What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

A suspended Virginia driver's license can be restored, but the path depends on why it was suspended. Virginia suspensions fall into two main categories: those you can clear yourself (like unpaid fines or failure to appear in court) and those that require waiting out a mandatory period (like DUI convictions or accumulating too many points). The first step is always to find out the exact reason for your suspension by contacting the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or checking your suspension notice.

Once you know the reason, you will need to complete specific actions — paying court costs, completing a safety course, submitting proof of insurance, or straightforward waiting until your suspension period ends. After you have met all requirements, you must request reinstatement from the DMV. This is not automatic; you have to ask for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Virginia DMV directly by phone, mail, or in person to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.
  • Suspensions for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or child support arrears can be cleared when ready once you resolve the underlying issue, but you must request reinstatement afterward.
  • Suspensions for DUI, reckless driving, or point accumulation require you to wait out a mandatory period before you can even request reinstatement.
  • You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $145 in Virginia) and may need to show proof of insurance before your license is restored.
  • Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia and carries jail time and fines; do not drive until your license is officially reinstated.

Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need clarification, contact the Virginia DMV directly. You can call the DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time), visit a local DMV office in person, or mail a written request to the DMV's Richmond headquarters. When you contact them, have your driver's license number ready.

The DMV will tell you the suspension code and what action clears it. Common codes include: FTA (failure to appear in court), FTR (failure to respond to a traffic ticket), DUI (driving under the influence), SUSP (accumulated points), and CHILD (child support arrears). Each code has different requirements and timelines. Write down exactly what the DMV tells you, including any case numbers or court information, because you will need this to resolve the suspension.

Clearing Suspensions You Can Resolve when ready

Some suspensions can be lifted as soon as you take action. These include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, failure to respond to a ticket, and child support arrears. If your suspension falls into one of these categories, you must contact the court or agency that initiated the suspension, not the DMV.

For unpaid fines or failure to appear, contact the traffic court in the city or county where the ticket was issued. You can find court contact information on the Virginia court system website or by calling the DMV. Pay the fine in full, or if you cannot, ask about payment plans. The court will notify the DMV once payment is received or a payment arrangement is made. For child support arrears, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or the specific child support enforcement office handling your case. Once the arrears are paid or a payment plan is established, they will notify the DMV.

After the underlying issue is resolved, the DMV will not automatically reinstate your license. You must request reinstatement by submitting a reinstatement form (DL 44) along with the $145 reinstatement fee. You can do this by mail, in person at any DMV office, or online through the Virginia DMV website if you meet certain conditions. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.

Waiting Out Mandatory Suspension Periods

Some suspensions require you to wait a set amount of time before you can even request reinstatement. These include DUI convictions, reckless driving convictions, and suspensions for accumulating too many points on your driving record.

A first DUI conviction in Virginia results in a mandatory one-year suspension. A second DUI within 10 years results in a three-year suspension. Reckless driving convictions carry a six-month to one-year suspension depending on the circumstances. Point-based suspensions occur when you accumulate 18 or more points within 12 months, 24 or more points within 24 months, or 36 or more points within 36 months; these carry a mandatory three-month suspension for the first offense.

During the waiting period, you cannot request reinstatement, and the DMV will not process your request if you submit it early. Mark your calendar for the date your suspension period ends. You can calculate this from your suspension notice or by asking the DMV. Once that date passes, you become may be able to access to request reinstatement, but you still must take the next step — you do not automatically get your license back.

Completing Required Safety and Insurance Requirements

Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement. For DUI suspensions, Virginia requires you to complete an alcohol safety education program (ASEP) before your license can be restored. This is a classroom-based program, typically four hours long, offered by approved providers throughout Virginia. You must pay for this course yourself; costs vary but typically range from $50 to $150. Once you complete it, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must submit with your reinstatement request.

For any suspension, you must show proof of current auto insurance before reinstatement. This means an active insurance policy in your name covering the vehicle you will drive. You can provide this as a copy of your insurance card, a declaration page from your policy, or an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) if you were required to file one. If you do not have insurance, you must obtain it before requesting reinstatement.

Submitting Your Reinstatement Request

Once you have met all requirements for your suspension type, you must formally request reinstatement. You will need to submit form DL 44 (process for Reinstatement of Driver's License), the $145 reinstatement fee, and proof of insurance. If your suspension was DUI-related, also include your ASEP certificate.

You can submit your reinstatement request three ways: by mail to the DMV's Richmond office, in person at any Virginia DMV location, or online through the Virginia DMV website (if you have a valid email address and meet other online filing requirements). Mail processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your request. In-person requests are often processed the same day, though you may need to wait for a background check. Online requests typically process within 3 to 5 business days.

Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500 for a first offense. You can check the status of your reinstatement request by calling the DMV or visiting your local office.

What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License

Driving while your license is suspended is a criminal offense in Virginia, separate from the original reason for suspension. A first offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. A second offense within 10 years is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A third or subsequent offense within 10 years is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

If you are stopped by police while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face criminal charges in addition to the original suspension. This can delay your reinstatement further and create a separate court case you must resolve. If you need to drive during your suspension period, you may be able to request a restricted license (also called a "hardship license") that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. Contact your local circuit court to ask about this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a restricted license while my license is suspended?

Yes, in some cases. You must petition your local circuit court for a restricted license, which allows driving to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. The court decides whether to grant it based on your circumstances. This is not automatic and requires a court hearing.

How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?

By mail, 5 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your request. In person at a DMV office, often the same day. Online, 3 to 5 business days. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation your license is reinstated.

What if I moved out of Virginia after my suspension?

Your Virginia suspension remains in effect and will show up in the national driving record system. You must resolve it before you can obtain a license in another state. Contact the Virginia DMV to complete reinstatement, even if you no longer live there.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was suspended for unpaid fines?

Yes. The $145 reinstatement fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owed. You must pay both the original fine and the reinstatement fee to restore your license.

What if I do not know which court issued my ticket?

Call the Virginia DMV with your driver's license number and suspension code. They can tell you which court or agency is handling your case and provide contact information. You can also search Virginia court records online by case number if you have it.