What You Need to Do to Get Your Connecticut License Back

Connecticut suspends licenses for specific violations — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, medical conditions reported to DMV, or accumulation of points. To reinstate, you must first resolve the reason for the suspension, then file a reinstatement request with the Connecticut DMV. The process takes two to four weeks after you submit all required documents and fees.

The reinstatement fee is $100 in Connecticut, and you cannot drive legally until the DMV confirms your suspension is lifted. Some suspensions require you to show proof of resolution (a court receipt, proof of payment, or a medical clearance) before the DMV will act. Others lift automatically once the underlying issue is resolved, but you still need to request reinstatement in writing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must resolve the reason for suspension first — paying fines, appearing in court, settling child support, or obtaining medical clearance — before the DMV will reinstate your license.
  • Connecticut DMV requires a written reinstatement request, the $100 reinstatement fee, and proof that the suspension cause has been resolved.
  • You can submit your reinstatement request by mail to the DMV or in person at a DMV branch; processing takes two to four weeks.
  • If your suspension was for medical reasons, you must obtain a physician's statement on the DMV's form before reapplying.
  • Driving with a suspended license in Connecticut is illegal and carries fines, possible jail time, and further license penalties.

Identify Why Your License Was Suspended

Connecticut DMV sends a suspension notice by mail that states the reason and the date the suspension took effect. Common suspension reasons include unpaid traffic violations, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, medical conditions (seizures, loss of consciousness, certain medications), or accumulation of 20 or more points within two years.

If you did not receive a notice or are unsure of the reason, contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 or visit the DMV website to check your driving record. You can also request your record in person at any DMV branch. Knowing the exact reason is essential because each suspension type has different resolution steps.

Resolve the Underlying Cause of Suspension

Before you can reinstate, you must address what caused the suspension. If the suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, pay the full amount to the court or the agency listed on your suspension notice. Request a receipt or payment confirmation — you will need this for your reinstatement request.

If the suspension is for failure to appear in court, contact the court listed on your notice, appear or resolve the case, and obtain a court order or letter confirming the case is resolved. For child support suspensions, contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services or the court handling your case to verify the arrears are paid or a payment plan is in place.

Medical suspensions require a statement from your physician on the Connecticut DMV Medical Evaluation form (Form DL-43). Your doctor must confirm that the condition causing the suspension (seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or medication side effects) is now controlled or resolved. You cannot reinstate a medical suspension without this form signed by your treating physician.

Gather Required Documents and the Reinstatement Fee

Prepare the following before submitting your reinstatement request:

  • A completed reinstatement request letter stating your name, license number, date of birth, and the reason the suspension was issued.
  • Proof that the suspension cause has been resolved (court receipt, payment confirmation, child support verification letter, or physician's statement).
  • The $100 reinstatement fee, paid by check or money order made payable to "Connecticut DMV" (do not send cash by mail).
  • A copy of your current license or identification if available.

If you are reinstating after a medical suspension, the physician's statement is mandatory. The DMV will not process your request without it. If you are reinstating after a point accumulation suspension, no additional proof is needed beyond the fee and request letter — the suspension lifts automatically after the required waiting period, but you must still formally request reinstatement.

Submit Your Reinstatement Request by Mail or In Person

Mail your reinstatement request and documents to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed on your suspension notice, or contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to confirm the current mailing address. Include all required documents in one envelope and keep a copy for your records.

You can also submit your reinstatement request in person at any Connecticut DMV branch. Bring your original documents, the $100 fee (check or money order), and a valid form of identification. In-person submission may be faster — some branches can process requests the same day if all documents are complete and correct.

Do not send original documents you cannot replace (such as court orders). Send copies and keep the originals. The DMV will not return documents sent by mail.

Wait for DMV Confirmation and Check Your Status

After you submit your reinstatement request, the DMV typically processes it within two to four weeks. You will receive a letter confirming whether your license has been reinstated or if additional information is needed. Keep this letter as proof your suspension has been lifted.

If you submitted your request by mail and have not heard back after four weeks, contact the DMV at 860-263-5700 to verify receipt and check processing status. If the DMV requests additional documents, respond promptly — delays in providing what they ask for will extend the reinstatement timeline.

Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again. If you were required to carry proof of reinstatement (for example, after a medical suspension), the DMV will include that information in your confirmation letter.

Avoid Common Mistakes During Reinstatement

Do not drive while your suspension is pending reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license in Connecticut is illegal and results in fines up to $500, possible jail time, vehicle impound, and additional license penalties. Even if you have submitted your reinstatement request, your license remains suspended until the DMV officially lifts it.

Do not submit incomplete requests. Missing documents, an incorrect fee amount, or a missing physician's statement will delay processing. Double-check that all required items are included before mailing or visiting the DMV.

Do not assume your suspension is automatically lifted. Some suspensions (such as point-based ones) lift on their own after a waiting period, but you still must formally request reinstatement in writing. The DMV will not reinstate your license without a written request and fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV to submit my reinstatement request in person?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Connecticut, even to conduct DMV business. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or mail your reinstatement request instead. If you are stopped while driving to the DMV, you can be cited and fined.

What if I cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee right now?

Contact the Connecticut DMV at 860-263-5700 to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some circumstances may may have access to for a reduced fee, but you will need to document financial hardship. Without the fee, the DMV cannot process your reinstatement.

How long does reinstatement take if I submit my request in person at a DMV branch?

In-person requests may be processed the same day if all documents are complete and correct. However, if the DMV needs to verify information with a court or other agency, processing may still take one to two weeks. Ask the DMV staff for an estimate when you submit your request.

Do I need a new license photo after reinstatement?

No. Reinstatement restores your existing license; you do not need a new photo or to renew your license. Your current license remains valid once the suspension is lifted. If your license is expired, you will need to renew it separately.

What happens if I submit my reinstatement request but the underlying cause is not actually resolved?

The DMV will verify the resolution with the court, agency, or other source. If the cause is not resolved, the DMV will deny your reinstatement request and notify you in writing. You must then resolve the issue and resubmit your request with proof of resolution.