What You Need to Know Before You Start
A suspended license in Connecticut means the DMV has temporarily revoked your driving privilege, but restoration is possible once you address the reason for the suspension. The state does not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends — you must take specific steps and often pay a fee to get it back. The process depends entirely on why your license was suspended, and Connecticut has different procedures for suspensions caused by unpaid tickets, insurance lapses, medical issues, or alcohol-related violations.
Before you contact the DMV, you need to know the exact reason for your suspension. The state will not restore your license until that underlying issue is resolved. For example, if your suspension was due to a lapsed insurance policy, you must obtain new coverage and file proof with the DMV. If it was due to unpaid fines, you must pay them. This guide walks you through the most common suspension types and the steps to clear each one.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut suspensions are issued for specific reasons — unpaid tickets, insurance lapses, medical conditions, or DUI convictions — and you must resolve that reason before the DMV will restore your license.
- You can check the reason for your suspension by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700 or visiting the online license status lookup at ct.gov/dmv.
- Most suspensions require you to file proof of resolution (paid fines, new insurance, medical clearance) with the DMV before restoration takes effect.
- A restoration fee of $100 is charged for most suspension types, though some medical suspensions may have different requirements.
- Restoration typically takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your payment and proof of resolution.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Connecticut does not always send a clear notice explaining the suspension reason, and many drivers discover the suspension only when they try to renew or are stopped by police. Your first step is to contact the DMV directly to learn the exact cause. Call the DMV at 860-263-5700 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and have your driver's license number ready. The staff can tell you the suspension type and what you need to do to clear it.
If you prefer not to call, you can check your license status online at the Connecticut DMV website (ct.gov/dmv) using their license status lookup tool. You will need your license number and date of birth. The online system will show whether your license is suspended, but it may not always display the specific reason — a phone call often gives you more detail about what action to take next.
Suspension Due to Unpaid Fines or Traffic Violations
If your license was suspended because of unpaid fines or failure to appear in court for a traffic violation, you must resolve the ticket or court case before the DMV will restore your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket (usually the local district court in the town where the violation occurred) and ask about payment options. Many courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Once you have paid the fine or resolved the case, the court will notify the DMV automatically, though this can take 5 to 10 business days.
After the court has processed your payment, contact the DMV to confirm the suspension has been cleared. You will still need to pay the $100 restoration fee. You can pay this fee by mail, phone, or in person at a DMV office. Mail a check or money order payable to "State of Connecticut" along with a letter stating your name, license number, and that you are paying the restoration fee for a suspension lift. Send it to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. By phone, call 860-263-5700 and ask about payment by credit card.
Suspension Due to Insurance Lapse or Failure to Maintain Coverage
Connecticut requires all drivers to maintain continuous auto insurance. If your license was suspended because your insurance lapsed or was cancelled, you must obtain a new insurance policy before the DMV will restore your license. Contact an insurance agent or company and purchase a policy that covers the vehicle you drive. The policy must be active on the date you submit it to the DMV.
Once you have active insurance, file proof with the DMV. You can do this by having your insurance company submit an SR-22 form (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) directly to the DMV, or you can submit a copy of your insurance card and policy declaration page yourself. Mail these documents to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161, along with a check for $100 (the restoration fee) payable to "State of Connecticut." Include a letter with your name, license number, and a statement that you are submitting proof of insurance and the restoration fee. The DMV will process your request within 5 to 10 business days of receiving all required documents.
Suspension Due to Medical Conditions or Physician Reports
If the DMV suspended your license based on a medical report or physician's concern about your ability to drive safely, the restoration process is different. You must obtain medical clearance from a licensed physician in Connecticut and submit it to the DMV. The physician must complete a form provided by the DMV (Form DL-43, Medical Evaluation Report) confirming that you are medically fit to drive. This form is available on the Connecticut DMV website or by calling 860-263-5700.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor and bring the DMV form. Your physician will complete it and sign it. Once you have the signed form, mail it to the Connecticut DMV along with a check for $100 (restoration fee) payable to "State of Connecticut." Send everything to 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a letter with your name, license number, and a statement that you are submitting medical clearance for license restoration. The DMV will review the form and notify you within 10 to 15 business days.
Suspension Due to DUI or Alcohol-Related Violations
Suspensions resulting from DUI (driving under the influence) or refusal to take a breath test are handled more strictly and may require additional steps beyond paying a fee. Connecticut imposes both an administrative suspension (handled by the DMV) and a criminal suspension (imposed by the court). You must address both before your license can be fully restored.
First, contact the court that handled your DUI case to learn what conditions you must meet. Many courts require completion of an alcohol education program, proof of substance abuse treatment, or a period of abstinence. Some courts also require an ignition interlock device to be installed on your vehicle. Once the court's requirements are met, the court will notify the DMV. You will then need to pay the $100 restoration fee and may need to file additional documentation (such as proof of program completion) with the DMV. Call 860-263-5700 to confirm what documents the DMV needs from you before processing restoration.
How to Submit Payment and Documents to the DMV
Connecticut accepts restoration payments and supporting documents through three methods: mail, phone, or in-person visit. By mail, send a check or money order for $100 (payable to "State of Connecticut"), along with any required proof documents and a letter stating your name, license number, and the reason for restoration, to the Connecticut DMV, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your package.
By phone, call 860-263-5700 and ask about payment options. The DMV can accept credit card payments over the phone for the restoration fee, though you will still need to mail any supporting documents separately. In person, visit a DMV office during business hours. Connecticut has offices in Wethersfield (main office), Waterbury, Norwalk, and New Britain. Bring your driver's license, the $100 fee in cash or check, and any required proof documents. Staff can process your restoration on the spot if all documents are in order, though you will receive your new license by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
What Happens After You Submit Your Restoration Request
After the DMV receives your payment and all required documents, the agency will review your case. If everything is in order, your suspension will be lifted and your license will be restored. You will receive a new physical license card by mail within 5 to 10 business days. During this waiting period, your license is still suspended — you cannot legally drive.
If the DMV finds that your documents are incomplete or incorrect, staff will contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional information. This can delay restoration by another 5 to 10 business days. To avoid delays, double-check that you have submitted the correct form, that all signatures are present, and that your check is made out correctly. If you do not hear from the DMV within two weeks, call 860-263-5700 to confirm that your request was received and is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my restoration request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially lifts the suspension and issues a new license card. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Connecticut and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail before driving.
What if I cannot afford the $100 restoration fee right now?
Contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. While the DMV does not always grant fee waivers, staff may be able to discuss options with you. Some courts also offer payment plans for fines related to traffic violations, so contact the court that issued your ticket if your suspension is ticket-related.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to restore my license?
No. Restoration does not require retesting unless your suspension was specifically for medical reasons and the DMV's medical review determines that you need to pass a road test before driving again. In most cases, you straightforward pay the fee, submit proof of resolution, and your license is restored.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Once your license is restored, the suspension itself is removed from your active status, but it remains part of your permanent driving history. Insurance companies and employers may see it when they review your record. The suspension does not expire or disappear after a certain time.
What if I moved out of Connecticut after my license was suspended?
You can still restore your Connecticut license by mail even if you no longer live in the state. Send your payment and documents to the DMV address listed above. If you have moved to another state and want to transfer your license, you will need to restore your Connecticut license first, then contact your new state's DMV about transferring or obtaining a new license there.