Check your license status directly through Virginia DMV
The fastest way to learn about your Virginia license is suspended is to check the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website yourself. You can look up your license status online without calling or visiting an office, and you'll get an answer in seconds.
Go to dmvnow.com (the official Virginia DMV site) and select "License Status Check" from the menu. You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
If you don't have your license number handy, you can use your Social Security number instead. The search works the same way and returns the same information.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia DMV's online License Status Check at dmvnow.com is free and takes less than a minute, and it's available 24 hours a day.
- A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted and you meet any reinstatement requirements.
- Common reasons for suspension in Virginia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after a seizure or serious health event.
- If your license is suspended, the DMV website will usually tell you the reason and what you need to do to get it reinstated.
- You can also call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 if you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone.
What a suspension means and how long it lasts
A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges. Your license is not permanently taken away, but you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you complete any required steps to reinstate it.
How long a suspension lasts depends on why it happened. Some suspensions are automatic and lift on their own after a set period—for example, a suspension for an unpaid fine might lift once you pay it. Others require you to take action, like paying a debt, completing a court appearance, or passing a medical evaluation.
While your license is suspended, driving is illegal. You can be stopped, cited, and face additional penalties if you drive on a suspended license. It's different from a revocation, which is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license.
Common reasons Virginia suspends licenses
Virginia suspends licenses for many reasons, and knowing which one applies to you helps you understand what to do next. The DMV website will show the reason when you check your status.
Financial reasons are the most common. These include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, and failure to pay child support. If you owe money to the state or a court, your license can be suspended until you pay.
Court-related suspensions happen when you fail to appear for a court date or fail to pay a fine ordered by a judge. If you missed a court date, you may need to contact the court to reschedule before the DMV will lift the suspension.
Medical suspensions occur when the DMV learns you have had a seizure, loss of consciousness, or other serious medical event that affects your ability to drive safely. These suspensions stay in place until you provide a doctor's statement clearing you to drive.
Administrative suspensions can result from accumulating too many points on your driving record, refusing a breath test during a traffic stop, or being convicted of certain traffic offenses. Each situation has its own reinstatement path.
Steps to reinstate your license after suspension
Once you know why your license is suspended, you can take the steps needed to get it back. The exact process depends on the reason.
If the suspension is for an unpaid fine or court cost, pay what you owe. You can often do this online through dmvnow.com, by phone, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once payment is processed, the suspension usually lifts within one to three business days.
If the suspension is for failure to appear in court, contact the court that issued the summons. Explain that you missed the date and ask to reschedule. Once you appear or resolve the case, notify the DMV or ask the court to notify them. The suspension will be lifted once the court confirms the matter is resolved.
If the suspension is medical, you'll need a signed statement from your doctor confirming you are safe to drive. Submit this form to the DMV along with any reinstatement fee. Medical suspensions typically lift once the DMV receives and approves the doctor's clearance.
For suspensions related to points or traffic convictions, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason. Check dmvnow.com or call 804-367-0538 to confirm the fee and any other requirements before you visit a DMV office.
Reinstatement fees and what to expect
Virginia charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges after a suspension. The fee is not the same for every suspension—it depends on why your license was suspended.
Reinstatement fees typically range from $100 to $250, though some suspensions do not carry a fee. For example, if your suspension was lifted automatically because you paid an outstanding fine, you may not owe a separate reinstatement fee. If your suspension was medical and you submitted a doctor's clearance, there may be no fee.
The DMV website will tell you the fee amount when you check your status. You can pay online, by mail, or in person. Once the fee is paid and all other requirements are met, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again.
What to do if you cannot access the online system
If the DMV website is down or you don't have internet access, you can call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
You can also visit a DMV office in person to check your status. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff can look up your information and explain what you need to do to reinstate your license. Find your nearest office on dmvnow.com under "Locations."
If you are unable to reinstate your license yourself—for example, if you owe money you cannot pay right away—ask the DMV or the relevant court about payment plans. Some courts and the DMV offer installment options for unpaid fines and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Virginia and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded and you can be arrested.
How long does it take for a suspension to be lifted after I pay what I owe?
Once payment is processed, the suspension usually lifts within one to three business days. If you pay online or by phone, the system processes it faster than if you mail a check. You can call the DMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you drive.
What's the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet the requirements. A revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a new license and pass the written and road tests again. The DMV website will tell you which one applies to you.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, you do not need a lawyer. You can handle reinstatement yourself by paying fines, appearing in court, or submitting medical clearance. If your suspension is related to a criminal charge or a complex court case, you may want to speak with a lawyer.
What if the DMV website says my license is suspended but I don't know why?
Call the DMV at 804-367-0538 and ask them to explain the reason. They can also tell you exactly what you need to do to reinstate it. If the reason is unclear or you believe it's a mistake, ask to speak with a supervisor or visit an office in person.