Where to send your reinstatement fee payment

California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) collects reinstatement fees by mail or in person at a DMV office. You cannot pay online through the DMV website — the only way to reinstate is to submit a check, money order, or cashier's check by mail, or to walk into a DMV office with cash, check, or card payment. The fee itself is $100 for most suspensions, though some violations carry a $200 fee instead.

Mail payments to the DMV office that issued your suspension notice. That office address appears on your suspension order letter — the document you received telling you your license was suspended. If you cannot find the letter, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm which office holds your case and get the correct mailing address.

In-person payment is faster if you need your license quickly. Walk into any DMV office with your suspension notice and payment method. Bring your ID and the suspension letter so staff can look up your record. Payment is processed the same day, though your physical license may take a few days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The DMV does not accept online payments for reinstatement fees — you must pay by mail or in person at a DMV office.
  • The standard reinstatement fee is $100, though some violations require a $200 fee instead.
  • Mail your payment to the specific DMV office listed on your suspension notice, not to a general state address.
  • In-person payment at any DMV office is processed the same day, while mailed payments take one to two weeks to clear.
  • You must include your suspension notice or case number with your payment so the DMV can match it to your record.

What to include with your mailed payment

Write a check or money order for the correct amount and include a letter with your payment. The letter should state your full name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason your license was suspended (for example, "DUI suspension" or "failure to appear"). Include a copy of your suspension notice if you have it — this helps the DMV match your payment to your case when ready.

Do not send cash by mail. Use a check, money order, or cashier's check only. Make the check payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles." Write your driver's license number on the memo line of the check so staff can identify your case quickly.

Mail your payment in an envelope with tracking, such as certified mail or a tracked courier service. The DMV processes thousands of payments weekly, and tracking protects you if your envelope is lost. Keep your receipt or tracking number until you receive confirmation that your reinstatement was processed.

When your fee is $200 instead of $100

Most suspensions carry a $100 reinstatement fee. However, suspensions for certain violations require a $200 fee. These include suspensions for driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, or hit-and-run. Your suspension notice letter states the fee amount you owe — check this carefully before sending payment.

If you are unsure whether your fee is $100 or $200, call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and suspension date. Staff can tell you the exact amount in minutes. Sending the wrong amount delays your reinstatement because the DMV will return your payment and ask you to resubmit.

How long reinstatement takes after you pay

If you pay in person at a DMV office, your reinstatement is recorded the same day. Your physical license will be mailed to you within five to seven business days. You can drive legally once the DMV processes your payment, even before your new license arrives — the DMV record is what matters, not the card in your wallet.

If you mail your payment, allow one to two weeks for the check to arrive and be processed. The DMV then mails your reinstated license, which takes another five to seven business days. Total time from mailing to having a valid license is typically two to three weeks.

You can check the status of your reinstatement online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DMV can tell you whether your payment was received and whether your license has been reinstated.

What happens if you cannot pay the full fee right now

The DMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full amount before your license is reinstated. However, if you are facing financial hardship, you may be able to request a fee waiver or reduction through the DMV's hardship process.

Contact your local DMV office directly to ask about hardship options. Bring documentation of your financial situation — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from a social services agency. The DMV has discretion to reduce or waive fees in cases of genuine hardship, though approval is not may provide. This process takes longer than a standard reinstatement, so plan for two to four weeks.

If you cannot reach an agreement with the DMV, some community legal aid organizations help drivers navigate fee disputes. Search online for "legal aid" plus your county name to find local resources.

Reinstatement after paying your fee

Once the DMV confirms your payment, your license is reinstated when ready in the system. You are legally allowed to drive as soon as that confirmation is recorded, even if your physical license has not arrived yet. If you are stopped by police, they can verify your reinstatement status through their system using your driver's license number.

Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks of reinstatement. If you need to drive before it arrives and want proof of reinstatement in your car, you can print a confirmation from the DMV website or request a printed copy at a DMV office.

Keep your old suspended license until the new one arrives. Once the new license is in hand, you can destroy the old one. Do not carry both licenses while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my reinstatement fee online?

No. The DMV does not accept online payments for reinstatement fees. You must pay in person at a DMV office or by mailing a check, money order, or cashier's check to the office listed on your suspension notice.

What if I lost my suspension notice and don't know the fee amount?

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 with your driver's license number and date of birth. Staff will tell you the exact fee and the correct mailing address. You can also visit a DMV office in person to look up your case.

Do I need to include my suspension notice with my mailed payment?

Including a copy helps the DMV match your payment to your case faster, but it is not required if you include your driver's license number and date of birth in a cover letter. Write your license number on the check memo line as backup.

How do I know if my mailed payment was received?

Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 or check your status online through the DMV website after two weeks. Have your driver's license number ready. If your payment has not been recorded, the DMV can help you track it or resubmit.

Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?

Yes, once the DMV records your payment. If you paid in person, you can drive the same day. If you mailed your payment, you can drive once the DMV confirms receipt — typically one to two weeks later. Call to confirm your reinstatement status before driving.