Vermont reinstates suspended licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles, but the process and cost depend on why your license was suspended
A suspended Vermont driver's license cannot be reinstated until you complete the specific requirement that caused the suspension. The DMV does not automatically restore your driving privileges when the suspension period ends — you must take action. The steps, fees, and documents you need vary based on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another reason.
Vermont's DMV handles reinstatement requests in person at their office in Montpelier or by mail. You will need to provide proof that you have met the condition of your suspension, pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes pass a written or driving test. Understanding what caused your suspension is the first step, because each reason has its own reinstatement path.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Vermont DMV directly to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require a fee, proof that you have resolved the underlying issue, and a visit to the DMV office in Montpelier or a mailed request.
- If your suspension was for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full before the DMV will process reinstatement.
- DUI-related suspensions often require completion of an alcohol education program and proof of insurance before reinstatement is possible.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks if you submit all required documents at once.
Why Your License Was Suspended in Vermont
Vermont suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has different reinstatement rules. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DUI or DWI convictions, failure to pay child support, driving with a suspended license, accumulating too many points on your driving record, or failure to maintain required insurance.
You can find out the exact reason by calling the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 or visiting their office at 120 State Street in Montpelier. Have your driver's license number ready. The DMV staff will tell you what condition you must meet and what documents to bring or mail.
Reinstatement for Unpaid Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before the DMV will reinstate it. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm the exact amount due, including any collection fees or interest that may have been added.
Once you have paid, ask the court for a receipt or written confirmation that the debt is satisfied. Bring or mail this confirmation to the Vermont DMV along with a completed reinstatement form and the reinstatement fee. The DMV will process your request and mail you a new license or a clearance letter.
Reinstatement After a DUI or DWI Suspension
DUI and DWI suspensions in Vermont are handled differently than other suspensions. Your license may be suspended when ready after arrest (an administrative suspension) and again after conviction. Before the DMV will reinstate, you typically must complete an alcohol education program approved by the Vermont Department of Health and provide proof of enrollment or completion.
You will also need to show proof of insurance — specifically, an SR-22 form filed by your insurance company with the DMV. This form certifies that you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Contact your insurance agent to request an SR-22; they file it directly with the DMV. Once both the education program and insurance proof are in place, submit your reinstatement request to the DMV with the required fee.
Reinstatement for Failure to Pay Child Support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the Vermont Department for Children and Families must certify that you are current on payments or have made an approved payment arrangement. Contact the child support enforcement office at 802-786-3150 to discuss your account and what you owe.
Once you have paid the amount due or set up a payment plan that the agency accepts, ask them for a written clearance letter. Mail this letter to the Vermont DMV along with your reinstatement request and fee. The DMV will not process reinstatement without written confirmation from the child support office that your account is in compliance.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The reinstatement fee in Vermont is typically $20 to $50, depending on the reason for suspension. You will need a completed reinstatement form, which you can read from the Vermont DMV website or pick up at their office. Bring or mail your current driver's license if you still have it, or your license number if you do not.
In addition to the fee and form, you must include proof that you have met the condition of your suspension. This might be a receipt for paid fines, a letter from the court, a certificate of completion from an alcohol education program, an SR-22 insurance form, or a clearance letter from the child support office. The exact documents depend on why your license was suspended.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You can reinstate your license in person at the Vermont DMV office in Montpelier, located at 120 State Street. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your completed reinstatement form, the reinstatement fee, your driver's license or license number, and all required proof documents. The DMV staff will review your paperwork and, if everything is in order, issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks.
If you prefer to mail your request, send your completed form, fee, proof documents, and a copy of your license to the Vermont DMV, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks to process.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Is Denied
The DMV may deny your reinstatement request if you have not fully met the condition of your suspension, if your documents are incomplete, or if you owe additional fines or fees. The DMV will send you a written notice explaining why your request was denied and what you must do next.
If you disagree with the denial, you have the right to request a hearing before the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact the DMV to ask about the hearing process and timeline. You can also call the DMV at 802-828-2000 to ask what additional steps are needed to make your request complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit a reinstatement request?
If you submit your request in person at the DMV office in Montpelier with all required documents and the fee, you may receive your license the same day or within one to two weeks by mail. Mail-in requests typically take two to three weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly the DMV can verify that you have met the condition of your suspension.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Vermont and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the DMV confirms that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. Once you have an approved payment plan in writing, bring or mail it to the DMV along with your reinstatement request. Some courts will also reduce or waive fines based on financial hardship — ask the court clerk about this option.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license reinstated?
In most cases, no. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation like a DUI, or if your license has been suspended for more than a year, the DMV may require you to pass a written test or a road test. The DMV will tell you if a test is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
What is an SR-22 form, and do I need one?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the DMV. It proves that you carry the minimum required liability insurance. You need an SR-22 only if your suspension was related to a DUI, DWI, or driving without insurance. Contact your insurance agent to request one — they file it directly with the DMV at no extra cost.