Massachusetts requires you to clear the reason for suspension before the Registry of Motor Vehicles will reinstate your license

A suspended license in Massachusetts stays suspended until you resolve whatever caused it. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will not straightforward return your license after a waiting period — you must take specific steps based on why it was suspended in the first place. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical disqualification, or failure to appear in court. Each has a different path to reinstatement.

The first step is always to find out why your license was suspended. You can check your suspension status and the reason through the RMV's online system or by calling the RMV at 617-351-4500. Knowing the exact reason determines what you do next and how much it will cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license will not be reinstated automatically — you must contact the RMV and resolve the specific reason for suspension.
  • Unpaid fines require payment to the court that issued the ticket; child support arrears require payment through the Department of Revenue; medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance form.
  • After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through the RMV, either online, by mail, or in person at a branch office.
  • The RMV charges a reinstatement fee of $100 for most suspensions, plus any outstanding fines or support payments.

Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs

If your license was suspended because of an unpaid fine or court cost, you must pay the court that issued the ticket. The RMV does not collect these payments — the court does. You can find out which court handled your case by calling the RMV or checking your suspension notice.

Contact the court's probation department or clerk's office directly. They will tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, it sends notice to the RMV. You then request reinstatement from the RMV. The entire process typically takes one to two weeks after payment clears.

Suspensions for unpaid child support

Child support arrears trigger a suspension through the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement division, not the court system. You cannot pay the court to fix this — you must contact the Department of Revenue directly at 617-660-1234 or visit their website.

The Department of Revenue will tell you the amount owed and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. Once you bring the account current or establish a payment arrangement, the Department notifies the RMV. You then request reinstatement. If you are working with a child support attorney or mediator, they can often expedite this process.

Suspensions for medical reasons

Medical suspensions occur when the RMV determines you have a condition that makes driving unsafe — vision problems, seizure disorders, or cognitive decline reported by a doctor or family member. You cannot straightforward pay a fee to clear this type of suspension.

You must obtain a medical clearance from a physician and submit it to the RMV's Medical Affairs Unit. The form is called the "Physician's Statement Regarding Driving Ability" and is available on the RMV website. Your doctor must complete it and confirm that your condition no longer poses a safety risk. Once the RMV receives and approves the form, you can request reinstatement.

Suspensions for failure to appear in court

If you missed a court date, your license was suspended and a warrant may have been issued for your arrest. You must resolve this through the court, not the RMV. Contact the court that issued the ticket and explain your absence. Many courts will recall the warrant and reschedule your appearance if you contact them voluntarily.

Appear in court on the new date or work with an attorney to resolve the case. Once the court closes the case or recalls the warrant, it notifies the RMV. You then request reinstatement. Ignoring a failure-to-appear suspension makes it worse — the longer you wait, the more serious the legal consequences become.

How to request reinstatement from the RMV

After you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension, you must formally request reinstatement. The RMV offers three methods: online through its website, by mail, or in person at a branch office.

The online method is fastest. Log into your RMV account, select "Request License Reinstatement," and pay the $100 reinstatement fee by credit card or debit card. The RMV processes online requests within one to three business days and mails your license to the address on file. By mail, send a completed reinstatement form (available on the RMV website) along with a check for $100 to the RMV's Boston office. Processing takes five to seven business days. In person, visit any RMV branch, bring your ID, and pay the fee at the counter — you receive your license the same day if the underlying issue has been cleared.

Reinstatement fees and what they cover

The standard reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions. This fee is separate from any fines, child support arrears, or other payments you owe to courts or state agencies. You pay the $100 to the RMV only after you have resolved the reason for suspension.

If your license was suspended for multiple reasons — for example, unpaid fines and unpaid child support — you must resolve both before requesting reinstatement. The RMV will not process a reinstatement request if any suspension reason remains unresolved. Check your suspension notice carefully to see if more than one reason is listed.

What to do if you cannot locate the court or agency responsible

If your suspension notice does not clearly identify which court or agency to contact, call the RMV directly at 617-351-4500. The RMV can tell you the court name, case number, and contact information. You can also visit an RMV branch in person — staff there can look up your case and provide the details you need.

If you are having trouble reaching a court or agency, the RMV's website lists phone numbers and addresses for all Massachusetts courts. The Department of Revenue's child support enforcement office also has a dedicated phone line and online portal for checking account status and making payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Massachusetts and carries fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. If you are stopped, your vehicle may be impounded. Do not drive until your license is reinstated.

How long does reinstatement take after I resolve the reason for suspension?

Online requests take one to three business days. Mail requests take five to seven business days. In-person requests at an RMV branch are processed the same day. The time depends on the method you choose and whether the RMV has received confirmation from the court or agency that handled your case.

What if I pay the fine but the RMV still shows my license as suspended?

Courts and the RMV do not always communicate when ready. Wait three to five business days after payment clears, then check your status again online or call the RMV. If the suspension is still showing, contact the court to confirm they received and processed your payment, then call the RMV to report the delay.

Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?

Massachusetts does not issue hardship or work licenses for most suspensions. The only exception is a medical suspension — you may be able to request a restricted license for essential trips if a doctor supports it, but this requires approval from the RMV's Medical Affairs Unit and is rarely granted.

Do I need to retake the driving test to get my license back?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or road test. You straightforward pay the reinstatement fee and the RMV returns your existing license. The only exception is if your license has expired — in that case, you must renew it at the same time you request reinstatement.