-related suspensions, for example, do not may have access to. Contact the RMV to ask whether you are may be able to access and what you need to do to request one. The process usually involves filling out a form and paying a fee, and approval is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out why my license was suspended?
Call the RMV customer service line, visit an RMV branch in person, or log into your account on the RMV website. Have your driver's license number or date of birth and full name ready. The RMV will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the RMV about a hardship license, though not all suspension types may have access to.
What if I paid the fine but my license is still suspended?
There is usually a delay of a few business days after payment before the RMV updates its records. If more than a week has passed, contact the RMV or the court to confirm the payment was received and processed. Bring proof of payment with you.
Do I have to pass a test to get my license back?
Most suspensions do not require a test. However, some medical suspensions or suspensions related to certain violations may require you to pass a written or road test before reinstatement. The RMV will tell you if a test is required in your case.
What if I disagree with the reason for my suspension?
You can request a hearing with the RMV to challenge the suspension. Contact the RMV to find out how to request a hearing and what documents to bring. The hearing process takes time, and you may want to speak with a lawyer about your options.