Reinstatement fees in Massachusetts depend on why your license was suspended

Massachusetts charges a reinstatement fee of $100 for most suspensions. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you will pay $250 instead. Some suspensions carry no reinstatement fee at all — administrative suspensions for certain OUI (operating under the influence) convictions, for example, require you to meet the conditions of your suspension but not to pay a fee to have it lifted.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will not reinstate your license until you have paid any required fee and met all other conditions tied to your suspension. If you are unsure whether a fee applies to your case, you can call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit an RMV branch in person to confirm the amount before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Most suspensions in Massachusetts cost $100 to reinstate; child support suspensions cost $250.
  • Some suspensions, such as administrative OUI suspensions, have no reinstatement fee but require you to meet other conditions first.
  • You must pay the fee and satisfy all suspension conditions before the RMV will restore your license.
  • The RMV can tell you the exact fee for your suspension by phone or in person before you pay.
  • Payment methods and where to pay depend on the reason for your suspension and whether you are working with the RMV or a court.

How to pay your reinstatement fee

Payment methods vary depending on why your license was suspended. If the RMV suspended your license directly — for example, for unpaid traffic fines or a medical condition — you can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, phone, or in person at an RMV branch. The RMV accepts checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.

If a court ordered your suspension, such as for an OUI conviction or unpaid child support, you may need to pay through the court system first. Courts in Massachusetts often require payment to the court before notifying the RMV to lift the suspension. Contact the court that issued the suspension order to confirm where and how to send your payment.

Keep a record of your payment — a receipt, confirmation number, or cancelled check — because the RMV may need proof that you have paid before processing your reinstatement.

When your license will be reinstated after you pay

The RMV does not reinstate your license when ready after you pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days once the RMV receives your payment and confirms that you have met all other suspension conditions. If you paid through a court, add extra time for the court to notify the RMV — this can take an additional week or more.

You can check the status of your reinstatement online through the RMV website or by calling 617-351-4500. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. If processing is taking longer than expected, ask whether the RMV is still waiting for documentation from a court or other agency.

Suspensions with no reinstatement fee

Not all suspensions require a fee. Administrative suspensions for OUI arrests — the automatic suspension that happens when you are arrested for drunk or drugged driving — do not carry a reinstatement fee. Instead, you must wait out the suspension period (usually 30 days for a first offense) and then meet other requirements, such as completing a substance abuse assessment or paying court fines.

Medical suspensions also typically have no reinstatement fee. If the RMV suspended your license because of a medical condition, you will need to provide a letter from a doctor stating that you are safe to drive before your license is restored. The focus is on meeting the medical requirement, not on paying a fee.

If you are unsure whether your suspension carries a fee, the RMV can clarify this in one phone call. Do not assume you owe nothing — some suspensions do require payment, and paying late can extend your suspension.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license in Massachusetts is a criminal offense. A first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to 10 days. A second offense within five years increases the fine to $1,000 to $5,000 and jail time up to 30 days. A third or subsequent offense can result in a fine up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail.

Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. The RMV will add time to your original suspension period, and you may face additional fees. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you can request a work permit or hardship license from the RMV, though these are granted only in limited circumstances.

Reinstating a license suspended for unpaid fines or child support

If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full before the RMV will reinstate it. Contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount owed and where to send payment. Once the court notifies the RMV that you have paid, you can then pay the $100 reinstatement fee.

Child support suspensions work differently. If the Department of Revenue suspended your license for unpaid child support, you must contact the Child Support Enforcement Division to arrange a payment plan or settle the debt. Once the Division confirms that you are in compliance — either by paying in full or by entering a payment agreement — they will notify the RMV. You then pay the $250 reinstatement fee to the RMV to restore your license.

Getting your license back faster: what you can control

You cannot speed up the RMV's processing time, but you can avoid delays by gathering everything you need before you submit payment. If your suspension requires documentation — such as a medical clearance letter or proof of a substance abuse assessment — have these ready. If you are paying through a court, confirm the exact mailing address and whether the court prefers checks or money orders.

Pay by certified mail or in person if possible, so you have proof of delivery. If you pay by phone or online, save your confirmation number. These steps do not make the RMV process faster, but they prevent the common delays that happen when payment is lost in the mail or the RMV cannot match your payment to your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my reinstatement?

Massachusetts does not issue temporary licenses during reinstatement. However, you may be able to request a work permit or hardship license if you can show that you need to drive for employment or medical reasons. Contact your local RMV branch to ask whether you meet the criteria and what documentation you will need to provide.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

The RMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support, the Child Support Enforcement Division may allow you to set up a payment plan for the underlying debt, which can lead to reinstatement. For other suspensions, you will need to pay the full fee before your license is restored.

Do I have to go to the RMV in person to reinstate my license?

No. You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, phone, or online without visiting an RMV branch. However, if your reinstatement requires documentation — such as a medical letter — you may need to submit it by mail or in person. The RMV website lists the address for mailing documents and the phone number for paying by phone.

How long does it take for a court-ordered suspension to be lifted after I pay?

Court-ordered suspensions typically take longer than RMV suspensions because the court must notify the RMV after you pay. This process can take one to three weeks. If more than three weeks have passed, contact the court that issued the suspension to confirm that they have notified the RMV, and then call the RMV to verify that the notification was received.

What if the RMV says I still owe money after I paid?

This usually means the RMV did not receive your payment or could not match it to your record. Bring your proof of payment — receipt, cancelled check, or confirmation number — to an RMV branch or call 617-351-4500 with this information. The RMV can search their records and correct the issue.