What you need to do to get your license back in Massachusetts
A suspended license in Massachusetts means the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has temporarily taken away your driving privileges. To drive legally again, you must complete the specific steps that caused the suspension and then formally request reinstatement from the RMV. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — unpaid fines, a failed inspection, a medical issue, or a court order all have different paths back to driving.
The RMV will not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends. You must take action. Most people can reinstate online or by mail, though some situations require an in-person visit to an RMV branch.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve the reason for suspension — paying court fines, passing an inspection, or providing medical clearance — before the RMV will consider reinstatement.
- The RMV offers online reinstatement through its website for many suspension types, which is faster than mailing documents or visiting in person.
- Some suspensions require you to visit an RMV branch in person, particularly those involving medical conditions or serious violations.
- Reinstatement fees range from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay this fee as part of the reinstatement process.
- After you request reinstatement, the RMV typically processes it within one to two weeks if all documents are correct.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate, you need to know the exact reason the RMV suspended your license. The RMV sends a notice by mail explaining the suspension and what you must do to resolve it. If you no longer have that notice, you can check your suspension status on the RMV website or call the RMV at 617-351-4500.
Common suspension reasons include: unpaid court fines or traffic citations, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, a failed vehicle inspection, a medical condition reported to the RMV, a DUI or serious traffic violation, or a court order. Each reason has its own reinstatement path. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. If it is due to a failed inspection, you must pass a new inspection.
Resolve the underlying issue
You cannot reinstate your license until you have addressed whatever caused the suspension. If fines are the issue, contact the court that issued the citation and pay in full. If child support is the issue, contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement division. If insurance lapsed, obtain a new policy and may support the RMV receives proof of coverage from your insurer.
For medical suspensions, you will need a letter from your doctor stating you are medically fit to drive, or you may need to pass a medical examination arranged by the RMV. For inspection failures, take your vehicle to a state inspection station, have it repaired if necessary, and pass the inspection. The inspection station will report the passing result directly to the RMV.
Keep documentation of whatever you do — payment receipts, inspection certificates, medical letters, or insurance cards. You will need to show proof when you request reinstatement.
Request reinstatement online or by mail
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement through the RMV's online system at mass.gov/rmv. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The online system will show you whether your suspension is may be able to access for online reinstatement and will guide you through uploading proof documents.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Reinstatement Unit, P.O. Box 369, Boston, MA 02133. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, current address, the reason for suspension, proof that you have resolved the issue, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100). Do not send cash.
Online reinstatement is faster — usually processed within one to two weeks. Mail processing takes longer, typically three to four weeks. Keep a copy of everything you send.
When you must visit an RMV branch in person
Some suspensions require an in-person visit to an RMV branch. These include medical suspensions where the RMV needs to evaluate your fitness to drive, certain serious violations, or suspensions where the RMV has questions about your documents. The RMV will tell you in its suspension notice if an in-person visit is required.
To visit an RMV branch, you will need an appointment. Book one through mass.gov/rmv or by calling 617-351-4500. Bring your driver's license, proof of identity, proof that you have resolved the suspension issue, and your reinstatement fee. Some branches may ask you to take a vision test or written exam depending on the suspension type.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The RMV charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license. The fee is typically $50 for most suspensions, though it can be $100 for certain violations. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card depending on whether you are reinstatement online, by mail, or in person.
If you reinstate online, the system will accept credit or debit card payment. If you mail your request, include a check or money order made out to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." If you visit in person, you can pay by cash, check, card, or money order. The fee is non-refundable, even if your reinstatement is denied.
What happens after you request reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request, the RMV will review your documents and verify that you have resolved the suspension issue. If everything is in order, you will receive a letter confirming that your license has been reinstated. This letter is your proof that you can drive legally again. You do not need to wait for a new physical license card to arrive — the letter is sufficient.
If the RMV denies your reinstatement request, it will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documents, unpaid fines still outstanding, or failure to resolve the underlying issue. You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the problem.
Your physical license card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks of reinstatement. Until it arrives, keep the reinstatement letter with you when you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until the RMV sends you a letter confirming reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Massachusetts and can result in additional fines, license suspension, and jail time. Wait for written confirmation before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The RMV does not waive reinstatement fees. However, if you are having financial hardship, contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 to discuss your situation. Some courts may allow you to set up a payment plan for outstanding fines, which could help you resolve the underlying suspension issue.
How long does reinstatement take?
Online reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. Mail reinstatement takes three to four weeks. In-person reinstatement at an RMV branch can sometimes be completed the same day, though you will still receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Processing time depends on how busy the RMV is and whether your documents are complete.
Do I need a new photo for reinstatement?
No. Reinstatement uses your existing license photo. You will only need a new photo if your license has expired or if the RMV specifically requests one due to a medical suspension or other special circumstance.
What if my suspension was due to a court order I do not agree with?
You must still resolve the court order before the RMV will reinstate your license. If you believe the court order is incorrect, you will need to contact the court that issued it and request a hearing or modification. The RMV cannot override a court order. Once the court modifies or lifts the order, notify the RMV and request reinstatement.