What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
A suspended Maryland license cannot be used to drive legally, but suspension is not permanent — you can restore it by addressing the reason it was suspended and following Maryland's reinstatement process. The steps depend on why your license was suspended: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulation of points. Each path has different requirements, different fees, and different timelines. You will need to resolve the underlying issue first, then file a reinstatement request with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
The reinstatement fee is $100 for most suspensions. Some suspensions require additional steps — like a medical evaluation or a substance abuse assessment — before the MVA will consider your request. You cannot straightforward pay the fee and drive; you must prove the suspension reason has been addressed.
Key Takeaways
- The reason your license was suspended determines what you must do first — paying fines, appearing in court, paying child support, or obtaining medical clearance.
- The reinstatement fee is $100, but you must resolve the underlying issue before paying it or your request will be denied.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at an MVA office, or online through the MVA website if your suspension reason qualifies.
- Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your complete request; your license is not restored until you receive written confirmation.
- If your suspension was for unpaid child support or failure to appear, you will need documentation from the court or child support agency proving the issue is resolved.
Suspensions for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before the MVA will reinstate you. Contact the District Court or Circuit Court that issued the citation to confirm the exact amount due, including any collection fees or court costs that have been added. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse.
Once payment is confirmed by the court, request reinstatement through the MVA. You can do this online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at any MVA office. Include the $100 reinstatement fee along with proof of payment from the court. The MVA will verify that the court has recorded your payment before processing your request.
Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic or criminal charge. You must resolve this with the court before the MVA will reinstate your license. Contact the District Court or Circuit Court that issued the original citation and explain that you missed your court date. You will likely be required to appear in person or request a continuance by phone or mail, depending on the court's policy.
Once you have appeared in court or resolved the failure to appear with the court (by paying any fines or reaching an agreement), obtain written confirmation from the court showing the matter is resolved. Bring this documentation to an MVA office along with the $100 reinstatement fee, or mail it with your reinstatement request. Do not wait for the court to notify the MVA — courts and the MVA do not always communicate when ready, so providing proof yourself speeds up reinstatement.
Suspensions for Unpaid Child Support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, the Maryland Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) must issue a release before the MVA will reinstate you. Contact your local CSEA office or call the statewide child support hotline to find out the exact amount owed and arrange payment. You can pay in full, or in some cases set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the entire balance at once.
Once CSEA confirms that your account is current or that a payment plan is in place, they will send a release to the MVA. This process can take 5 to 10 business days. You do not need to submit anything to the MVA yourself — CSEA handles the notification. However, you should still pay the $100 reinstatement fee. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Your license will be restored once both CSEA's release and your reinstatement fee have been processed.
Suspensions for Medical or Safety Reasons
Suspensions for medical reasons — such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or other conditions affecting safe driving — require clearance from a physician before reinstatement. The MVA will have sent you a letter explaining what medical documentation is needed. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and bring the MVA's medical form (Form DL 43) to be completed.
Your doctor will evaluate whether you are safe to drive and sign the form. Return the completed form to the MVA along with the $100 reinstatement fee. If your doctor determines you are not yet safe to drive, the suspension will remain in place until you can obtain clearance. Some conditions require periodic re-evaluation, so your doctor may recommend follow-up appointments before you are cleared to drive again.
Suspensions for Substance Abuse or DUI-Related Reasons
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, refusal to take a breath test, or other substance abuse issues, you may be required to complete a substance abuse assessment or treatment program before reinstatement. The MVA will specify what is required in the suspension notice. Contact an approved substance abuse evaluator or treatment provider in Maryland to schedule an assessment.
The evaluator will determine whether you need treatment and will provide documentation of completion. Bring this documentation to the MVA along with the $100 reinstatement fee. Some DUI suspensions also require installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before you can drive; if this applies to you, the MVA will explain the requirements and approved vendors. Do not attempt to drive before your suspension is officially lifted — doing so is a criminal offense in Maryland.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The online option is fastest if your suspension reason qualifies — most do, but suspensions for medical reasons or certain criminal matters may require in-person submission.
To reinstate online, visit mva.maryland.gov, select "Reinstate Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and proof of payment for the underlying issue (such as a court receipt or CSEA confirmation). Pay the $100 reinstatement fee by credit card or debit card. The MVA will process your request within 5 to 10 business days and send confirmation by mail.
To reinstate by mail, send a letter to the MVA that includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that the suspension reason has been resolved. Include a check or money order for $100 payable to "Maryland MVA." Mail to: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Reinstatement Section, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from receipt.
To reinstate in person, visit any MVA office with your driver's license, proof that the suspension reason is resolved, and payment for the $100 fee (cash, check, or card). An MVA representative will verify your information and process your request when ready. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
After the MVA receives your complete reinstatement request, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. During this time, the MVA verifies that the suspension reason has been resolved and that your reinstatement fee has been received. You will receive written confirmation by mail when your license has been restored.
If you submitted your request in person at an MVA office, you may receive a temporary driving permit when ready, which allows you to drive while your permanent license is being mailed. If you submitted by mail or online, you should not drive until you receive the written confirmation. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maryland and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
If your request is denied, the MVA will send a letter explaining why. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines that were not actually paid, or a suspension reason that has not been fully resolved. You can resubmit your request once you have addressed the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until you receive written confirmation from the MVA that it has been restored. Driving during this period is illegal. If you received a temporary permit in person at an MVA office, that permit allows you to drive; otherwise, you must wait for written confirmation.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed for fines or child support?
Contact the court or child support agency that issued the suspension and ask about payment plans. Many courts and CSEA offices allow you to make partial payments or set up a schedule. Once an agreement is in place, you can request reinstatement; you do not always have to pay the entire balance upfront.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit online?
Online reinstatement requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive confirmation by mail. If you need to drive sooner, visit an MVA office in person to receive a temporary permit when ready.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require retesting. You only need to resolve the reason for suspension and pay the reinstatement fee. Your original license will be restored with the same class and restrictions.
What if my suspension was for multiple reasons?
You must resolve all suspension reasons before the MVA will reinstate your license. For example, if you have both unpaid fines and an unpaid child support balance, you must address both. The MVA will not process your reinstatement until all issues are cleared.