What "ISS REI" Means on Your Virginia Driver's License

ISS REI is Virginia's code for a restricted license issued to someone with a suspended or revoked driving privilege

ISS REI stands for "Issued" and appears on a Virginia driver's license when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has reinstated your driving privilege after a suspension or revocation, but with restrictions attached. It is not a separate license type — it is a notation that tells law enforcement and others that your license comes with specific conditions you must follow.

The most common reason you will see ISS REI on your license is after a DUI or DWI conviction, a suspension for unpaid fines or child support, or accumulation of too many traffic violations. Virginia's DMV does not straightforward hand back an unrestricted license once the suspension period ends. Instead, they issue a restricted license that may limit when, where, or how you can drive.

Understanding what ISS REI means matters because driving outside the restrictions printed on your license — even if you think the suspension is over — is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time.

Key Takeaways

ISS REI means your license was reissued after a suspension or revocation, but you are driving under restrictions set by Virginia's DMV.
Common restrictions include driving only to work, school, or medical appointments, or only during daylight hours.
The specific restrictions appear in writing on the back of your license and in the DMV's records.
Violating the restrictions on an ISS REI license is a separate offense and can result in criminal charges beyond the original suspension.
You must carry proof of the restriction (your license) at all times, and police can stop you if they believe you are driving outside the permitted times or purposes.

How Virginia issues a restricted license after suspension

When your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in Virginia, you cannot legally drive at all during that period. Once the suspension ends — whether because the time has passed, you have paid fines, or you have completed a required program — you can petition the DMV for reinstatement.

The DMV does not automatically restore your full driving privilege. Instead, they may issue a restricted license with conditions. This restricted license is marked ISS REI on the front and lists the restrictions on the back. The restrictions are tailored to the reason for the suspension. For example, a suspension for DUI may result in a license that allows driving only to and from work, school, or court-ordered programs. A suspension for accumulating points may result in a license with no restrictions at all, or restrictions on commercial driving.

You must request reinstatement; the DMV will not contact you when your suspension period ends. You will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring required documents (such as proof of insurance, a reinstatement fee, and sometimes proof of completion of a safety course), and explore for your restricted license.

What restrictions typically appear on an ISS REI license

The restrictions on an ISS REI license depend on why your license was suspended or revoked. Virginia law allows the DMV to impose conditions that serve public safety and the reason for the original suspension.

Common restrictions include:

Occupational or business use only: You can drive only to and from work, or only for work-related purposes.
Limited purpose: You can drive only to work, school, medical appointments, court dates, or DMV appointments.
Daylight driving only: You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise.
No commercial driving: You cannot operate a commercial vehicle or drive for hire.
Ignition interlock device required: Your vehicle must have an IID installed, and you must blow into it before the engine starts.
No driving in certain localities: Rarely, you may be restricted from driving in specific cities or counties.

The exact restrictions are printed on the back of your license in the "Restrictions" section. You should read this section carefully before you drive, because you are responsible for knowing and following the restrictions, even if you disagree with them.

How long an ISS REI restriction lasts

The duration of an ISS REI restriction varies depending on the reason for the suspension and the severity of the violation. Some restrictions last a few months; others last years.

For a DUI suspension, a restricted license may last 6 months to 3 years, depending on whether it is a first offense and whether you are required to install an ignition interlock device. For a suspension due to unpaid fines or child support, the restriction may last only until you pay what you owe. For a suspension due to accumulating too many traffic points, the restriction may last 12 months or longer.

The DMV will tell you the end date of your restriction when you receive your ISS REI license. You can also check your driving record online through the Virginia DMV website or by visiting an office in person. Once the restriction period ends, you can petition the DMV again to have the restrictions removed and receive an unrestricted license.

What happens if you drive outside the restrictions

Driving outside the restrictions on an ISS REI license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia, distinct from the original suspension. If a police officer stops you and discovers you are driving outside the permitted times, purposes, or areas, you can be charged with "driving with a suspended license" or "violation of restricted license conditions," depending on the circumstances.

The penalties are serious. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $500, up to 12 months in jail, or both. A second offense within 10 years can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Additionally, your license can be suspended again, and the new suspension period may be longer than the original one.

Police do not need to witness you breaking the law to stop you. If they run your license and see the ISS REI notation, they can stop you and ask where you are going. If your answer does not match the restrictions on your license, you can be cited. For example, if your license restricts you to driving only to work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and a police officer stops you at 8 p.m., you can be charged even if you were driving safely and obeying all traffic laws.

How to remove restrictions from your ISS REI license

Once the restriction period ends, you must take action to have the restrictions removed. The DMV does not automatically upgrade your license. You will need to visit a DMV office, bring your current license and proof of insurance, pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies), and request that the restrictions be removed.

In some cases, you may need to provide additional documentation. For example, if your restriction included an ignition interlock device requirement, you may need to provide proof that the device has been removed from your vehicle and that you have complied with the monitoring requirements. If your restriction was due to unpaid fines or child support, you may need to provide proof of payment.

Once the DMV approves your request, you will receive a new license without the ISS REI notation and without the restrictions. This new license will be valid for the standard renewal period (typically 8 years for adults in Virginia).

ISS REI versus other license notations

Virginia driver's licenses can carry several different notations and restrictions, and it is important not to confuse ISS REI with others. Here are the most common:

ISS REI: License reissued after suspension or revocation, with restrictions.
SUSP: License is currently suspended; you cannot drive at all.
REV: License is revoked; you cannot drive and must reapply for a license after a waiting period.
CDL SUSP or CDL REV: Your commercial driver's license is suspended or revoked, but you may still drive a non-commercial vehicle if your regular license is valid.
Restrictions (without ISS REI): Your license has always had restrictions (for example, corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), and these are not related to a suspension.

If you are unsure what a notation on your license means, you can contact the Virginia DMV directly or visit an office in person. Your driving record, which you can view online, will also explain any suspensions, revocations, or restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive anywhere I want if my ISS REI license says "no restrictions"?

If your ISS REI license has no restrictions listed on the back, then yes, you can drive anywhere within Virginia and beyond, just as you would with a regular license. However, you must still obey all traffic laws. The ISS REI notation straightforward means your license was reissued after a suspension; it does not mean you have special permissions or exemptions.

What if I lose my ISS REI license or it gets damaged?

You can replace it at any Virginia DMV office. Bring your ID, proof of residency, and the replacement fee. Your restrictions will transfer to the new license automatically. If you lose your license and are stopped by police before you replace it, you can be cited for driving without a license, even though you have a valid ISS REI license on file.

Does an ISS REI license show up on a background check?

An ISS REI notation on your license itself does not appear on most background checks. However, the underlying suspension or revocation will appear on your driving record, which employers, insurance companies, and others can request. Your driving record is separate from your criminal record and is maintained by the DMV.

Can I appeal the restrictions on my ISS REI license?

You can petition the DMV for a modification or removal of restrictions before the restriction period ends, but the DMV is not required to grant it. You will need to show that the restrictions are unnecessary or that circumstances have changed. An attorney who specializes in DMV law can help you prepare a petition, but there is no may provide of success.

If I move out of Virginia, does my ISS REI license still explore?

If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state. However, the restrictions on your Virginia license may transfer to your new state's license, depending on that state's laws and reciprocity agreements with Virginia. You should contact the DMV in your new state to find out how your Virginia suspension or restriction will be handled.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.