The reissue fee to restore your suspended California license is $100, paid to the DMV when you file your reinstatement request.
When your license suspension ends and you are ready to drive again, the DMV requires you to pay a reissue fee before they will issue a new license. This is a separate charge from any fines, court costs, or other penalties tied to the reason your license was suspended in the first place.
The $100 reissue fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time you request reinstatement. You cannot get your license back without paying it. The fee covers the cost of processing your reinstatement and printing your new license document.
Key Takeaways
- California charges a $100 reissue fee every time you reinstate a suspended license, regardless of why it was suspended.
- You must pay the reissue fee when you file your reinstatement request with the DMV; you cannot pay it later.
- The reissue fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other penalties related to your suspension.
- If your license is suspended multiple times, you will pay the $100 reissue fee each time you reinstate it.
- You can pay the reissue fee online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on how you file your reinstatement request.
How the reissue fee works with your reinstatement
Reinstatement is the formal process of asking the DMV to restore your driving privileges after a suspension ends. The reissue fee is part of that process. When you submit your reinstatement request—whether online, by mail, or in person—you must include payment for the $100 fee at the same time.
If you are reinstating because of a suspension related to unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered penalties, you may also owe money to the court or to the bail recovery fund. Those costs are separate from the DMV reissue fee. You could owe both the court and the DMV before your license is fully restored.
The DMV will not process your reinstatement request until the $100 fee is received. If you submit your request without payment, the DMV will return it and ask you to resubmit with the fee included.
Payment methods for the reissue fee
You can pay the $100 reissue fee using several methods, depending on how you file your reinstatement request. If you reinstate online through the DMV website, you can pay by credit card or debit card. If you reinstate by mail, you can include a check or money order payable to the California DMV. If you reinstate in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing your reinstatement request, use a check or money order and include it with your paperwork. Keep a copy of your payment receipt or cancelled check for your records.
When you will pay the reissue fee
You pay the reissue fee at the moment you request reinstatement, not before and not after. This means you cannot pay it in advance to speed up the process. You also cannot pay it after your suspension ends and then request reinstatement separately.
The timing depends on your suspension type. Some suspensions have a fixed end date—for example, a 30-day suspension from a reckless driving conviction. Others require you to meet specific conditions before you can reinstate, such as completing a DUI education program or paying outstanding fines. Once those conditions are met and the suspension period has ended, you file your reinstatement request and pay the fee at that time.
Reissue fees for multiple suspensions
If your license has been suspended more than once, you will pay the $100 reissue fee each time you reinstate. There is no discount or waiver for repeat reinstatements. Each reinstatement is treated as a separate transaction.
For example, if your license was suspended twice and you reinstate both times, you will pay $200 in total reissue fees—$100 for the first reinstatement and $100 for the second. This is in addition to any other costs or penalties associated with each suspension.
What happens after you pay the reissue fee
Once the DMV receives your reinstatement request and the $100 fee, they will process your request. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, the DMV verifies that your suspension has ended and that all conditions for reinstatement have been met.
After your reinstatement is approved, the DMV will mail you a new license to the address on file. Your license will be valid when ready upon approval, even though you are waiting for the physical card to arrive. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a DMV office.
Reissue fees versus other suspension-related costs
The $100 reissue fee is only one cost you may face when your license is suspended. Depending on the reason for your suspension, you might also owe court fines, probation fees, DUI program costs, or other penalties. These are all separate from the DMV reissue fee.
For example, if your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction, you might owe court fines, a DUI education program fee, and a restitution payment to a victim. On top of all of that, you will owe the $100 reissue fee to the DMV. Make sure you understand all the costs involved before you plan to reinstate your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the $100 reissue fee waived or reduced?
No. The DMV does not waive or reduce the reissue fee under any circumstances. The fee is required for all reinstatements, regardless of the reason for your suspension or your financial situation. You must pay the full $100 to reinstate your license.
What if I cannot afford the $100 reissue fee right now?
You will need to save the money before you can reinstate your license. The DMV does not offer payment plans for the reissue fee. If you are facing financial hardship, contact a local legal aid organization to discuss your options, but be aware that the fee itself cannot be avoided.
Do I have to pay the reissue fee if my suspension was dismissed or overturned?
If your suspension was dismissed or overturned by a court, you do not need to pay a reissue fee because you do not need to reinstate. Your license remains valid. Contact the DMV to confirm that the dismissal has been recorded in their system.
Can I pay the reissue fee before my suspension ends?
No. You can only pay the reissue fee when you file your reinstatement request, which must happen after your suspension period has ended and all conditions for reinstatement have been met. Paying early will not speed up the process.
What if I lose my receipt for the reissue fee payment?
Keep a copy of your payment receipt or cancelled check. If you lose it, you can contact the DMV and request a record of your payment. The DMV can verify that your reissue fee was received and processed.