The reinstatement fee in Massachusetts is $100
When you reinstate your Massachusetts driver's license after a suspension or revocation, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) charges a $100 reinstatement fee. This is a separate charge from any other fines, court costs, or fees tied to why your license was suspended in the first place.
The $100 covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement request and restoring your driving privileges. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement process to the RMV, either in person at a branch office or by mail.
Keep in mind that $100 is the reinstatement fee alone. Depending on the reason your license was suspended — unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or other violations — you may owe additional money to the court, the state, or other agencies before the RMV will even consider your reinstatement request.
Key Takeaways
- The Massachusetts RMV charges $100 to reinstate a suspended or revoked license, paid when you submit your reinstatement process.
- The $100 reinstatement fee does not cover court fines, restitution, child support arrears, or other debts that may have caused the suspension.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for the suspension before the RMV will process your reinstatement, even if you have the $100 fee ready.
- Payment methods and whether you can pay by mail depend on the reason for your suspension and the RMV's current procedures.
What the $100 fee covers and does not cover
The $100 reinstatement fee pays for the RMV to review your case, confirm that you have met all the conditions for reinstatement, and restore your license status in their system. It does not pay for court costs, fines imposed by a judge, restitution to victims, unpaid child support, or any other debt that led to your suspension.
For example, if your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine, you must pay that fine to the court first. Then you pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the RMV. If your suspension was tied to a DUI conviction, you may owe the court, the state's Victim and Witness information Fund, and possibly a victim restitution program — all separate from the $100.
The RMV will not process your reinstatement process until you can show proof that you have paid or resolved whatever triggered the suspension. Once you have done that, the $100 fee is what you owe the RMV itself.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
If you are explore for reinstatement in person at an RMV branch, you can pay the $100 fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the time you submit your process. Bring a valid form of payment and your completed reinstatement paperwork.
If you are explore by mail, the RMV will tell you in their reinstatement instructions which payment methods they accept for mail applications. Typically this means a check or money order made out to the "Registrar of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash through the mail.
Some suspensions require you to pay fees or fines to other agencies first — the court, the Department of Child Support Enforcement, or the Registry's own Clearinghouse — before you can even explore for reinstatement. Check your suspension notice or call the RMV to confirm what you owe and to whom before you send in your process.
When you might owe more than $100
The total cost of reinstatement often exceeds $100 because of what caused the suspension. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you owe the fine plus the $100 reinstatement fee. If you were suspended for a DUI, you may owe court fines, the Victim and Witness information Fund surcharge, and the reinstatement fee.
Suspensions for failure to pay child support require you to work with the Department of Child Support Enforcement and possibly the court before the RMV will even look at your reinstatement request. Suspensions for medical reasons or failure to pass an inspection may have their own requirements — a doctor's clearance, proof of inspection — but no additional fee beyond the $100.
The best way to find out your total cost is to contact the RMV directly or visit an RMV branch and ask for a breakdown of what you owe. They can tell you which debts must be paid before reinstatement and which can be handled separately.
Reinstatement fee for different suspension types
The $100 reinstatement fee applies to most suspensions in Massachusetts, regardless of the reason. However, the process and any additional costs vary by suspension type.
| Suspension Reason | Reinstatement Fee | Other Costs You May Owe |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid traffic fines | $100 | Original fine amount to the court |
| DUI or OUI conviction | $100 | Court fines, Victim and Witness surcharge, possible restitution |
| Failure to pay child support | $100 | Arrears and court costs to Department of Child Support Enforcement |
| Medical suspension | $100 | None, if doctor clears you |
| Failure to appear in court | $100 | Court fines or bail, depending on the case |
| Accumulation of points | $100 | None, if suspension period has ended |
What happens if you cannot pay the $100 fee
If you cannot afford the $100 reinstatement fee, contact the RMV directly to ask about payment plans or hardship options. The RMV does not automatically offer payment plans, but some branch offices may work with you on a case-by-case basis, especially if you have already paid the underlying fines or debts.
Do not ignore the fee or delay explore for reinstatement. The longer your license remains suspended, the more difficult it becomes to work, travel, or handle other responsibilities. If cost is the barrier, call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit a local branch to discuss your situation.
Some people also face a situation where they cannot afford both the underlying fine and the reinstatement fee. In that case, prioritize paying the fine or debt that caused the suspension first — the RMV will not process reinstatement without proof that the underlying issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the reinstatement fee online?
The RMV does not currently offer online payment for reinstatement fees. You must pay in person at an RMV branch or by check or money order if you are explore by mail. Check the RMV website or call 617-351-4500 to confirm current payment methods, as procedures can change.
Do I get a refund if my reinstatement is denied?
No. If you submit your reinstatement process and the RMV denies it because you have not met all the conditions, you do not get the $100 fee back. You would need to resolve the remaining issues and reapply, which means paying another $100 fee.
Is the $100 fee the same for all types of suspensions?
Yes, the reinstatement fee is $100 regardless of whether you were suspended for traffic fines, a DUI, points, or another reason. However, the total amount you owe to get your license back varies depending on what caused the suspension.
What if I owe money to multiple agencies?
You may need to pay debts to the court, the Department of Child Support Enforcement, or other state agencies before the RMV will process your reinstatement. Once those are resolved, you pay the $100 reinstatement fee to the RMV. Contact each agency to confirm what you owe and in what order to pay.
Can I explore for reinstatement before I have the full $100?
You can submit your reinstatement process, but the RMV will not process it until you have paid the $100 fee and resolved any underlying debts. It is better to have the full amount ready before you explore so your reinstatement can be processed without delay.