What Connecticut charges to reinstate a suspended or revoked license

Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles charges a reinstatement fee when you want to restore a license that has been suspended or revoked. The fee amount depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — different violations carry different costs. For most suspensions related to traffic violations or unpaid fines, the reinstatement fee is $100. If your suspension was due to a drug-related offense, the fee is $250. If it was due to a serious violation like driving under the influence, the fee may be higher or combined with other requirements.

You cannot straightforward pay the fee and get your license back the same day. The DMV processes reinstatement requests, and you may need to meet other conditions first — such as completing a defensive driving course, paying outstanding fines, or serving a waiting period. The fee itself does not cover these other steps; it is a separate charge that comes after you have satisfied the underlying reason for the suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut charges $100 to reinstate most suspended licenses, or $250 if the suspension involved a drug-related offense.
  • The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other conditions you must complete before the DMV will process your request.
  • You must contact the Connecticut DMV directly to find out what specific conditions explore to your suspension before paying any fee.
  • Paying the reinstatement fee does not may provide your license will be restored if you have not met all other requirements.

Why your license was suspended and how that affects the fee

Connecticut suspends licenses for many reasons, and the reason matters for both the fee amount and what you must do to get it back. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or moving violations typically costs $100 to reinstate. A suspension for a drug-related offense — such as possession or a drug-related DUI — costs $250. A suspension for driving under the influence (DUI) or refusing a breathalyzer test may involve additional requirements beyond the fee, such as an ignition interlock device or a mandatory waiting period.

Some suspensions are automatic. For example, if you accumulate too many points on your driving record within a certain time period, Connecticut law triggers a suspension without a court order. Others result from a court decision or a conviction. Knowing which type of suspension you have is the first step, because it tells you what the DMV will require before they will even accept your reinstatement fee.

Steps to pay the reinstatement fee and restore your license

Contact the Connecticut DMV directly — either by phone, mail, or in person at a DMV office — to confirm your suspension status and learn what conditions you must meet. Do not assume you can straightforward mail in a check. The DMV needs to verify that you have completed any required waiting periods, paid any outstanding fines, or finished any mandated courses before they will process a reinstatement request.

Once the DMV confirms you are ready, you can pay the reinstatement fee. Connecticut accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your request. If you pay in person at a DMV office, you can usually pay by cash as well. Keep your receipt or confirmation number; you will need it to track your reinstatement status.

After you pay, the DMV will process your request. This typically takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if there are delays in verifying that you have met all conditions. You will receive written confirmation when your license has been reinstated, and you can then use it when ready.

Additional requirements beyond the reinstatement fee

The reinstatement fee covers the administrative cost of restoring your license, but it does not cover other mandatory steps. If your suspension was for a DUI, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive legally. If it was for accumulating points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course. If you owe unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those before the DMV will process your reinstatement.

Some suspensions include a mandatory waiting period — a set number of days or months during which you cannot drive, even if you pay the fee. For example, a first-time DUI suspension in Connecticut typically includes a waiting period of several months. You cannot shorten this period by paying the fee early; you must wait until the period has ended before the DMV will accept your reinstatement request.

Where to contact the Connecticut DMV about reinstatement

The Connecticut DMV operates a customer service line where you can ask about your suspension status and reinstatement requirements. You can also visit a DMV office in person to speak with a representative. The DMV website lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. If you prefer to handle everything by mail, you can send a written request to the DMV with your driver's license number and a description of your suspension.

Bring or include your driver's license number, your full name, and your date of birth when you contact the DMV. This helps them locate your record quickly. If you have any court documents related to your suspension, have those available as well — they may be needed to verify the reason for your suspension or to confirm that you have met all court-ordered conditions.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Connecticut is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police, you can face fines, jail time, and additional license suspension. A first offense typically results in a fine of $200 to $500 and possible jail time. A second offense within ten years carries higher penalties. Your insurance company may also drop your coverage if they learn you drove illegally.

Even if you have paid the reinstatement fee and submitted your request, your license is not restored until the DMV officially processes it and sends you confirmation. Driving before that confirmation arrives is still driving with a suspended license. Wait for written notice from the DMV before you get behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the reinstatement fee online?

Connecticut does not currently offer online reinstatement fee payment through the DMV website. You must pay by phone, mail, or in person at a DMV office. Contact the DMV directly to learn which payment method works best for your situation.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

Connecticut does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for reinstatement fees. However, if you have outstanding fines or court costs related to your suspension, you may be able to set up a payment plan for those through the court. Contact the court that issued your suspension to ask about options.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the fee?

Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the DMV receives your payment and confirms you have met all other conditions. If your suspension involved a court case or a mandatory waiting period, the timeline may be longer. The DMV will send you written confirmation when your license is officially reinstated.

Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?

For most suspensions, you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation like a DUI, Connecticut may require you to complete a remedial driving course or other educational program. The DMV will tell you if this applies to your case when you contact them about reinstatement.

What if my license was suspended in another state — can I reinstate it in Connecticut?

No. You must reinstate your license in the state where it was suspended. If you have moved to Connecticut and your license was suspended elsewhere, you will need to contact that state's DMV. Once your license is reinstated there, you can then transfer it to Connecticut if you become a resident.