How to Reinstate Your Connecticut Driver's License

How Connecticut reinstates a suspended or revoked license

Connecticut does not use the word "reinstate" — the state calls it restoration. To restore your license, you must first meet the conditions that caused the suspension or revocation, then submit a restoration request to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends; you have to ask for it back.

The process and cost depend on why your license was suspended or revoked. A suspension for unpaid fines works differently than a suspension for a DUI conviction, which works differently than a revocation for accumulating too many points. You need to know your specific reason before you start.

You can find out why your license is suspended by calling the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700, visiting a DMV branch in person, or checking your online DMV account if you have one set up. Have your license number or Social Security number ready.

Key Takeaways

Connecticut calls the process "restoration," not reinstatement, and you must request it — the DMV will not restore your license automatically when a suspension ends.
The reason for your suspension determines what you must do first: pay fines, complete a DUI program, serve a waiting period, or satisfy other court orders.
You can restore your license by mail, in person at a DMV branch, or online through your DMV account if you are may be able to access for online restoration.
Restoration fees range from $100 to $150 depending on the reason for suspension, and you may need to provide proof of insurance or other documents.
The DMV processes restoration requests within two to four weeks, but delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if a court order is still active.

Suspension for unpaid fines or fees

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine, parking ticket, or DMV fee, you must pay the full amount owed before the DMV will restore your license. The state tracks these debts through the Connecticut Financial Responsibility Law, and the suspension stays in place until the debt is cleared.

To find out exactly what you owe, call the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visit a DMV branch. You can pay by phone, online through your DMV account, by mail, or in person. Once the DMV confirms payment, you can request restoration when ready — there is no waiting period for this type of suspension.

The restoration fee is $100. You can submit your restoration request by mail, in person, or online if you have a DMV account. Processing takes two to four weeks.

Suspension for DUI or refusal to take a breath test

A DUI conviction or a refusal to submit to a breath or blood test triggers a mandatory license suspension. Connecticut law sets the length of the suspension based on how many prior DUI convictions you have: the first offense is typically 45 days to one year, the second is one to three years, and the third or later is three to life.

Before you can restore your license, you must complete a substance abuse program approved by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The DMV will not restore your license without proof that you finished the program. You also must have served the full suspension period — restoration cannot happen before that time is up.

Once you have completed the program and the suspension period has ended, you can request restoration by mail, in person, or online. The restoration fee is $150. You will need to provide a certificate of completion from the program. The DMV will also require proof of insurance before your license is restored.

Suspension for accumulating too many points

Connecticut suspends licenses when a driver accumulates 20 or more points within a two-year period. Points come from traffic violations — a speeding ticket might be 2 points, a reckless driving conviction might be 5 points. The suspension is automatic once you hit 20 points.

The length of the suspension depends on how many points you have: 20 to 29 points means a 30-day suspension, 30 to 39 points means a 60-day suspension, and 40 or more points means a 90-day suspension. You must wait out the full suspension period before you can request restoration.

After the suspension period ends, you can request restoration by mail, in person, or online. The restoration fee is $100. The DMV will also require proof of insurance. Processing takes two to four weeks.

Suspension for failure to maintain insurance

Connecticut requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you let your insurance lapse or did not carry it when you were stopped, the DMV will suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you obtain insurance and provide proof to the DMV.

To restore your license, you must purchase liability insurance and get a proof-of-insurance document from your insurance company. You can then submit a restoration request along with proof of insurance. The restoration fee is $100.

You can submit your request by mail, in person at a DMV branch, or online through your DMV account. The DMV will verify your insurance with your insurance company, so make sure the information you provide is current and correct. Processing takes two to four weeks.

How to submit a restoration request

Connecticut offers three ways to request restoration: by mail, in person at a DMV branch, or online through your DMV account. Online restoration is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — the DMV can process it within a few business days. Not all suspension types may have access to for online restoration; DUI suspensions, for example, must be handled by mail or in person.

To restore by mail, send a letter to the Connecticut DMV at 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include your name, license number, date of birth, the reason for the suspension, and proof that you have met all conditions (such as a paid receipt, insurance proof, or program completion certificate). Include a check or money order for the restoration fee made out to the State of Connecticut.

To restore in person, visit any DMV branch with your license, proof that you have met all conditions, and payment for the restoration fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card. Bring original documents or certified copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of insurance cards or program certificates.

To restore online, log into your DMV account at ct.gov/dmv, select "Restore License," and follow the prompts. You will need to upload proof of meeting all conditions and pay the fee by debit or credit card. Online restoration is available only for certain suspension types, so the system will tell you if your suspension qualifies.

What happens after you submit your restoration request

Once the DMV receives your restoration request, it will review your documents to make sure you have met all conditions for your suspension type. If everything is in order, the DMV will process your request and mail you a new license or a restoration notice within two to four weeks. If you submitted online and your suspension qualifies, processing may be faster.

If the DMV finds that your documents are incomplete or that you have not met all conditions, it will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You will have a set amount of time to provide the missing information. If you do not respond, your restoration request will be denied and you will have to start over.

If a court order is still active against you — for example, if you owe child support or have an outstanding criminal case — the DMV cannot restore your license until that order is cleared. The DMV will notify you if this is the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my restoration request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially restores it. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Connecticut and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV before you drive.

What if I lost my proof of insurance or program completion certificate?

Contact your insurance company or the program provider and ask for a replacement or a letter confirming your coverage or completion. The DMV will accept a letter on official letterhead from the organization. Do not submit a photocopy of an old document — the DMV verifies directly with the provider.

Do I have to pay the restoration fee even if I already paid the fine that caused the suspension?

Yes. The restoration fee is separate from any fines or tickets you owe. The fine pays the court or municipality; the restoration fee pays the DMV to process your request and issue a new license.

What if my suspension was for a DUI and I completed the program but the suspension period has not ended yet?

You must wait until the full suspension period is over before you can request restoration. The DMV will not restore your license early, even if you have completed the required program. Check the suspension notice you received to find the exact date your suspension ends.

Can I request restoration by phone?

No. The DMV requires a written request with supporting documents. You can call 860-263-5700 to ask questions about the process or to find out what documents you need, but you cannot submit a restoration request by phone.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.