What you pay to reinstate your Massachusetts license
To reinstate your license in Massachusetts, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The fee is $100 for a standard reinstatement. This is separate from any other fines, court costs, or outstanding fees that may have caused your suspension in the first place.
The $100 fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement request and restoring your driving privileges. You cannot reinstate your license until this fee is paid, even if you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension — such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a lapsed inspection.
Some suspensions carry additional requirements beyond the reinstatement fee. If your license was suspended for a serious violation like a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete an alcohol education program, pay court fines, or serve a waiting period before you can even pay the reinstatement fee. Check your suspension notice or contact the RMV to confirm what applies to your case.
Key Takeaways
- The reinstatement fee in Massachusetts is $100, and it must be paid before your license can be restored.
- You can pay the fee online through the RMV website, by mail, or in person at an RMV office.
- Before paying, confirm that you have resolved the reason for your suspension — such as paying traffic fines or completing a required program.
- The RMV will send you a notice when your license is reinstated, usually within one to two weeks of payment.
How to pay online through the RMV website
The fastest way to pay your reinstatement fee is through the Massachusetts RMV website. Go to mass.gov/rmv, log into your account, and look for the option to pay a reinstatement fee. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to access your account.
The RMV accepts credit cards and debit cards for online payment. Once you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. The RMV typically processes online payments within one business day, though you may not receive your official reinstatement notice until a few days later.
If you do not have an online account with the RMV, you can create one on the same website. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license number, and date of birth. Creating an account takes about five minutes.
Paying by mail or in person
You can also pay your reinstatement fee by mailing a check or money order to the RMV. Make the check payable to "Registrar of Motor Vehicles" and include your driver's license number on the check. Mail it to the address listed on your suspension notice, or contact the RMV to confirm the correct mailing address for your region.
Payment by mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks for the RMV to receive and process your check, plus another week or two for your reinstatement to be finalized. If you need your license back quickly, paying online or in person is faster.
If you prefer to pay in person, visit any RMV office in Massachusetts. Bring your driver's license, your suspension notice, and a form of payment (cash, check, or card). An RMV staff member will process your payment on the spot. You will receive a receipt, and your reinstatement will typically be processed within one business day.
What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee
Once the RMV receives your payment, they will verify that you have met all other requirements for reinstatement. This includes confirming that you have paid any outstanding fines, completed required programs, or satisfied court orders. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated.
The RMV will send you a written notice confirming your reinstatement. This notice will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. You do not need to wait for this notice to drive — your license is active as soon as the RMV processes your reinstatement, even if the written confirmation has not yet arrived.
If the RMV finds that you have not met all requirements, they will send you a letter explaining what is still needed. For example, if you have unpaid court fines, you must pay those before your license can be reinstated, even though you have already paid the $100 RMV fee. Contact the court or the agency listed in the letter to resolve the remaining issue.
Other fees and costs you may owe
The $100 reinstatement fee is only one cost. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may also owe traffic fines, court costs, or fees to other agencies. These must be paid before or at the same time as your reinstatement fee.
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines to the court or the municipality that issued the ticket. If it was suspended for failure to pay child support or court-ordered restitution, you must contact the court or the agency handling that case. If it was suspended for an unpaid inspection or registration fee, you must pay the Registry of Motor Vehicles directly for those items.
The RMV will tell you in your suspension notice which agencies you need to contact and what you owe. If the notice is unclear, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to ask for a breakdown of all outstanding fees and fines.
If you cannot pay the full amount right away
If you cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee when ready, you have limited options. The RMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if you owe fines or court costs, the court that issued those fines may allow you to set up a payment plan.
Contact the court or municipality listed on your suspension notice and explain your situation. Some courts will work with you to establish a schedule for paying fines over time. Once those fines are paid, you can then pay the $100 RMV reinstatement fee.
If you are facing financial hardship, some legal aid organizations in Massachusetts may be able to help you understand your options. Contact your local bar association or search for legal aid services in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my reinstatement is officially processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the RMV completes the reinstatement process and confirms that all requirements have been met. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the RMV before you drive.
What if I paid the reinstatement fee but my license still shows as suspended?
This can happen if the RMV is still processing your payment or if you have not yet met other requirements for reinstatement. Check your online RMV account to see the status of your reinstatement. If it still shows as suspended after one week, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 to ask about the delay.
Do I need to take a new road test or written test after I pay to reinstate?
Not for most suspensions. A reinstatement straightforward restores your existing license. However, if your suspension was for a serious violation like a DUI, you may be required to pass a written test or an alcohol education program before reinstatement. Your suspension notice will specify if a test is required.
What if I lost my suspension notice and do not know what I owe?
Contact the RMV directly at 617-351-4500 or visit mass.gov/rmv and log into your account. The RMV can tell you the reason for your suspension, what fees you owe, and what steps you need to take to reinstate your license.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe fines from the ticket that caused the suspension?
No. You must pay all outstanding fines and court costs before the RMV will reinstate your license. The $100 reinstatement fee is separate from these fines. Contact the court or municipality that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount you owe and how to pay it.