What you need to do to get your Maryland license back
To reinstate your Maryland driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked — the reason determines what you have to do and how much it costs. Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) suspends licenses for different reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to pay child support, drug convictions, accumulating too many points, or not showing up to court. Each reason has its own reinstatement path.
The general process is the same: contact the MVA to learn the specific reason for your suspension, pay any fines or fees owed, resolve the underlying issue (like paying child support or completing a drug education program), then submit a reinstatement request. Some suspensions lift automatically once you've met the conditions; others require you to formally ask the MVA to restore your driving privileges.
You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended or revoked, even if you believe the suspension was a mistake. Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a separate criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maryland MVA first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked, because the reinstatement process depends on that reason.
- Most suspensions require you to pay fines, fees, or restitution before the MVA will consider reinstatement.
- Some suspensions (like those for unpaid child support or drug convictions) require you to resolve the underlying issue with another agency before the MVA can act.
- You can contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758, online through their website, or in person at a local MVA office.
How to find out why your license was suspended
The MVA will not reinstate your license until you know and address the reason it was suspended. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. A representative will tell you the specific reason and what you must do to resolve it.
You can also check your license status online through the MVA website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked, though it may not always show the detailed reason. If the online tool does not give you enough information, calling is faster and more reliable.
Write down the reason, any case or ticket number, and the name of the agency or court involved. You will need this information to take the next steps.
Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, fine, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court listed on your ticket or the MVA to find out exactly how much you owe and where to send payment.
Once you have paid, the MVA may lift the suspension automatically within a few business days. If it does not, contact the MVA again to confirm payment was received and request reinstatement. Some courts require you to notify them directly that you have paid; the MVA can tell you whether that step is necessary in your case.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court to ask about a payment plan. Many Maryland courts allow you to pay in installments, though your license will remain suspended until the entire balance is cleared.
Suspensions for child support arrears
Maryland suspends licenses for people who fall behind on child support payments. The suspension is issued by the Child Support Enforcement Administration, not the MVA directly. To reinstate your license, you must bring your child support account current — meaning you must pay all back payments plus any ongoing monthly obligation that is due.
Contact the Child Support Enforcement Administration at 301-206-4600 to learn how much you owe and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. Once your account is current, the agency will notify the MVA, and your license will be reinstated automatically within a few business days.
If you are unable to pay because of a change in your income or employment, you can request a modification of your child support order. This does not erase what you already owe, but it may lower your future payments and help you get current faster.
Suspensions for drug convictions
Maryland suspends licenses for convictions related to drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing. The length of the suspension depends on the offense and whether it is a first or repeat conviction. A first drug conviction typically results in a six-month suspension; repeat convictions carry longer suspensions.
Before the MVA will reinstate your license, you must complete a drug education or treatment program approved by the Maryland Department of Health. The court that convicted you will tell you which programs are available in your area. Once you have completed the program, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Submit the certificate to the MVA along with a written request for reinstatement. You may also need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies. The MVA will review your request and notify you whether your license has been restored.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points
Maryland uses a points system: traffic violations add points to your driving record, and too many points result in suspension. If you accumulate 8 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for 6 months. If you accumulate 12 points within 24 months, your license is suspended for one year.
You cannot reinstate your license before the suspension period ends. Once the suspension period has passed, contact the MVA to request reinstatement. There is no fee for this type of reinstatement, but you must wait out the full suspension period first.
To avoid future suspensions, drive safely and contest tickets you believe are unfair. You can also take a defensive driving course, which removes up to 3 points from your record if you have not taken one in the past three years.
Suspensions for failure to appear in court
If you missed a court date for a traffic or criminal charge, the court may have issued a suspension. You must resolve the underlying case — usually by appearing in court, paying a fine, or entering a plea — before the MVA will reinstate your license.
Contact the court listed on your ticket or summons to find out what you need to do. If a warrant was issued for your arrest, you may need to turn yourself in or work with an attorney to resolve the matter. Once the court case is resolved, the court will notify the MVA, and your license will be reinstated.
Do not ignore a failure-to-appear suspension. The longer you wait, the more serious the consequences become, and additional charges may be filed against you.
Reinstatement fees and how to submit your request
Most reinstatements in Maryland require a fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension: typically $100 to $150 for most suspensions, though some may be higher. You must pay the fee along with any other outstanding fines or restitution before your license will be restored.
You can submit a reinstatement request in three ways: by mail to the MVA, online through the MVA website, or in person at a local MVA office. If you are mailing your request, include a completed process for License Reinstatement (Form DL 43), proof that you have resolved the underlying issue (such as a court order, certificate of completion, or proof of payment), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee.
Mail your request to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. If you submit online or in person, you may receive a decision more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a work permit?
Maryland does not issue work permits that allow you to drive during a suspension. You cannot drive legally for any reason while your license is suspended, including to and from work. Your only option is to use public transportation, carpool, or wait until your license is reinstated.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing time is typically 5 to 10 business days if you submit by mail or in person at an MVA office. Online submissions may be processed faster. You will receive written confirmation once your license has been reinstated. Do not assume your license is restored until you receive official notice from the MVA.
What if I disagree with the reason my license was suspended?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the MVA when ready with documentation supporting your position. For suspensions related to court cases or child support, you may need to work with the court or the relevant agency to correct the record. The MVA can tell you which agency has authority over your specific case.
Do I have to pay all my old traffic tickets before I can reinstate my license?
You only need to pay the fines and fees that caused your suspension. However, if you have other unpaid tickets, the MVA may suspend your license again once the current suspension is lifted. It is best to resolve all outstanding traffic matters at once to avoid future suspensions.
What happens if I drive on a suspended license?
Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a criminal offense. A first offense can result in fines up to $500, up to 60 days in jail, and an additional suspension. Repeat offenses carry steeper penalties. It is not worth the risk — use other transportation until your license is reinstated.