The basic steps to restore your Virginia license
To get your suspended Virginia driver's license back, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. Virginia suspends licenses for different causes — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failure to maintain insurance — and each has its own path to restoration.
Start by checking your suspension status with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can call their customer service line, visit a DMV office in person, or check online through the Virginia DMV website. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it. Do not skip this step — attempting to restore your license without knowing the exact requirement will waste time and money.
Once you know the reason, you will either need to pay a debt, complete a program, submit proof of insurance, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. After you meet that requirement, you must file a restoration request with the DMV and pay a restoration fee, which is currently $145 for most suspensions in Virginia.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Virginia DMV first to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions: paying fines, completing a DUI program, proving insurance, or serving a waiting period.
- After you meet the requirement, you must file a restoration request with the DMV and pay a $145 restoration fee.
- Your license will not be automatically restored — you must actively request it once the suspension cause is resolved.
- Some suspensions require an SR-22 form (proof of insurance) filed with the DMV before restoration is possible.
Suspension for unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before the DMV will restore your license. Contact the court that issued the fine to confirm the exact amount due, including any late fees or collection costs that may have been added.
You can pay by phone, mail, or in person at the court. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify the DMV. However, you still need to file the restoration request yourself — the court does not do this automatically. After payment clears, contact the DMV, file your restoration request, and pay the $145 restoration fee.
Suspension for failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic violation. To clear this, you must contact the court that issued the summons, explain your absence, and resolve the underlying traffic charge. This may mean paying a fine, pleading guilty, or scheduling a new court date.
Once the court resolves the case, they will notify the DMV. You then file your restoration request with the DMV and pay the $145 fee. If you have multiple failure-to-appear cases, each one must be resolved separately before the DMV will restore your license.
Suspension for DUI conviction
A DUI suspension in Virginia is mandatory and comes with a required waiting period. A first DUI offense carries a minimum one-year suspension. During this time, you cannot legally drive, even with a restricted or hardship license, unless you meet specific conditions.
Before you can restore your license, you must complete an alcohol safety action program (ASAP) — a state-approved education and counseling course. You must also obtain an SR-22 form from an insurance company, which proves you carry the required liability coverage. The insurance company files the SR-22 directly with the DMV on your behalf.
After you complete ASAP and have the SR-22 on file, you can request restoration. You will pay the $145 restoration fee plus the cost of the ASAP program, which varies by provider but typically ranges from $300 to $600. Some people also need an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, depending on blood alcohol level at arrest and prior DUI history.
Suspension for accumulating too many points
Virginia uses a point system for traffic violations. If you accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license is suspended. Points stay on your record for different lengths of time depending on the violation — most fall off after three years, but some remain longer.
For a point-based suspension, you must wait out a mandatory suspension period, which is typically 30 to 90 days depending on how many points you had. You cannot shorten this waiting period by paying a fee or completing a program. Once the waiting period ends, file your restoration request with the DMV and pay the $145 fee.
Suspension for failure to maintain insurance
If your license was suspended because you did not carry required auto insurance, you must obtain a new insurance policy and file an SR-22 form with the DMV. The SR-22 is not insurance itself — it is a certificate that your insurance company files to prove you meet Virginia's minimum coverage requirements.
Contact an insurance company and purchase a policy that meets Virginia's liability minimums: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 property damage. Ask the company to file the SR-22 with the DMV. Once the SR-22 is on file, you can request restoration and pay the $145 fee.
Keep in mind that you will need to maintain continuous insurance coverage and keep the SR-22 on file for three years from the date of suspension. If your insurance lapses during this period, your license will be suspended again.
How to file your restoration request
After you have met the suspension requirement — paid fines, completed a program, obtained insurance, or served a waiting period — you must formally request restoration from the Virginia DMV. You can do this in three ways: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
If you file online or by mail, include your driver's license number, full name, date of birth, and the $145 restoration fee. If you file in person, bring your identification and payment. The DMV will process your request and mail you a new license within 7 to 10 business days if everything is in order.
Do not attempt to drive before your license is officially restored. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia and can result in fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
What to do if you need to drive before restoration is complete
In some cases, you may be able to obtain a restricted license or hardship license that allows limited driving — for example, to and from work or medical appointments — while your suspension is still in effect. may be able to access depends on the suspension reason and your circumstances.
DUI suspensions generally do not allow hardship licenses during the mandatory waiting period. Other suspension types may may have access to. Contact the Virginia DMV or visit a local office to ask whether a restricted license is available for your situation. If approved, you will pay a fee and receive a document that limits where and when you can drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I file a restoration request?
The DMV typically processes restoration requests within 7 to 10 business days if you submit everything correctly and all requirements are met. If you file in person at a DMV office, you may receive your new license faster. If you file by mail, allow extra time for postal delivery.
Do I have to pay the $145 restoration fee even if I already paid the fine that caused the suspension?
Yes. The restoration fee is separate from any fines or court costs. You must pay both the original debt and the $145 DMV restoration fee to get your license back.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license in Virginia?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Virginia. A first offense can result in a fine up to $500, jail time up to 10 days, or both. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. Do not drive until your license is officially restored.
Can I get a hardship license while my DUI suspension is active?
No. Virginia does not issue hardship or restricted licenses during the mandatory waiting period for a DUI suspension. You must wait out the full suspension period before you can request restoration. After restoration, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device, which allows you to drive but monitors your sobriety.
If I move out of Virginia, do I still need to restore my Virginia license?
If you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state. However, you should still resolve your Virginia suspension before you leave, because it will appear on your driving record and may affect your ability to get a license in your new state. Contact the Virginia DMV to understand your options before relocating.