What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in West Virginia, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or driving under the influence convictions — and each one has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.
Start by contacting the West Virginia DMV directly to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. You can call them at 1-304-558-0238 or visit their website at sos.wv.gov/dmv. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. Once you know what caused the suspension, follow the steps below for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- The West Virginia DMV will not reinstate your license until you resolve the reason it was suspended — paying a reinstatement fee alone is not enough.
- Call the DMV at 1-304-558-0238 to find out exactly why your license was suspended before you take any other steps.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay them in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket.
- Suspensions for unpaid child support require contact with the West Virginia Child Support Enforcement office, not the DMV.
- Once you have resolved the underlying issue, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by reason) and may need to provide proof to the DMV.
Suspensions for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must settle the debt with the court that issued the citation. Contact the traffic court in the county where you received the ticket and ask what you owe. You can often find the court's phone number on your ticket or by searching online for "[County Name] Circuit Court" in West Virginia.
You have two options: pay the full amount at once, or ask the court about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you on a payment schedule if you cannot pay everything when ready. Once the court confirms that your debt is paid or that you are on an approved payment plan, ask them to notify the DMV. Some courts do this automatically; others require you to request it in writing.
After the court has reported the payment to the DMV, contact the DMV again to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV; the amount depends on how long your license was suspended. Ask the DMV for the exact fee when you call.
Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court
If you missed a court date, your license was suspended as a penalty. You must contact the court that issued the summons and explain why you missed the hearing. The court may reschedule your case or, in some situations, allow you to resolve it by phone or mail without appearing in person.
Once you have appeared in court or resolved the case as the court directs, ask the court clerk to send written confirmation to the DMV that the failure to appear has been cleared. Keep a copy of this confirmation for your records. The DMV will not lift the suspension until it receives official notice from the court.
After the DMV confirms the suspension has been removed, you will typically need to pay a reinstatement fee. Contact the DMV to learn the current fee amount for your situation.
Suspensions for Unpaid Child Support
Child support-related suspensions are handled by the West Virginia Child Support Enforcement office, not the DMV. You must contact that office directly at 1-304-558-0307 or through their website at dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/childsupport. Explain your situation and ask what steps you need to take to clear the suspension.
Usually, you will need to either pay the overdue child support in full, set up a payment agreement, or demonstrate that you are current on your payments. Once the Child Support Enforcement office confirms that the issue is resolved, they will notify the DMV. You may then need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV to complete the process.
Suspensions for DUI or DWI Convictions
If your license was suspended because of a driving under the influence conviction, the reinstatement process is more involved. You must complete a substance abuse assessment and any treatment or education programs the court ordered. You will also need to provide proof of completion to the DMV.
West Virginia also requires you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period (usually six months to one year, depending on your conviction). You cannot drive without this device during the suspension period. Once the required time has passed and you have completed all court-ordered programs, contact the DMV with proof of completion and arrange to pay the reinstatement fee.
Some DUI suspensions are mandatory and cannot be shortened. Ask the DMV or the court that handled your case how long your suspension will last and what documents you will need to present when you are ready to reinstate.
Suspensions for Medical Reasons
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision problems, or other health conditions — you must obtain medical clearance from a doctor before the DMV will reinstate it. The DMV will tell you what type of medical evaluation is required and which doctors are authorized to perform it.
Schedule an appointment with an approved medical provider and bring any documentation the DMV specified. Once the doctor clears you to drive, ask them to send the medical report directly to the DMV. You will then need to contact the DMV to confirm receipt and pay any required reinstatement fee.
The Reinstatement Fee and Final Steps
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, the DMV will charge a reinstatement fee. The amount varies depending on why your license was suspended and how long it was suspended. Fees typically range from $50 to $100, but you should confirm the exact amount with the DMV when you call.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the DMV website if that option is available. Once the DMV receives your payment and confirms that all requirements have been met, your license will be reinstated. You should receive written confirmation by mail within a few days.
If you need to drive before your license is officially reinstated, you cannot do so legally. Do not drive until the DMV has confirmed in writing that your suspension has been lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in West Virginia?
The timeline depends on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue and submit payment. If you pay fines when ready and the court notifies the DMV right away, reinstatement can happen within a few days. If you need to complete a program or wait for medical clearance, it may take several weeks or longer.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid the reinstatement fee?
No. You cannot drive legally until the DMV has officially lifted the suspension and you have received written confirmation. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and will result in additional penalties.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court or agency that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments. Once you are on an approved plan, ask them to notify the DMV so your suspension may be lifted while you complete payments.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
In most cases, no. Reinstatement does not require retesting unless your suspension was for medical reasons and the DMV specifically requires it as part of your clearance. Ask the DMV whether testing is required for your situation.
What if I do not know which court issued my ticket or suspension?
Call the West Virginia DMV at 1-304-558-0238 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you which court has your case and provide contact information. You can also search online for the county where you received the ticket and contact that county's circuit court directly.