What You Need To Do To Get Your License Back
To reinstate a suspended license in Missouri, you must first find out why it was suspended, pay any fines or fees owed, and then submit a reinstatement request to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The specific steps depend on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, DWI conviction, or another violation. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to $200, though some require additional steps like completing a defensive driving course or an alcohol education program.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your request, but you cannot drive legally until the Department of Revenue confirms your reinstatement in writing. Driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties, including fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time, so it is important to follow the official process rather than driving before your status is cleared.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to clear it.
- Pay all fines, fees, and reinstatement costs — usually $100 to $200 — before submitting your reinstatement request.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a defensive driving course, alcohol education program, or other remedial action before reinstatement is possible.
- You must receive written confirmation from the Department of Revenue before you can legally drive again; the process takes two to four weeks.
How To Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Your first step is to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue's Driver License Bureau directly. You can call them at 573-526-2407 or visit their office in person at 301 West High Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. The staff will tell you the exact reason for suspension and what actions you must take before reinstatement is possible.
Common reasons for suspension in Missouri include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DWI or DUI conviction, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Each reason has different requirements, so you cannot move forward without knowing which one applies to you. If you were suspended for multiple reasons, you must address all of them before reinstatement.
Paying Fines, Fees, and Court Costs
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you must pay the full amount before the Department of Revenue will process your reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket — usually the municipal court in the city where you received the citation — and ask for the exact balance owed. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify the Department of Revenue automatically, though this can take one to two weeks.
In addition to any court fines, Missouri charges a reinstatement fee of $100 if your suspension was for traffic violations or $200 if it was for a DWI or DUI conviction. This fee is separate from court costs and must be paid directly to the Department of Revenue when you submit your reinstatement request. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or the Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans — some courts offer them, though not all.
Completing Required Education or Treatment Programs
Suspensions for DWI or DUI convictions almost always require you to complete an alcohol education or treatment program before reinstatement. Missouri recognizes programs approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services. You must enroll in one of these programs, complete all required sessions, and obtain a certificate of completion. The program length varies — some are one day, others span several weeks — and costs typically range from $200 to $500.
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many traffic violation points, you may be required to complete a defensive driving course. These courses are offered online and in person throughout Missouri and usually cost $50 to $100. Completion takes a few hours to a full day depending on the format. Once you finish, you will receive a certificate that you must submit with your reinstatement request. Check with the Department of Revenue about which programs they recognize before you enroll.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request
Once you have paid all fines and completed any required programs, you can submit your reinstatement request. You have three options: mail, in person, or online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. If you mail your request, send it to the Driver License Bureau at 301 West High Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Include your driver's license number, the reinstatement fee (check or money order made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue), and copies of any certificates of program completion.
If you submit in person, bring your original driver's license, the reinstatement fee in cash or check, and any required certificates. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The online option is available for some types of suspensions but not all — the Department of Revenue website will tell you whether your situation qualifies. Whichever method you choose, keep a copy of everything you submit and note the date you sent it.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After the Department of Revenue receives your reinstatement request, they will review it to confirm that all fines are paid, all programs are completed, and the reinstatement fee is included. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive. You will receive written confirmation by mail once your reinstatement is approved — do not assume your license is reinstated until you receive this letter.
If your request is missing something — for example, if a court fine was not fully paid or a program certificate is incomplete — the Department of Revenue will contact you by mail and tell you what is needed. You will then have a set amount of time to provide the missing item. Once everything is complete and approved, your license is officially reinstated and you can drive legally again. Keep the reinstatement letter in your vehicle as proof in case you are stopped by police.
Avoiding Suspension in the Future
Once your license is reinstated, take steps to prevent another suspension. Pay all traffic tickets and court fines on time — set a calendar reminder if needed. Maintain continuous auto insurance and keep proof of coverage in your vehicle. If you accumulate traffic violations, consider taking a defensive driving course voluntarily; in Missouri, completing an approved course can reduce points on your record. If you are convicted of DWI or DUI, follow all court orders and probation requirements exactly.
If you receive a notice that your license is at risk of suspension, contact the relevant court or agency when ready rather than ignoring it. Many suspensions can be prevented or delayed if you take action early. The Department of Revenue also allows you to check your driving record online through their website, so you can monitor your status and catch problems before they lead to suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until you receive written confirmation of reinstatement from the Department of Revenue. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. If you need to drive for work, ask your employer about temporary leave or carpooling until your license is reinstated.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about a payment plan. Some Missouri courts offer installment arrangements, though not all. If the court will not work with you, explain your situation to the Department of Revenue when you call — they may have other options or be able to point you toward local information programs.
How long does reinstatement actually take from start to finish?
If all fines are paid and programs are completed before you submit your request, the Department of Revenue takes two to four weeks to process it. If you need time to pay fines or complete a program first, add that time to the total. In most cases, the entire process from suspension to driving legally again takes four to eight weeks.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself by contacting the Department of Revenue and following their instructions. A lawyer is not necessary unless you are disputing the reason for suspension or have a complex legal situation tied to your case.
What if my license was suspended for failure to pay child support?
Contact the Missouri Family Support Division or the court that ordered child support and ask what amount you must pay to clear the suspension. Once you pay that amount, the court will notify the Department of Revenue. You will still need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the Department of Revenue to complete the process.