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 — the reason determines what you do next. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) suspends licenses for different violations: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions, or insurance lapses. You cannot straightforward walk in and ask for your license back. You must resolve the underlying issue, then file a reinstatement request with the RMV.
The process takes roughly two to four weeks once you submit your paperwork, though it can be faster if you handle everything by mail or online. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 in Massachusetts) plus any outstanding fines or fees related to the suspension. If your suspension is tied to a court case, you may also need a letter from the court confirming the matter is resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the RMV or check your suspension notice to learn the specific reason your license was suspended, because each reason has different resolution steps.
- You must resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, appear in court, arrange child support payments, or provide medical clearance — before the RMV will reinstate you.
- File your reinstatement request by mail, online through the RMV website, or in person at a Service Center, along with the $100 reinstatement fee.
- Processing takes two to four weeks; you can check the status of your request by calling the RMV or logging into your online account.
Find out why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason. If you no longer have it, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 (Boston area) or 1-800-858-3926 (outside Boston). Have your driver's license number or date of birth ready. The RMV representative will tell you the specific violation and what you must do to clear it.
Common suspension reasons and their solutions include: unpaid traffic fines (pay the fine to the court or municipality listed on your ticket); failure to appear in court (contact the court, appear or arrange a continuance, then get a letter confirming the matter is resolved); unpaid child support (contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement office to arrange payment or a payment plan); lapsed auto insurance (obtain a new insurance policy and file proof with the RMV); or a medical condition flagged by the RMV (obtain medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the RMV). Each path is different, so confirm which one applies to you before spending time on the wrong step.
Resolve the underlying issue
Once you know the reason, take action to fix it. If you owe fines, contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket. Many courts now accept online payment through their websites. If you owe child support, call the Department of Revenue at 1-800-332-2733 to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. If your suspension is due to a missed court date, contact the court directly to reschedule or resolve the case.
For insurance lapses, obtain a new policy from any auto insurance company and keep your policy number and effective date handy. For medical suspensions, schedule an appointment with your doctor, explain that the RMV needs medical clearance, and ask them to complete the RMV's medical form (Form DL-34). Your doctor will mail the form directly to the RMV or give it to you to submit.
Keep copies of all proof that you have resolved the issue — a receipt showing payment, a court letter, an insurance policy document, or a completed medical form. You will need to submit these with your reinstatement request.
Submit your reinstatement request
You have three options: mail, online, or in person. The online method is fastest. Visit mass.gov/rmv, log into your account (or create one), and look for the reinstatement option. Upload your proof documents, pay the $100 fee by credit or debit card, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number.
If you prefer to mail your request, read the reinstatement form from mass.gov/rmv or call 617-351-4500 to have one sent to you. Include the form, a copy of your driver's license, proof that you resolved the suspension reason, and a check or money order for $100 made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Mail it to the RMV address listed on the form. Keep a copy for your records.
To reinstate in person, visit any RMV Service Center with your driver's license, proof of resolution, and $100 in cash or card. Bring copies of all supporting documents. Service Centers are located in Boston, Watertown, Medford, Springfield, and Worcester. Hours vary by location; check mass.gov/rmv for the center nearest you and its hours before you go.
Track your reinstatement status
After you submit your request, the RMV will process it within two to four weeks. If you submitted online, log back into your account to check the status. If you mailed your request, call 617-351-4500 with your confirmation number or driver's license number. If you submitted in person, ask the clerk for an estimated completion date.
Once approved, your license will be reinstated automatically. You do not need to pick it up or sign anything else. You can drive legally as soon as the RMV processes your request. If you want to confirm your license is active, check your online RMV account or call the RMV again with your license number.
What to do if your request is denied
The RMV will deny your reinstatement request only if you did not fully resolve the underlying issue or if your paperwork was incomplete. The RMV will send you a letter explaining why. Read it carefully and follow the instructions to fix the problem.
If the letter says you did not provide enough proof, gather additional documentation and resubmit. If it says the underlying issue is not resolved, contact the relevant court, agency, or insurance company to confirm the matter is truly cleared, then submit new proof. You can resubmit your request as many times as needed. Each resubmission requires another $100 fee, so make sure everything is correct before you send it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the RMV officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your license is active.
Do I have to pay the $100 reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires a $100 reinstatement fee regardless of the reason for suspension. The only exception is if the RMV made a documented error and reinstates you at no charge, which is rare. Ask the RMV in writing if you believe the suspension was incorrect.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines right now?
Contact the court or municipality that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Most courts will work with you if you show good faith by making regular payments. Once you have an agreement in place, ask the court for a letter confirming the arrangement, then submit that letter with your reinstatement request.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit online versus by mail?
Online submission is typically processed within one to two weeks. Mail submission takes two to four weeks because the RMV must receive, open, and manually review your envelope. In-person submission at a Service Center is usually processed the same day or within a few days.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is reinstated?
That depends on your insurance company and the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines or a missed court date typically does not affect your rates. A suspension for a medical condition or lapsed insurance may result in higher rates when you renew your policy. Contact your insurance agent to ask.