How to check if your Virginia license is suspended
You can find out whether your Virginia driver's license is suspended by checking the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website directly, calling the DMV, or visiting a DMV office in person. The fastest method is the online check through the DMV's license status tool, which takes a few minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Virginia DMV at 1-888-337-4269. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. You can also walk into any DMV customer service center with your license and ask a staff member to look up your status on the spot.
A suspension means you are not legally allowed to drive in Virginia or most other states during the suspension period. It is different from a revocation, which is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process. Knowing which one applies to you matters because the steps to get back on the road are different.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia DMV website has a free online tool where you can check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspension is temporary and your license will be valid again after the suspension period ends, but you cannot drive during that time.
- Common reasons for suspension in Virginia include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical suspension, or accumulating too many points.
- If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, complete a course, etc.) before you can drive legally again.
Common reasons your Virginia license might be suspended
Virginia suspends licenses for several specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you helps you understand what to do next. The most common cause is accumulating too many points on your driving record. Virginia uses a point system: minor violations like speeding add points, and when you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days.
Other frequent suspension triggers include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, medical suspension (when a doctor reports you as unsafe to drive), and failure to maintain car insurance. Some suspensions also result from drug-related convictions or from not paying court-ordered restitution.
If you received a notice in the mail about your suspension, that letter will state the reason. If you did not receive a notice but suspect your license might be suspended, the online check or a phone call to the DMV will tell you the cause and what you need to do to clear it.
What to do if your license is suspended
Your first step is to confirm the reason for the suspension, since the action you take depends on what caused it. Once you know the reason, you address that specific issue. If it is unpaid fines, you pay them to the court that issued the ticket. If it is points, you wait out the suspension period or take a driver improvement course to reduce points. If it is insurance-related, you obtain coverage and provide proof to the DMV.
After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request that the DMV lift the suspension. For point-based suspensions, the suspension automatically ends after the suspension period passes, but you may need to contact the DMV to confirm it has been removed from your record. For other types of suspensions, you will typically need to submit proof that you have resolved the issue (a receipt showing fines paid, proof of insurance, a court document showing child support is current, etc.).
Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV before your license becomes valid again. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and typically ranges from $100 to $250, though you should confirm the exact amount with the DMV since it can change.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. A suspension for accumulating 12 points lasts 30 days from the date the DMV issues the suspension notice. If you accumulate points again within three years and reach 12 points a second time, the next suspension lasts 60 days. A third suspension within three years lasts 90 days.
Suspensions for unpaid fines last until you pay the fine and any court costs. Suspensions for failure to maintain insurance last until you obtain coverage and provide proof to the DMV. Medical suspensions depend on the doctor's recommendation and can last weeks to months, and you may need to pass a medical evaluation or driving test before the suspension is lifted.
Child support-related suspensions remain in place until your child support account is brought current. The DMV does not automatically lift these suspensions once the issue is resolved; you must request the lift after the underlying problem is fixed.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Your license will be valid again once the suspension period ends or once you resolve the issue that caused it. You do not have to reapply or retake tests; you straightforward wait or fix the problem, and your license becomes active again.
A revocation is permanent. The DMV cancels your license entirely, and you cannot straightforward wait for it to end. To drive again after a revocation, you must go through a formal reinstatement process, which usually includes paying a reinstatement fee, waiting a set period, and sometimes retaking the written test or road test. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or habitual traffic offender status.
If the DMV letter you received says "suspension," you are in the temporary category. If it says "revocation," the process to get your license back is longer and more involved. When you call or check online, the DMV will tell you which one applies to you.
Steps to reinstate your license after suspension ends
If your suspension was for points and the suspension period has passed, your license may automatically become valid again. However, you should confirm this with the DMV before you drive. Call 1-888-337-4269 or check the online status tool to verify that the suspension has been lifted.
If your suspension was for a specific issue like unpaid fines or lack of insurance, you must take action before the suspension ends. Pay the fines to the court, obtain insurance and provide proof to the DMV, or resolve whatever issue caused the suspension. Once you have done that, contact the DMV to request that the suspension be lifted. You may need to submit documents as proof.
Some suspensions require a reinstatement fee. If yours does, you will pay this fee to the DMV (by mail, online, or in person) as part of the reinstatement process. After the fee is processed and any other requirements are met, your license will be reinstated and you can legally drive again.
Driving with a suspended license in Virginia
Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Virginia and carries serious consequences. If you are stopped by police, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a separate offense from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. A first offense is typically a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine and a possible jail sentence.
A second or subsequent offense within 10 years is a Class 2 misdemeanor, with harsher penalties. Beyond the legal consequences, driving on a suspended license can extend your suspension period, add points to your record, and make it harder to reinstate your license later. It also affects your insurance rates if you are caught.
If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential reasons, you may be able to request a restricted license or hardship license from the DMV. These are not automatic, but the DMV will consider requests in cases of genuine hardship. Contact the DMV to ask whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DMV to renew my license if it is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you are driving to the DMV. If you need to renew or reinstate your license, have someone else drive you, use public transportation, or handle the transaction by mail or online if the DMV offers that option for your situation.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A suspension will appear on your driving record, which employers, insurance companies, and others can see if they run a background check that includes your DMV record. Once the suspension is lifted, it will no longer be active, though the fact that it happened may still appear in your history.
What if I moved out of Virginia while my license was suspended?
Your Virginia suspension remains in effect even if you move to another state. Most states honor suspensions from other states through a system called the Interstate Compact. You will need to resolve the suspension with Virginia before you can obtain a license in your new state.
How do I check my driving record to see what points I have?
You can order a copy of your Virginia driving record from the DMV website or by mail. The record shows all violations, points, and suspensions. This is useful if you want to understand exactly what led to your suspension or how many points you currently have.
Can I get my suspension lifted early?
For point-based suspensions, you cannot shorten the suspension period, but you can take a driver improvement course to reduce points on your record and prevent future suspensions. For other types of suspensions, lifting the suspension early depends on resolving the underlying issue. Contact the DMV to ask about your specific situation.