What AB 103 Does to Your License
AB 103 is a California law that automatically suspends your driver's license if you fall behind on child support payments. The suspension happens without a court hearing — the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) reports you to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and your license gets suspended. You do not have to be arrested or taken to court first.
The suspension is not permanent. It lifts once you catch up on what you owe or make an arrangement with the child support agency to pay. But while it is in effect, you cannot legally drive. Getting caught driving on a suspended license can result in a fine, a criminal charge, or both.
This law applies whether you are behind on court-ordered child support or on a support obligation set by the state. It also applies to spousal support (alimony) in some cases. The amount you owe does not have to be large — even a small arrearage can trigger suspension.
Key Takeaways
- AB 103 suspends your California driver's license automatically when you owe child support arrears, without requiring a court order or hearing first.
- The suspension lifts once you pay what you owe in full or reach a payment agreement with your local child support agency.
- You will receive notice before suspension happens, usually by mail, giving you time to contact the agency or make a payment.
- Driving on a suspended license under AB 103 is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, or both.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, requesting a modification or payment plan through your local DCSS office is your fastest path to getting your license back.
When Your License Gets Suspended Under AB 103
Your license suspension happens in stages. First, the child support agency reports you to the DMV as delinquent — usually when you are at least one month behind. The DMV then sends you a notice by mail. This notice tells you how much you owe and gives you a important date to respond, typically 10 days.
If you do not respond or do not pay by that important date, the DMV suspends your license. The suspension becomes effective about 20 days after the notice is mailed. You will receive a second notice from the DMV confirming the suspension.
The key point: you get warning before it happens. If you see the first notice, you have a window to act — either by paying, setting up a payment plan, or requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension.
How to Stop or Reverse a Suspension
The fastest way to get your license back is to contact your local child support agency directly. You can find your local office through the California Department of Child Support Services website or by calling 1-866-901-3212. Tell them you want to resolve your arrearage.
You have three main options. First, you can pay the full amount owed. Second, you can request a modification of your support order if your income has changed since the order was set — this can lower your monthly obligation going forward. Third, you can request a payment plan that lets you pay arrears over time while also paying current support.
Once you and the agency agree on a plan and you make your first payment, you can request that the DMV reinstate your license. The reinstatement usually happens within a few days to a week after the agency notifies the DMV that you are in compliance.
If you believe the suspension is wrong — for example, you already paid or the amount is incorrect — you can request a hearing. You have 10 days from the DMV notice to ask for one. At the hearing, you can present evidence that you do not actually owe the amount claimed.
What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license under AB 103 is a misdemeanor in California. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $250, a jail sentence of up to 10 days, or both. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A third offense can mean up to six months in jail.
You can also be arrested and your vehicle can be impounded. If you are stopped for any reason — a traffic violation, an accident, a sobriety checkpoint — the officer will discover the suspension and can cite you when ready.
The criminal record from a driving-on-suspended conviction can affect employment, housing, and other areas of your life. It is not worth the risk. If you need to drive while resolving your child support debt, contact your local DCSS office about a payment plan or modification as soon as possible.
Modification and Payment Plans
If your income has dropped since your child support order was set, you can request a modification. This does not erase what you already owe, but it can reduce your monthly payment going forward, making it easier to catch up on arrears. You can request a modification through your local DCSS office or by filing a motion in family court.
A payment plan lets you pay arrears in installments. The agency will work with you to set a payment amount based on your income and ability to pay. Once you are on a plan and making payments on time, your license will be reinstated and you will not face suspension again as long as you stay current.
If you are unemployed or underemployed, tell the agency. They may be able to lower your payment temporarily or work out a plan that fits your current situation. The goal of the agency is to collect support, not to make your life impossible — they have incentive to work with you if you are willing to pay.
How to Reinstate Your License After Suspension
Once you have resolved your arrearage — either by paying in full, reaching a payment plan, or getting a modification approved — contact your local DCSS office and ask them to notify the DMV that you are in compliance. Get written confirmation from the agency that you have satisfied the suspension requirement.
Take that confirmation to your nearest DMV office or submit it online through the DMV website. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically $100 to $200 depending on how long your license was suspended. Once you pay the fee, your license is reinstated when ready or within a few business days.
Do not wait for the DMV to reinstate automatically. Contact them directly to speed up the process. If there is any delay, ask for a temporary driving permit so you can legally drive while the reinstatement is being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work while my license is suspended?
California does not issue restricted licenses for AB 103 suspensions. Your license is either suspended or it is not. However, if you are working with your local DCSS office on a payment plan or modification, reinstatement can happen quickly — sometimes within days of your first payment. Contact the agency when ready rather than waiting.
What if I did not know about the child support order in the first place?
If you were never properly served with notice of the child support case, you may be able to challenge the order itself. This requires filing a motion in family court, not just responding to the DMV notice. Contact a family law attorney or your local legal aid office to discuss whether you have grounds to reopen the case.
Does AB 103 suspension affect my vehicle registration or insurance?
A license suspension does not automatically cancel your vehicle registration or insurance. However, your insurance company may drop you if they learn you are driving on a suspended license. Your vehicle registration will not renew if your license remains suspended for more than a certain period. Reinstate your license as soon as possible to avoid these complications.
Can I request a hearing to challenge the suspension amount?
Yes. You have 10 days from the DMV notice to request a hearing. At the hearing, you can present evidence that the amount owed is wrong — for example, proof of payments you made, documentation that the order was modified, or evidence that you are not the person responsible for the debt. The hearing is conducted by the DMV, not the child support agency.
What if I cannot afford to pay anything right now?
Contact your local DCSS office and explain your situation. If you have no income, the agency may temporarily lower your obligation or place you on a minimal payment plan. You can also request a modification based on changed circumstances. Even a small payment plan — $25 or $50 per month — can get your license reinstated while you work toward full compliance.