What you need to do to restore your Massachusetts license
To get your suspended license back in Massachusetts, you must first find out why your license was suspended — the reason determines what steps you take and in what order. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will have sent you a notice in the mail explaining the suspension and what you need to do. If you cannot find that notice, you can contact the RMV directly or check your status online through their website.
The most common reasons for suspension in Massachusetts are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical suspension (usually after a seizure or serious health event), and accumulation of too many points on your driving record. Each reason has a different path to reinstatement, and you cannot restore your license until you have addressed the underlying issue.
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension — whether that means paying fines, appearing in court, or completing a required program — you will need to request reinstatement from the RMV. This is not automatic; you must take action.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the RMV or check your online account to find the exact reason your license was suspended, because each reason requires different steps.
- Most suspensions require you to resolve the underlying issue (pay a fine, appear in court, pay child support, or complete a program) before the RMV will consider reinstatement.
- After you have resolved the issue, you must request reinstatement through the RMV — it does not happen automatically.
- Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee and pass a written test or vision screening before you can drive again.
- If your suspension is related to alcohol or drug offenses, you may need to complete an alcohol education program or install an ignition interlock device.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The RMV mailed you a notice when your license was suspended. That notice explains the reason and what you need to do next. Check your mail carefully — it may have arrived weeks or months ago. If you cannot find it, you have two options: call the RMV at 617-351-4500 or visit their website to check your license status online.
When you call or check online, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The RMV will tell you the suspension reason and the date it took effect. Write this information down — you will need it to know what steps come next.
Resolving the reason for suspension
Before the RMV will reinstate your license, you must address whatever caused the suspension. The steps differ depending on the reason.
For unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court or the RMV, depending on where the fine was issued. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the RMV to find out where to send payment. Keep proof of payment.
For failure to appear in court: You must appear in the court where your case is pending. Call the court or the RMV to find out which court has your case and when you need to appear. Bring identification and any documents related to your case. The judge may impose additional fines or penalties, but appearing will allow you to move forward with reinstatement.
For unpaid child support: Contact the Department of Revenue's Child Support Enforcement division. You will need to make a payment arrangement or pay the full amount owed. Once the department confirms you are in compliance, they will notify the RMV.
For medical suspension: You must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor and submit it to the RMV. The RMV will tell you what form your doctor needs to complete. This typically applies after a seizure, loss of consciousness, or other serious medical event.
For too many points on your record: Points suspensions usually last a set period (often 30 to 90 days). Once that period ends, you may be able to request reinstatement. Some point suspensions require you to complete a driver improvement program first — the RMV will tell you if this applies to you.
For alcohol or drug-related offenses: You may need to complete an alcohol education program (such as the Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment program) and possibly install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The court or RMV will specify what is required.
Requesting reinstatement from the RMV
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension, contact the RMV to request reinstatement. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at an RMV office. The RMV will ask you to provide proof that you have addressed the suspension reason — for example, a receipt showing you paid a fine, a court document showing you appeared, or a medical clearance form.
Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee. This fee varies depending on the suspension reason and can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. The RMV will tell you the amount when you request reinstatement.
After the RMV receives your request and proof, they will process it. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer if documents are missing or incomplete.
Vision screening and written test requirements
Depending on how long your license was suspended and the reason for suspension, you may need to pass a vision screening or written test before you can drive again. The RMV will tell you whether this is required when you request reinstatement.
If a vision screening is required, you can have it done at any RMV office at no charge. If a written test is required, you will take the same test as someone renewing their license — it covers Massachusetts traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is available free on the RMV website.
You will have a limited number of attempts to pass the written test. If you fail, you may need to wait before trying again. The RMV will explain the rules when you schedule your test.
What happens if your suspension is still active
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Massachusetts and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, you can be arrested and your vehicle may be impounded.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — you may be able to request a hardship license. A hardship license allows limited driving for specific purposes. Contact the RMV to ask whether you are may be able to access and what you need to provide.
Reinstating your license after a long suspension
If your license has been suspended for a long time, the reinstatement process may take longer because the RMV may need to verify that all fines have been paid or that all court orders have been satisfied. If your suspension was related to child support, the Department of Revenue must confirm you are in compliance before the RMV will act.
If you are unsure whether your suspension has been lifted, contact the RMV before you drive. Driving on a suspended license, even if you believe it has been reinstated, can result in serious penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a hardship license?
A hardship license allows you to drive only for specific purposes listed on the license — usually work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. You cannot use it for any other reason. If you are stopped and cannot show that your driving falls within the allowed purposes, you can still be cited.
What if I paid the fine but the RMV still shows my license as suspended?
Processing delays happen. If you have proof of payment, contact the RMV with your receipt. Bring the receipt to an RMV office in person if possible, as this usually speeds up the process. Keep a copy for your records.
Do I have to retake the road test to get my license back?
No. You will not have to retake the road test unless your license expired while it was suspended. If your license expired, you will need to renew it, which may include a road test depending on how long it has been expired. The RMV will tell you what is required.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing usually takes one to two weeks if all required documents are included and correct. If documents are missing or incomplete, it can take longer. You can call the RMV to check the status of your request.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact the RMV to discuss your situation. Some fees may be reduced or waived in cases of financial hardship, though this is not may provide. The RMV can explain what options may be available to you.