What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended Maryland driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete whatever action the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires for that specific reason. The most common causes are unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical suspension, or failure to pay court fines. Each has a different reinstatement path, and you cannot proceed until you know which one applies to you.
The fastest way to find out is to contact the MVA directly. You can call their Suspension and Revocation Unit at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-950-1682 (toll-free), or visit an MVA office in person with your driver's license or ID. They will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to clear it. Have your license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the MVA Suspension and Revocation Unit by phone or in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended.
- If the suspension is due to unpaid tickets or fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic violations bureau.
- If the suspension is due to unpaid child support, the child support enforcement agency must notify the MVA that the debt is resolved or a payment plan is in place.
- Once the underlying issue is resolved, you must file a reinstatement request with the MVA and pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions).
- Processing time is typically one to two weeks after the MVA receives your completed reinstatement request.
Suspension Due to Unpaid Traffic Tickets or Court Fines
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid court fines, or unpaid parking violations, you must pay the full amount owed before the MVA will reinstate your license. Contact the District Court or the traffic violations bureau in the county where the ticket was issued to find out the exact balance. You can often pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.
Once you have paid in full, ask for a receipt or confirmation number. The court will notify the MVA that the debt is cleared, but this can take several business days. You do not need to file a separate reinstatement request for this type of suspension — the MVA will automatically lift it once the court sends notice of payment. However, you should verify the suspension has been lifted before driving by calling the MVA or checking your status online at mva.maryland.gov.
Suspension Due to Unpaid Child Support
If your license was suspended due to unpaid child support, the child support enforcement agency (not the court) controls when the suspension is lifted. You must either pay the full amount owed or establish a payment plan with the agency. Contact the Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement Administration, at 1-800-332-6347 to discuss your options.
Once you have paid the debt in full or a payment plan is approved and you have made the first payment, the child support agency will send a release notice to the MVA. This process typically takes one to two weeks. Like unpaid ticket suspensions, you do not file a separate reinstatement request — the MVA lifts the suspension automatically once the agency notifies them. Verify the suspension has been cleared before driving.
Suspension Due to Medical Reasons
A medical suspension occurs when the MVA has concerns about your ability to drive safely due to a medical condition or failure to renew a medical certification. To reinstate your license, you must obtain a medical evaluation or clearance from your doctor and submit it to the MVA.
Contact the MVA to find out exactly what medical documentation they need — this varies depending on the reason for the suspension. You will typically need a form completed by your physician confirming that you are medically fit to drive. Submit this form to the MVA along with a reinstatement request and the $100 reinstatement fee. Processing usually takes one to two weeks after the MVA receives your complete submission.
How to File a Reinstatement Request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue (paid fines, arranged child support payment, obtained medical clearance, or whatever applies to your situation), you can file a reinstatement request with the MVA. You have three options: mail, online, or in person at an MVA office.
By mail: Complete the Reinstatement of Suspended License form (available at mva.maryland.gov or at any MVA office), include a check or money order for $100 payable to the "Maryland MVA," and mail it to Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Include any supporting documents (proof of payment, medical clearance, etc.). Processing takes one to two weeks after receipt.
Online: Visit mva.maryland.gov and look for the reinstatement option in the online services section. You can pay the fee by credit or debit card. You will still need to mail or upload any supporting documents depending on the reason for your suspension.
In person: Visit any MVA office with your driver's license or ID, the $100 fee, and any required supporting documents. An MVA representative can process your request on the spot, and your license status will be updated within one to two weeks.
What Happens After You File for Reinstatement
After the MVA receives your reinstatement request and fee, they will review your submission to make sure the underlying issue has been resolved. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or send you a notice that your suspension has been lifted. This typically takes one to two weeks.
During this waiting period, you are still not legally permitted to drive. Do not drive until you receive confirmation from the MVA that your license has been reinstated. You can check the status of your reinstatement by calling the MVA or visiting an office in person.
Reinstatement Fees and Costs
The standard reinstatement fee for a suspended Maryland driver's license is $100. This fee is separate from any fines, tickets, child support, or other amounts you may owe for the reason the license was suspended in the first place. If you paid $500 in unpaid traffic tickets, for example, you will also owe the $100 reinstatement fee on top of that.
Some suspensions may have additional costs. For example, if your suspension was due to a medical issue, you may need to pay for a doctor's visit or medical evaluation. If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, you may owe late fees or interest in addition to the base amount. Ask the relevant agency (court, child support enforcement, or MVA) for a complete breakdown of all costs before you begin the reinstatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the MVA officially lifts the suspension. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, or further suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the MVA before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed right now?
If the suspension is due to unpaid tickets or fines, contact the court or traffic violations bureau to ask about a payment plan. If the suspension is due to unpaid child support, contact the child support enforcement agency at 1-800-332-6347 to discuss options. Some courts and agencies will work with you on a payment schedule, though the MVA will not lift the suspension until at least a plan is in place and the first payment is made.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Once you have resolved the underlying issue and submitted your reinstatement request with the $100 fee, the MVA typically processes it within one to two weeks. If you submit your request in person at an MVA office, the status update may happen faster, but you should still expect one to two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail or for the system to reflect the change.
Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?
No. A standard reinstatement does not require a new written test or road test. You only need to resolve the reason for the suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your suspension was due to a medical issue, the MVA may require additional medical documentation or a road test depending on the nature of the condition.
What if the MVA says my suspension reason is unclear or I disagree with it?
Call the MVA Suspension and Revocation Unit at 410-787-7758 or 1-800-950-1682 and ask them to explain the suspension in detail. If you believe the suspension was made in error, ask about the process to dispute it. You may need to provide documentation or request a hearing, depending on the type of suspension. The MVA can guide you through the next steps.