How to learn about your New Jersey license is suspended
You can check whether your New Jersey driver's license is suspended through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) website or by calling their customer service line. The MVC maintains a record of every license status in the state, and you can look up your own license in minutes without visiting an office.
The fastest way is online through the MVC's License Status Check tool. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth. If you don't have your license number handy, you can use your Social Security number instead. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the MVC's customer service line at 609-292-6500. Have your license number or Social Security number ready. Wait times vary depending on the time of day, but the phone line is typically less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- The Motor Vehicle Commission's online License Status Check tool shows your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the MVC at 609-292-6500 during business hours to ask about your license status over the phone.
- A suspended license is temporary and can often be reinstated once you address the reason for the suspension, such as unpaid fines or traffic violations.
- If your license is suspended, the MVC notice will explain what caused the suspension and what steps you need to take to restore it.
What the MVC online tool shows you
When you use the License Status Check tool on the MVC website, the system displays your current license status in one of several categories. A valid license means you can drive legally. An expired license means your renewal date has passed and you need to renew before driving. A suspended license means driving is prohibited for a specific period, usually because of unpaid fines, traffic violations, or failure to appear in court.
The online tool does not always explain the reason for a suspension in detail. If you see that your license is suspended but the tool doesn't say why, call the MVC customer service line. They can tell you the specific cause and what you need to do to get your license back.
Common reasons for license suspension in New Jersey
New Jersey suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you do next. Unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines are the most common cause. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the due date, the court reports this to the MVC, which suspends your license automatically.
Failure to appear in court is another frequent reason. If you received a ticket and missed your court date without requesting a postponement, the court issues a warrant and notifies the MVC to suspend your license. Accumulating too many points on your driving record can also trigger suspension—New Jersey uses a point system where serious violations add points, and reaching 12 points in three years results in suspension.
Other reasons include driving with a suspended license, not maintaining required insurance, failing to pay child support, or owing money to the state for other reasons. Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved. Others require you to take specific action, such as paying a fine or completing a defensive driving course.
Steps to take if your license is suspended
Once you confirm your license is suspended, contact the MVC or the court that issued the suspension to find out exactly what you need to do. Do not drive while your license is suspended—doing so is a separate criminal offense that carries fines and possible jail time.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you will need to pay the full amount owed. You can pay online through the MVC website, by mail, or in person at an MVC office. Some courts allow payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Once payment is confirmed, the MVC typically lifts the suspension within one to three business days.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court that issued the warrant and resolve the case. This usually means appearing in court on a new date or working with the prosecutor to settle the matter. After the court resolves the case, they notify the MVC, which removes the suspension.
If the suspension is due to accumulated points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course before your license is restored. The MVC will specify which course is acceptable and how to register. After you complete the course, submit proof to the MVC, and your suspension will be lifted.
How long a suspension lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason and whether it is your first offense. Some suspensions are automatic and lift once you resolve the underlying issue—for example, paying a fine or appearing in court. These can be resolved in days or weeks.
Other suspensions are fixed-term, meaning the MVC suspends your license for a set number of months regardless of whether you take action. A first suspension for accumulating points typically lasts three months. A second suspension within five years lasts six months. A third or subsequent suspension lasts one year or longer.
If you have multiple reasons for suspension stacked together, the MVC may impose consecutive suspensions, meaning you must resolve each one before your license is fully restored. This is why it is important to contact the MVC or the relevant court as soon as you discover a suspension—the sooner you address it, the sooner you can drive legally again.
Reinstating your license after suspension ends
Once the reason for your suspension is resolved and the suspension period has ended, you do not automatically get your license back. You must request reinstatement from the MVC. The process depends on why your license was suspended.
For most suspensions, you can request reinstatement online through the MVC website or by mail. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is typically around $100, though the exact amount varies. Some suspensions require you to submit additional documents, such as proof of insurance or proof that you completed a required course.
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the MVC processes it within one to two weeks. You will receive a new license in the mail. Until it arrives, you cannot drive legally, even if your suspension period has technically ended. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, contact the MVC to ask about a temporary driving permit.
What to do if you cannot find your license status online
If the online tool does not recognize your license number or date of birth, try entering your Social Security number instead. If that does not work, your license information may not be in the system yet, or there may be a technical issue with the website.
Call the MVC customer service line at 609-292-6500. Have your full name, date of birth, and license number ready. The representative can look up your status manually and explain any suspension or other issue. If you have recently moved to New Jersey or recently received your license, it may take a few days for your information to appear in the online system.
You can also visit an MVC office in person to check your license status. Bring your license or a photo ID. An MVC representative can print out your driving record and explain your status. Office visits take longer than calling or using the online tool, but you will have a printed record to take home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries criminal penalties, including fines up to $500 and possible jail time. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license in addition to any other violations. Do not drive until your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license?
Once you resolve the reason for suspension and pay the reinstatement fee, the MVC typically processes your request within one to two weeks. Your new license arrives by mail. If your suspension period has ended but you have not yet requested reinstatement, you must do so before you can drive legally again.
What if I disagree with the suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing before the MVC to challenge a suspension. Contact the MVC within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice to request a hearing. You can present evidence and argue why the suspension should not stand. The MVC will review your case and decide whether to uphold or overturn the suspension.
Will my insurance company know about my suspension?
Yes. Insurance companies have access to your driving record, which includes suspensions. A suspension may cause your insurance rates to increase or your policy to be cancelled. Contact your insurance company to ask how a suspension affects your coverage and rates.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
New Jersey offers a limited driving permit in some cases, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your license is suspended. You must request this through the MVC and meet specific requirements. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for a hardship permit, so contact the MVC to ask whether you are may be able to access.