The cost to restore a suspended license in New Jersey ranges from $100 to $250, depending on why your license was suspended and how long it has been suspended
New Jersey charges a restoration fee to reinstate your driving privileges after a suspension ends. The exact amount depends on the reason for the suspension — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs less than one for a DUI conviction or a medical suspension. You will also need to pay any outstanding fines, fees, or court costs that led to the suspension in the first place, which can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the total.
Before you can restore your license, the suspension period itself must be over. You cannot pay to end a suspension early; you must wait out the full term. Once that time has passed, you submit payment and paperwork to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), and your license becomes active again.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey's restoration fee is $100 to $250 depending on the suspension reason, and you must pay it after the suspension period ends, not before.
- You are also responsible for any unpaid fines, court costs, or child support arrears that caused the suspension — these are separate from the restoration fee.
- You can check your suspension status and the exact restoration fee for your case on the MVC website or by calling the MVC directly.
- Some suspensions require additional steps beyond paying the fee, such as a medical evaluation or proof of insurance before your license is restored.
Restoration fees by suspension reason
The restoration fee varies based on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic violations typically costs $100 to restore. A suspension for a DUI or drug-related conviction costs $250. A suspension for failure to pay child support, unpaid court fines, or medical reasons may fall somewhere in between or require additional documentation beyond the fee itself.
If your suspension was for a medical reason — such as a seizure disorder or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you will need to submit a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor before the MVC will restore your license. This evaluation is separate from the restoration fee and may cost money depending on your doctor's office.
Some suspensions stack. If you have multiple reasons for suspension on your record, you may need to resolve all of them before restoration is possible. For example, if your license was suspended both for unpaid fines and for a lapsed inspection, you must address both issues.
Outstanding fines and court costs you must pay first
The restoration fee itself is only part of the cost. You are also responsible for paying whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, you must pay that ticket before the MVC will restore your license. If it was suspended for unpaid court fines or restitution, those must be paid in full.
If your suspension was triggered by failure to pay child support, you must bring your child support account current or arrange a payment plan with the New Jersey Department of Human Services before restoration. If it was triggered by an unpaid judgment or lien, that judgment must be satisfied.
These amounts vary widely depending on your specific case. A single unpaid traffic ticket might be $50 to $200, but unpaid court fines or child support arrears can be thousands of dollars. Contact the court that issued the fine or the agency that triggered the suspension to find out exactly what you owe.
How to find out your exact restoration fee
The fastest way to learn your restoration fee is to check your driving record on the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. You can order your record online, and it will show your current suspension status and the reason for it. However, the website does not always display the exact dollar amount of the restoration fee.
Call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to speak with a representative who can tell you the exact restoration fee for your suspension and what other payments or documents you need before you can restore your license. Have your driver's license number ready. The MVC can also tell you whether your suspension period has ended and whether you are may be able to access to restore your license now.
If your suspension was court-ordered, you may also need to contact the court that issued the suspension order. Some courts require you to file paperwork with them before the MVC will process your restoration.
How to pay and restore your license
Once your suspension period is over and you have gathered all required documents and payments, you can restore your license by mail, online, or in person at an MVC office. The method depends on the reason for your suspension.
For most traffic-related suspensions, you can pay the restoration fee and submit your paperwork online through the MVC website or by mail. You will need to include a check or money order for the restoration fee, a completed restoration form, and proof that you have paid any outstanding fines or court costs. The MVC will process your request and mail you a new license or a notice that your license has been restored.
For DUI-related suspensions or medical suspensions, you may need to visit an MVC office in person. Bring your identification, proof of payment for all outstanding fines, the restoration fee, and any required medical documentation. Processing times vary, but most restorations take two to four weeks after the MVC receives your complete process.
Additional costs that may explore
Beyond the restoration fee and outstanding fines, you may face other costs depending on your suspension reason. If your license was suspended for failure to maintain car insurance, you will need to purchase a new insurance policy and provide proof of coverage to the MVC before restoration. This is separate from the restoration fee.
If your suspension was for a DUI, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive legally. This device costs $60 to $100 to install and $50 to $100 per month to maintain. This is a separate requirement from license restoration and is mandated by New Jersey law for certain DUI convictions.
If you need a new license card because yours was suspended, the MVC may charge a replacement fee of $24 for a standard license or $34 for a Real ID-compliant license, though this is sometimes waived when you restore a suspended license.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in New Jersey is illegal and carries serious penalties. A first offense can result in a fine of $500 to $1,000, a jail sentence of up to 30 days, or both. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional criminal charges.
If you are stopped while your license is suspended, your vehicle can be impounded, and you will be responsible for towing and storage fees. These costs can easily exceed $500 and add to your total financial burden.
The safest and most cost-effective option is to wait out your suspension period and then pay the restoration fee and any outstanding obligations. If you need to drive before your suspension ends, you may be able to request a work permit or conditional license from the MVC, though this is not available for all suspension reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license restored before my suspension period ends?
No. You must wait until the full suspension period has ended before you can restore your license. You cannot pay to shorten the suspension. However, if you believe your suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the MVC to challenge it.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my outstanding fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installment payments. Once you have an agreement in place, bring documentation of the plan to the MVC when you restore your license.
Do I need to take a driving test to restore my license?
For most suspensions, no. You do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your suspension was medical-related, you must submit a medical evaluation form. For DUI suspensions, you may be required to complete a substance abuse program.
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay?
Processing times vary from two to four weeks after the MVC receives your complete process. If you submit by mail, add time for postal delivery. You can check the status of your restoration request on the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is restored?
Your insurance rates may increase depending on the reason for your suspension and your insurance company's policies. A DUI suspension typically results in higher rates. Contact your insurance company to ask how your suspension affects your premium before your license is restored.