Virginia suspends your license for unpaid traffic tickets through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and you must pay the ticket, the reinstatement fee, and any court costs before the DMV will restore your driving privileges
When you receive a traffic ticket in Virginia and do not pay it by the due date, the court reports the violation to the DMV. The DMV then suspends your license automatically — you do not need a separate notice to lose your driving privileges. The suspension stays in place until you settle the ticket with the court that issued it, pay the DMV reinstatement fee (currently $145), and cover any additional court costs or fines.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you pay the ticket directly or go to court. In either case, the court must report the payment to the DMV before your license becomes active again. This typically takes three to five business days after the court receives your payment.
Key Takeaways
- Your Virginia license suspension for an unpaid ticket is automatic and comes from the DMV after the court reports the violation.
- You must pay the original ticket amount to the court, plus the $145 DMV reinstatement fee and any court costs, to restore your license.
- Payment to the court does not automatically reinstate your license — you must also submit the reinstatement fee to the DMV.
- The court and DMV communicate electronically, but processing takes three to five business days after payment.
- You can pay tickets online through the Virginia court system, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.
How to pay the ticket and court costs
Contact the district court in the city or county where you received the ticket. You can find the court's phone number and mailing address through the Virginia Court System website or by searching "[city/county name] district court Virginia." When you call, provide your case number (on your ticket) and ask for the exact amount owed, including any court costs or late fees that may have accumulated.
Virginia courts accept payment through several methods. Many courts allow you to pay online through the Virginia Court System's payment portal — search for "Virginia courts pay ticket online" to access it. You can also pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the court address, or pay in person at the courthouse during business hours. Ask the court clerk which method is fastest for your situation; online payment often processes the same day.
Keep a record of your payment confirmation or receipt. The court needs time to update its records and report the payment to the DMV, so do not expect your license to be reinstated when ready.
Submitting the DMV reinstatement fee
After the court confirms your payment, you must pay the reinstatement fee directly to the Virginia DMV. The fee is $145 and covers the cost of restoring your license. You can pay this fee online through the DMV website (dmvnow.com), by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
The online method is fastest. Go to dmvnow.com, select "Pay a Fee," and choose "License Reinstatement" from the dropdown menu. Enter your driver's license number and the amount. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The DMV processes online payments when ready, though your license status may not update in the system for a few hours.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order for $145 to the Virginia DMV at the address listed on their website, along with a note including your driver's license number and the reason for reinstatement (unpaid ticket). Mail payment takes longer — typically one to two weeks — so plan accordingly if you need your license quickly.
What happens after you pay both amounts
Once the court receives your ticket payment and the DMV receives your reinstatement fee, the two agencies must communicate to confirm your license can be restored. This coordination typically takes three to five business days. During this time, your license remains suspended even though you have paid.
You can check your license status on dmvnow.com by entering your driver's license number. The site updates once the DMV processes your reinstatement fee and receives confirmation from the court. Some people see their status change within hours; others wait the full five business days. If your status does not change after five business days, contact the DMV at 1-804-367-0538 to confirm both payments were received.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once
Virginia courts have limited authority to set up payment plans for traffic tickets, but it is worth asking. Call the court that issued your ticket and explain your situation. Some courts will allow you to pay in installments if you request it before the ticket becomes delinquent, though this is not may provide. Courts are more likely to work with you if you contact them before the due date passes.
If the court refuses a payment plan, you have limited options. Some nonprofit legal aid organizations in Virginia offer information with traffic matters, though they typically focus on cases involving license suspension or serious consequences. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with an attorney who handles traffic cases if you want to explore whether the ticket can be challenged or reduced.
Tickets issued by state police versus local police
The process is the same regardless of which agency issued the ticket, but the court that handles it depends on where the violation occurred. State police tickets are typically handled by the district court in the county where the stop happened. Local police tickets go to the district court in the city or county where the violation occurred. Your ticket should list the court name and location.
If you are unsure which court has your case, call the Virginia Court System's general information line or search the Virginia Court System website by entering your name and the approximate date of the ticket. This search will show you which court is handling your case and provide contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended for an unpaid ticket?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Even if you have paid the ticket but the DMV has not yet processed your reinstatement, you should not drive until your status shows as valid on dmvnow.com.
What if I paid the ticket but my license is still suspended?
The court and DMV need time to communicate. Wait three to five business days after paying both the ticket and the reinstatement fee. If your status has not changed after five business days, contact the DMV at 1-804-367-0538 with your payment confirmation to verify both payments were received and processed.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I already paid the ticket?
Yes. The ticket payment goes to the court and covers the violation itself. The $145 reinstatement fee is a separate charge paid to the DMV for the cost of restoring your license. Both payments are required.
What if I lost my ticket and do not know which court to contact?
Search the Virginia Court System website by your name and the approximate date of the violation. You can also call the district court in the city or county where you received the ticket and provide your driver's license number. The court can look up your case and tell you the amount owed.
Can I get my license reinstated if I still owe other traffic tickets?
No. The DMV will not reinstate your license if you have multiple unpaid tickets. You must pay all outstanding tickets and their associated court costs before the DMV will process any reinstatement. Contact each court where you have an unpaid ticket to find out what you owe.