The restoration fee in New Jersey is $100, plus the cost of a new license if yours was suspended or revoked
When you restore your New Jersey driver's license after a suspension or revocation, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) charges a flat $100 restoration fee. On top of that, you'll pay for a replacement license itself — currently $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. If you're restoring after a revocation (rather than a suspension), you may also need to pay for a new road test, which costs $15.
The total you owe depends on what happened to your license and how long you want it to last. A suspension restoration with a four-year license runs $124. A revocation restoration with a road test and an eight-year license can reach $163. You must pay these fees before the MVC will process your restoration — they don't restore first and bill you later.
Payment happens at an MVC office or online through the MVC website, depending on which restoration path you're on. Some restorations require an in-person visit anyway (like those involving a road test or a hearing), so you may pay at the office during that visit. Others can be handled entirely by mail or online, and you'll pay through the MVC portal before your restoration is final.
Key Takeaways
- The MVC charges a flat $100 restoration fee for all suspensions and revocations in New Jersey.
- You must also pay for a replacement license ($24 for four years or $48 for eight years), which is separate from the restoration fee.
- Road test fees ($15) explore only if your license was revoked and you must retake the test as part of restoration.
- Payment is required before restoration is processed — the MVC does not restore your license and bill you afterward.
- You can pay online through the MVC website for mail-in or online restorations, or in person at an MVC office.
When you pay the restoration fee
The timing of payment depends on your restoration type. If you're restoring by mail or online (for certain suspensions), you pay through the MVC website before your process is processed. The MVC will not move forward until payment clears.
If your restoration requires an in-person visit — such as a hearing, a road test, or a substance abuse program completion verification — you typically pay at the MVC office on the day of your appointment. Bring a check, money order, or credit/debit card. Some offices accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is safer than assuming.
If you're unsure whether your restoration can be done by mail or requires an office visit, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 or check your suspension or revocation notice. The notice usually states what steps you must complete and whether an office visit is mandatory.
What the $100 fee covers
The $100 restoration fee is the MVC's charge for processing your case — reviewing your documents, confirming you've met all conditions (like paying fines or completing a program), and reinstating your driving privileges. It is not a fine or a penalty; it is an administrative processing cost.
This fee is separate from any fines you may owe for the violation that caused the suspension or revocation. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, for example, you must pay those tickets before restoration, but the ticket payment is not part of the $100 restoration fee. Similarly, if you were revoked for a DUI conviction, you may owe court fines, a surcharge to the Drunk Driving Fund, or insurance surcharges — all of those are separate from the MVC's $100 fee.
License replacement costs included in restoration
When your license is restored, you receive a new physical license card. The MVC charges $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you restore. A four-year license is cheaper upfront but requires renewal sooner; an eight-year license costs more but lasts longer.
Your new license will have a new expiration date based on the term you select. If you had a license that was about to expire anyway, restoring with an eight-year license gives you a fresh start. If your old license had years left, you still get a new card with a new expiration — the MVC does not extend your old license's date.
Road test fees for revocations
If your license was revoked (not suspended), New Jersey may require you to pass a new road test before restoration. The road test fee is $15, paid when you schedule the test at an MVC office. Not all revocations require a road test — it depends on the reason for revocation and your driving record — so check your revocation notice or call the MVC to confirm whether you must retake the test.
If a road test is required, you must pass it before you can restore your license. Failing the test does not refund the $15 fee, but you can reschedule and retake it. Each attempt costs $15.
How to pay: online, by mail, or in person
The MVC offers three payment methods depending on your restoration type. For mail-in restorations, you can pay online through the MVC website using a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number, which you include with your mailed documents. Payment must clear before the MVC processes your case.
If you're restoring in person at an MVC office, bring cash, a check, a money order, or a credit/debit card. Call the office ahead of time to confirm which payment methods they accept, as some offices have different policies. For online restorations handled entirely through the MVC portal, you'll pay through the website before your restoration is finalized.
Do not mail cash. If paying by check or money order, make it payable to "New Jersey MVC" and include it with your process. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or cancelled check for your records.
What happens if you don't pay the fee
If you don't pay the $100 restoration fee and the license replacement cost, the MVC will not restore your license. Your suspension or revocation remains in effect, and you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in New Jersey and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.
If you've submitted a restoration process but haven't paid yet, contact the MVC when ready to complete payment. If you're having trouble affording the fee, there is no formal fee waiver program, but you can call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to discuss your situation. Some offices may be able to work with you on payment timing or direct you to resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the restoration fee before I meet all the conditions for restoration?
No. You must complete all conditions first — such as paying fines, finishing a substance abuse program, or serving a suspension period — before you pay the restoration fee. The fee is the final step, not the first one. Paying early will not speed up the process.
Is the $100 restoration fee the same for all types of suspensions and revocations?
Yes, the $100 fee applies to all suspensions and revocations in New Jersey, regardless of the reason. However, the total cost varies depending on whether you need a road test (revocations only) and which license term you choose (four or eight years).
What if I lose my payment confirmation or receipt?
Keep your confirmation number or receipt in a safe place. If you lose it, contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 with your driver's license number, and they can look up your payment in their system. You may need this information if there's a delay in processing or if you need to follow up on your restoration status.
Do I have to pay the restoration fee in one lump sum, or can I pay it in installments?
The MVC requires full payment of all fees before restoration is processed. There is no installment plan for the restoration fee itself. If you're struggling to pay, contact the MVC office to ask about your options or whether payment timing can be adjusted.
Will paying the restoration fee restore my license when ready?
No. Paying the fee is necessary but not sufficient. The MVC must also verify that you've met all other conditions for restoration (fines paid, programs completed, suspension period served). Processing typically takes one to two weeks after payment, though it can be longer during busy periods.