Vermont reinstatement starts with paying what you owe and submitting the right form to the DMV

To reinstate a suspended or revoked Vermont driver's license, you must first contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps are required. Most suspensions in Vermont result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain auto insurance. The reinstatement process and cost depend on the reason for the suspension.

Once you know the reason, you will need to resolve the underlying issue — paying fines, clearing a court matter, or providing proof of insurance — before the DMV will consider your reinstatement request. After that is done, you submit a reinstatement form and pay a reinstatement fee to the Vermont DMV.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Vermont DMV first to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked, because different reasons have different reinstatement steps.
  • Most Vermont suspensions stem from unpaid fines, court failures, or lapsed insurance, and you must resolve the underlying issue before reinstatement is possible.
  • You will need to submit a reinstatement request form and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the type and length of suspension.
  • If your suspension was due to lack of insurance, you may need to file an SR-22 form with your insurance company before the DMV will reinstate you.

Contact the Vermont DMV to find out why your license was suspended

Call the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles at 802-828-2000 or visit a DMV office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DMV staff will tell you the exact reason for the suspension — whether it is unpaid fines, a court order, insurance-related, or something else — and what you must do to clear it.

If you are unsure which DMV office is closest to you, the Vermont DMV website lists all locations and hours. Some offices handle reinstatement requests by mail, while others require you to visit in person. Ask the DMV representative which method applies to your situation.

Resolve the underlying reason for suspension before explore for reinstatement

If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full. Contact the court that issued the fine or the Vermont DMV to find out the exact amount owed and where to send payment. Once the court or DMV confirms payment, they will notify the DMV that the suspension can be lifted.

If your suspension was due to failure to appear in court, you must resolve that court matter first. This may mean appearing in court, paying a fine, or working out a payment plan with the court. The court will then notify the DMV that the suspension can be removed.

If your suspension resulted from driving without insurance or a lapsed insurance policy, you will need to obtain auto insurance and file an SR-22 form with your insurance company. The SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves to the state you now have valid coverage. Your insurance company will file this directly with the Vermont DMV at no extra cost to you.

Submit your reinstatement request and pay the reinstatement fee

Once the underlying issue is resolved, contact the Vermont DMV again to submit your reinstatement request. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person, depending on the DMV's procedures for your type of suspension. If you are submitting by mail, send a written request to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Services Division, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603.

Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you have done to resolve the suspension (for example, "Paid fine of $250 on [date]" or "Filed SR-22 on [date]"). The Vermont DMV reinstatement fee is typically $50 to $100, depending on the type of suspension, though this amount can change. Pay by check, money order, or credit card if paying online or by phone.

What to expect after you submit your reinstatement request

The Vermont DMV typically processes reinstatement requests within 5 to 10 business days of receiving your completed request and payment. You will receive written confirmation by mail once your license has been reinstated. At that point, you can drive legally again.

If your reinstatement is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons for denial include incomplete payment of fines, failure to file the SR-22, or an outstanding court matter that has not been resolved.

Reinstating a license revoked for serious violations

If your license was revoked rather than suspended — usually for serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or accumulating too many points — reinstatement is more complex. Vermont may require you to wait a set period before you can even request reinstatement, and you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or driving test to prove you are safe to drive.

For revocations, contact the Vermont DMV directly to learn the waiting period and any testing requirements. Some revocations require you to complete a substance abuse program or defensive driving course before reinstatement is possible. The DMV will provide a detailed list of what you must do and in what order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Vermont reinstatement take?

Most reinstatements take 5 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your completed request and payment. If you are submitting by mail, add time for the mail to arrive. If your underlying issue (like a court matter) is not fully resolved, the process will take longer.

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended or revoked, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Driving with a suspended license carries serious penalties, including fines and possible jail time. Wait for written confirmation from the Vermont DMV that your license has been reinstated.

What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?

Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many Vermont courts will work with you to set up installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, notify the Vermont DMV — some suspensions can be lifted while you are paying under an approved plan, though this varies by court and situation.

Do I need a new driver's license after reinstatement?

No. Your existing license remains valid once reinstated. You do not need to renew it or obtain a new one unless your license has expired for other reasons or the DMV specifically tells you to do so.

What happens if I was suspended for insurance and I get a new insurance policy?

You must have your new insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Vermont DMV. The SR-22 proves you now have valid coverage. Once the DMV receives the SR-22, your suspension can be lifted. Contact your insurance company and ask them to file it when ready — they can usually do this within one business day.