What you pay to reinstate your Massachusetts license
Massachusetts charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore a suspended or revoked license. This is a flat fee regardless of why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic fines, medical reasons, or administrative issues. You pay this fee once, at the time you file for reinstatement, and it does not cover any other outstanding obligations you may owe.
The $100 fee is separate from any other costs tied to your case. If you owe back child support, unpaid court fines, or insurance-related penalties, those must be resolved before the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will process your reinstatement. You may also need to pay for a new license photo and a medical examination if one is required for your specific suspension reason.
Payment is made directly to the RMV at the time you submit your reinstatement request. You cannot pay online; reinstatement must be handled in person at an RMV branch or through the mail if you are using the written petition process.
Key Takeaways
- The reinstatement fee in Massachusetts is $100, paid directly to the RMV when you file your reinstatement request.
- The $100 fee does not cover outstanding fines, child support, or insurance penalties — those must be paid separately before reinstatement is approved.
- Medical exams or new license photos may add to your total cost depending on the reason for your suspension.
- You must reinstate in person at an RMV office or by mail; online payment is not an option for reinstatement.
Additional costs that may explore to your reinstatement
Beyond the $100 reinstatement fee, you may face other expenses depending on why your license was suspended. If your suspension was medical-related — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a physician's report — the RMV may require a new medical examination. You pay for this exam out of pocket; the cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $50 to $150.
If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it as part of the reinstatement process. A standard five-year Massachusetts license renewal costs $50. If you need a new photo (which is required for some reinstatements), that is included in the renewal fee.
Court-ordered fines, unpaid traffic citations, and child support arrears must all be cleared before the RMV will reinstate your license. These are not RMV fees — they go to the court or the state agency collecting them — but they are mandatory costs of the reinstatement process. Check with the court or the agency that suspended your license to learn the exact amount you owe.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
The RMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at its branch offices. If you are mailing your reinstatement petition, you must include a check or money order for the $100 fee; credit card payments are not accepted by mail. Make the check payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles."
Bring your reinstatement petition, proof of payment of any outstanding obligations, and any required medical documentation to your local RMV branch. Staff will verify your documents, collect the $100 fee, and give you a receipt. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after you submit everything in person.
If you are using the mail-in petition process, send your completed petition form, the $100 check or money order, and copies of all supporting documents to the RMV's Springfield office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your receipt returned to you. Mail processing takes longer — usually 2 to 4 weeks — so plan accordingly.
When you may owe more than $100
Some suspension reasons trigger additional mandatory costs. If your license was suspended for unpaid insurance-related penalties (such as failure to maintain liability coverage), you must pay a $250 reinstatement fee instead of the standard $100. This applies to suspensions under Massachusetts' merit rating plan or for driving without insurance.
Suspensions for drug or alcohol convictions may require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation, which costs $100 to $200 upfront plus $60 to $100 per month for monitoring. You must install the device before the RMV will reinstate your license, and you pay the vendor directly, not the RMV.
If your suspension was due to accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may be required to complete a Defensive Driving Course before reinstatement. The course costs $50 to $100 and must be completed through an RMV-approved provider.
Reinstatement fee comparison by suspension type
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative suspension (unpaid fines, points) | $100 | Court fines; possible defensive driving course ($50–$100) |
| Insurance-related suspension | $250 | Proof of current insurance; possible back premiums |
| Medical suspension | $100 | Medical exam ($50–$150); possible license renewal ($50) |
| DUI/drug conviction | $100 | Ignition Interlock Device ($100–$200 install, $60–$100/month); possible court fines |
| Habitual traffic offender status | $100 | Court fines; possible attorney fees; possible defensive driving course |
What happens if you cannot pay the reinstatement fee
The RMV does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for the reinstatement fee itself. However, if you cannot pay court-ordered fines or child support arrears, you may be able to request a payment plan through the court or the state agency collecting the debt. Contact the court that issued your suspension or the Department of Revenue (for child support) to discuss options.
Your license will remain suspended until all outstanding obligations are paid and the $100 reinstatement fee is submitted. There is no hardship exception or temporary driving permit available during this period, even if you need to drive for work or medical reasons.
If you are facing financial hardship, some community legal aid organizations in Massachusetts offer free guidance on negotiating payment plans with courts. Contact your local bar association or search for "legal aid Massachusetts" to find a provider near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $100 reinstatement fee refundable if my reinstatement is denied?
No. The $100 fee is non-refundable once submitted to the RMV, even if your reinstatement petition is denied. If your petition is denied, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (such as paying remaining fines or completing a required course) and submit a new petition with another $100 fee.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I let my license expire instead of renewing it?
No. If your license straightforward expired and was never suspended, you pay only the standard renewal fee ($50 for a five-year license). The $100 reinstatement fee applies only when your license was actively suspended or revoked by the RMV.
Can I pay the reinstatement fee online?
No. The RMV does not accept online payment for reinstatement fees. You must pay in person at an RMV branch office or by check or money order if you are mailing your petition. Credit card payments are accepted only at branch offices, not by mail.
What if I owe back child support — does that increase the reinstatement fee?
No. The reinstatement fee stays at $100, but you cannot be reinstated until your child support arrears are paid in full. The amount you owe goes to the Department of Revenue, not the RMV. Contact the Department of Revenue to arrange payment or a payment plan before you submit your reinstatement petition.
Do I have to pay for a new license photo when I reinstate?
Only if your license has expired or if the RMV requires a new photo as part of your specific reinstatement (such as for a medical suspension). If your license is still valid and a new photo is not required, you do not pay extra. The RMV will tell you when you file your petition whether a new photo is needed.