What you pay to reinstate a suspended or revoked Massachusetts license

Massachusetts charges a reinstatement fee when you want to restore a suspended or revoked driver's license. The fee depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — different violations carry different costs.

For most suspensions (such as those from unpaid traffic fines, insurance lapses, or administrative reasons), the reinstatement fee is $100. If your license was revoked for serious violations like operating under the influence (OUI) or habitual traffic offender status, the fee is $500. You pay this fee to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) when you submit your reinstatement request.

The fee itself is separate from any other costs you may owe — such as outstanding fines, court fees, or insurance requirements — that must be cleared before the RMV will process your reinstatement. You cannot reinstate your license until all underlying issues are resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard reinstatement fees in Massachusetts are $100 for most suspensions and $500 for serious violations like OUI or habitual offender status.
  • You must clear all underlying issues — unpaid fines, court fees, insurance lapses — before paying the reinstatement fee.
  • The RMV processes reinstatement requests by mail, online through their website, or in person at a branch office.
  • Processing typically takes one to two weeks by mail, though online requests may be faster depending on your situation.

How to find out what your specific fee is

The RMV website has a suspension lookup tool where you can enter your license number and date of birth to see the reason for your suspension and the associated fee. This is the fastest way to confirm your exact cost before you submit anything.

If you cannot access the online tool or need to speak with someone, you can call the RMV at 617-351-4500 during business hours. Have your license number and date of birth ready. The staff can tell you the suspension reason, the reinstatement fee, and what other requirements (like insurance proof or court clearance) you need to meet first.

What you need to submit with your reinstatement request

The documents required depend on why your license was suspended. For most cases, you will need to submit a completed reinstatement form (available on the RMV website), proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and payment of the reinstatement fee.

For example, if your license was suspended for an insurance lapse, you will need a current insurance card or letter from your insurer showing continuous coverage. If it was suspended due to unpaid fines, you will need proof of payment or a court clearance letter. If it was suspended for an unpaid child support obligation, you will need a letter from the Department of Revenue confirming the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place.

The RMV website lists the specific documents needed for each suspension reason. Review this list before you gather materials, because submitting incomplete paperwork will delay your reinstatement.

How to submit your reinstatement request

You have three options: mail, online, or in person. Mailing takes the longest — typically one to two weeks from the time the RMV receives your envelope. Online submission through the RMV website is faster for straightforward cases and may be processed within a few business days. In-person visits at an RMV branch office are the quickest if you have all documents ready, though you may wait in line.

If you mail your request, send it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Reinstatement Unit, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02125. Include your completed reinstatement form, supporting documents, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash.

For online submission, visit mass.gov/rmv and look for the reinstatement option. You will upload documents and pay by credit or debit card. For in-person visits, find your nearest RMV branch on the website and bring originals or certified copies of all required documents plus payment.

What happens after you submit your request

Once the RMV receives your complete request and payment, they will review it to confirm that all underlying issues have been resolved. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks.

If your request is incomplete or if the RMV cannot verify that an issue has been resolved, they will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You will have a set time to provide the additional information or documents. If you do not respond, your request will be denied and you will need to resubmit.

Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. If you were required to use an ignition interlock device (common for OUI cases), you will need to have that installed before you can use your license.

Reinstatement fees and payment methods

The RMV accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order. If you are submitting online or in person, you can use a credit card. Some RMV branch offices also accept cash in person, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

If your request is denied for any reason, the RMV will not cash your check or charge your card. If they do charge you and your request is later denied, you can request a refund by contacting the RMV directly.

What to do if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away

The RMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount before your license can be reinstated. However, if you are facing financial hardship, you can contact the RMV to discuss your situation — in some cases, they may be able to provide information about other resources or clarify whether all the fees you believe you owe are actually required.

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court fees (rather than the reinstatement fee itself), you may be able to work out a payment plan with the court or the agency that issued the fine. Resolving those debts is a separate step from paying the reinstatement fee, but both must be completed before your license is restored.

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 with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the RMV before you drive.

What if I lost my license or never received it after reinstatement?

Contact the RMV to report it lost or undelivered. They can reissue your license for a replacement fee (typically $25 to $35) and mail it to you, or you can pick one up in person at a branch office.

Do I have to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?

Not for most suspensions. You only retake a test if your suspension was specifically for failing a road test or if the RMV determines that a retest is necessary based on the reason for suspension. The RMV will tell you if a retest is required when you contact them about reinstatement.

What if my reinstatement request is denied?

The RMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, unresolved underlying issues, or failure to provide required documentation. You can resubmit once you have addressed the problem, but you will need to pay the reinstatement fee again.

Is the reinstatement fee refundable if I decide not to reinstate my license?

If you have not yet submitted your request, you do not need to pay anything. If you have submitted a complete request and it is approved, the fee is not refundable. If your request is denied before processing, the RMV will not charge you.