What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Massachusetts, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) suspends licenses for different violations, and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and drive again; you have to resolve the underlying issue, whether that is unpaid fines, a failed inspection, or a court order.
Start by contacting the RMV directly to learn the specific reason for your suspension. You can call the RMV at 617-351-4500, visit an RMV service center in person, or check your status online through the RMV website. Once you know the reason, you will know what steps to take — and in what order.
Key Takeaways
- The RMV will not reinstate your license until you resolve the reason it was suspended, which may involve paying fines, clearing a criminal matter, or passing a new test.
- You must contact the RMV first to learn the specific reason for suspension, because different reasons require different actions.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you will need to submit proof to the RMV and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type.
- Some suspensions require you to visit an RMV service center in person; others can be handled by mail or online.
Common reasons for suspension and how to fix each one
Unpaid fines or court-ordered fees: If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, parking tickets, or other court-ordered payments, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the court that issued the fine to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once you pay, the court sends notice to the RMV, which can take one to two weeks. You can then request reinstatement.
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, your license was likely suspended as a penalty. You must return to the same court, explain your absence, and resolve the underlying case — which may mean paying a fine, completing a program, or going to trial. Only after the court resolves your case will the RMV lift the suspension.
Failure to pay child support: The Department of Revenue can suspend your license if you fall behind on child support payments. You must contact the Child Support Enforcement Division and bring your account current or set up a payment plan. Once the division confirms you are in compliance, it notifies the RMV.
Medical or vision issues: If the RMV suspended your license because of a medical condition or failed vision test, you must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor or pass a new vision test at an RMV service center. Bring the completed medical form or proof of the new test when you request reinstatement.
Suspension for drug or alcohol offense: If your suspension is tied to a DUI, OUI, or drug-related conviction, reinstatement often requires completion of an alcohol or drug education program, an ignition interlock device installation (in some cases), and proof of insurance. The court or RMV will tell you which programs are approved in Massachusetts.
Steps to request reinstatement after you resolve the issue
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension — paid the fine, cleared the court matter, or completed the required program — you are ready to request reinstatement. The exact process depends on your suspension type and whether the RMV has already received notice that the issue is resolved.
If the RMV has received notice from the court or other agency, you can often request reinstatement online through the RMV website or by calling 617-351-4500. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which ranges from $50 to $100 depending on the suspension type. Some suspensions require you to visit an RMV service center in person to complete the request and pay the fee.
If you are unsure whether the RMV has received notice, call ahead before visiting or submitting payment. This prevents you from paying twice or being turned away because the underlying issue has not yet been recorded in the system.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Massachusetts charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license after suspension. The fee is not a fine for the original violation — it is a processing fee to reactivate your license. Most reinstatement fees fall between $50 and $100, though the exact amount depends on why your license was suspended.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on how you submit your request. If you are paying in person at an RMV service center, all payment methods are usually accepted. If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order with your reinstatement request form.
The fee does not cover any fines, court costs, or program fees related to the original violation — those are separate. For example, if you were suspended for an unpaid traffic fine, you pay the fine to the court and the reinstatement fee to the RMV.
Timeline: how long reinstatement takes
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue and how you submit your reinstatement request. If you resolve the issue quickly and submit your request online or by phone, reinstatement can happen within one to three business days. If you submit by mail, allow one to two weeks for processing.
The biggest variable is how long it takes to resolve the reason for suspension. If you owe a fine, you can pay it when ready. If you need to complete a program or attend court, that may take weeks or months. Once the underlying issue is resolved and the RMV receives notice, the actual reinstatement process is usually fast.
After your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks, or you can pick it up at an RMV service center if you submitted your request in person.
Where to get help if you are stuck
If you are unsure what to do next, start with the RMV directly. Call 617-351-4500 and explain your situation. The RMV staff can tell you the exact reason for your suspension and what you need to do to resolve it. They can also tell you whether the underlying issue has been resolved in their system.
If your suspension is tied to a court matter, contact the court that issued the suspension. The court clerk can tell you what you owe, whether you have an outstanding warrant, and how to resolve your case. If your suspension is tied to child support, contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement Division.
If you cannot afford to pay fines or fees, ask the court about payment plans or hardship waivers. Many courts will work with you to set up a schedule you can manage. The RMV does not waive reinstatement fees, but resolving the underlying issue is the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Massachusetts and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license regardless of why the suspension was issued.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Contact the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit an RMV service center. You can also check your status online through the RMV website. The RMV will tell you the reason and what you need to do to resolve it. Do not assume — the reason determines your next steps.
Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?
Not usually. Most suspensions do not require a new test. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons or a failed vision test, you will need to pass a new vision test or provide medical clearance. The RMV will tell you if a test is required when you call.
What if the court says the fine is paid but the RMV still shows my license as suspended?
There is often a delay between when the court records a payment and when the RMV receives notice. Wait one to two weeks after paying, then contact the RMV again. If the suspension is still showing, ask the court to send a certified notice to the RMV confirming the payment.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Massachusetts does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for a medical reason, you may be able to request a work or medical license. Contact the RMV to ask whether a hardship license is an option for your specific suspension type.