Your license suspension ends, but you cannot drive yet
When your 60-day probationary license suspension ends, your driving privilege does not automatically come back. Instead, you enter a waiting period where your license remains suspended until you take specific steps to restore it. The exact process depends on why you were suspended and what state you live in, but most states require you to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (or your state's equivalent), pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes provide proof that you have completed a required program or paid outstanding fines.
The suspension ending is not the same as your license being reinstated. Think of it as the clock stopping — now you have to actively restart your driving privilege. If you drive during this waiting period, you are driving with a suspended license, which carries criminal penalties separate from the original suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Your license remains suspended after the 60 days end until you complete reinstatement steps with your state's motor vehicle department.
- Most states charge a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $300, depending on your state and the reason for suspension) that you must pay before your license is restored.
- You may need to show proof of completing a defensive driving course, paying court fines, or resolving other requirements before reinstatement is possible.
- Driving on a suspended license after the 60-day period ends is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension.
What you need to do to restore your license
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency (some states call it the Division of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or Registry of Motor Vehicles) as soon as your 60-day suspension period ends. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Have your driver's license number and the case or suspension number ready — you can find these on any paperwork you received when the suspension was imposed.
Ask the DMV specifically what you need to do to reinstate your license. The answer depends on the reason for your suspension. If it was for a traffic violation or court-ordered suspension, you may need to pay fines or court costs. If it was for failing to pay child support or other financial obligations, you need to show proof of payment or a payment plan. If it was for a substance-related offense, you may need to complete a substance abuse program or provide a certificate of completion.
Write down everything the DMV tells you and ask for it in writing if possible. Keep a record of the date you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and exactly what they said you need to do. This protects you if there is a dispute later about what was required.
The reinstatement fee and other costs
Every state charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. This fee is separate from any fines you owe for the original violation. Reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $300, though some states charge more. A few states have different fees depending on whether the suspension was for a traffic violation, a financial obligation, or a criminal matter.
You may also owe other costs beyond the reinstatement fee. If you have unpaid court fines, child support arrears, or outstanding fees from the original case, you must pay those before the DMV will reinstate your license. Some states allow you to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once, but you need to ask about this when you contact the DMV.
Ask the DMV for an exact total of what you owe before you send any money. Request an itemized breakdown so you know what each charge is for. Some DMV offices accept payment by phone, online, or by mail; others require you to pay in person.
Programs you may need to complete
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to complete a course or program before reinstatement. The most common is a defensive driving course, usually required after suspensions for reckless driving, multiple violations, or at-fault accidents. These courses are typically four to eight hours long and can be taken online or in person. You pay for the course separately (usually $30 to $100) and receive a certificate of completion, which you then submit to the DMV.
If your suspension was related to substance use or a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse education program or treatment program. These are longer and more involved than defensive driving courses. Your court paperwork or the DMV will tell you which program is required and where to find an approved provider in your area.
Some suspensions require nothing beyond paying fees and fines. The DMV will tell you clearly whether a program is required for your specific suspension. Do not assume you need one — ask directly.
How long reinstatement takes
Once you have paid all fees, submitted all required documents, and completed any required programs, the DMV processes your reinstatement. This usually takes one to two weeks, though some states process it faster if you explore online. A few states can reinstate your license the same day if you explore in person and have everything ready.
During this processing time, your license is still suspended. You cannot drive legally. Some states issue a temporary driving permit while your reinstatement is being processed, but this is not automatic — you have to ask for it, and not all states offer it.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new physical license in the mail or can pick one up at a DMV office. Check the expiration date on your new license when it arrives. If your original license was about to expire anyway, your new license may have a shorter validity period than usual.
What happens if you drive before reinstatement is complete
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense from the original violation that caused the suspension. If you are stopped by police during the reinstatement waiting period, you can be arrested, fined, and have your license suspended for an additional period — sometimes much longer than the original suspension. Some states add six months to a year to your suspension for driving with a suspended license.
You may also face jail time, depending on your state and whether you have prior convictions for driving with a suspended license. Even a first offense can result in up to 30 days in jail in some states. The fines are separate from jail time and typically range from $250 to $1,000 or more.
If you absolutely must drive during the reinstatement period — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — contact the DMV when ready to ask about a hardship license or restricted driving permit. These are not available in all states and not for all types of suspensions, but it is worth asking. You will need to show genuine hardship and may need to provide documentation like a work letter or medical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DMV to handle my reinstatement in person?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you are driving to the DMV to fix it. Use public transportation, ask someone to drive you, or handle your reinstatement by phone or online if your state offers it. If you must go in person and have no other way to get there, contact the DMV ahead of time and ask about a temporary permit for that specific trip.
What if I move to a different state before my reinstatement is complete?
Your suspension follows you. Most states share suspension information through a national database, so your new state will see the suspension and will not issue you a new license until it is lifted. You must complete reinstatement in the state that imposed the suspension, even if you no longer live there. You can usually do this by mail or online.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I think the suspension was unfair?
You can challenge the suspension through your state's appeals process, but this must happen before or during the suspension period, not after. Once the 60 days have ended, you generally cannot appeal the suspension itself. If you believe there was an error, contact the DMV or the court that issued the suspension when ready to ask about your options.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is reinstated?
Yes, most likely. A license suspension is a serious mark on your driving record and signals high risk to insurance companies. Your rates may stay elevated for three to five years, depending on your insurer and the reason for the suspension. Contact your insurance company after reinstatement to ask how it affects your policy.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Ask the DMV whether you can set up a payment plan. Some states allow this; others do not. If your suspension was related to unpaid child support or other financial obligations, you may be able to work with that agency on a payment arrangement. Do not ignore the reinstatement requirement — continuing to drive on a suspended license will cost you far more in fines and potential jail time than the reinstatement fee.