You can suspend your own license through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
If you want to suspend your driver's license in New Jersey, you do not need a reason or a court order. You can request a voluntary suspension by contacting the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) directly. This is different from a suspension imposed by the state — you are choosing to give up your driving privileges temporarily, and you can request reinstatement when you are ready.
The most common reason people voluntarily suspend is to avoid insurance costs while they are not driving, to prevent points from accumulating after a violation, or because they are moving out of state. Some people also suspend to pause a license that has been flagged for a medical condition they plan to address.
The process is straightforward: you contact the MVC, request the suspension in writing, and your license becomes inactive. You will not be able to drive legally in New Jersey or any other state while the suspension is active, and you cannot use your license as identification for age-restricted purchases.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a voluntary suspension by mailing a written request to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or visiting an MVC office in person.
- A voluntary suspension stops your license from being active, but you keep the physical card and can request reinstatement later without retesting.
- You must surrender your physical license card when the suspension takes effect, or the MVC will mail you instructions on how to return it.
- Reinstatement after a voluntary suspension usually requires a fee and a new photo, but not a written or road test.
- A voluntary suspension is different from a court-ordered or state-imposed suspension — you control when it starts and stops.
How to request a voluntary suspension by mail
The easiest way to suspend your license is to send a written request to the MVC. Write a letter that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for the suspension (optional, but helpful). Keep the letter brief — one paragraph is enough.
Mail your letter to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Licensing Section, P.O. Box 403, Trenton, NJ 08625. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) or a photocopy. The MVC will process your request and send you a confirmation letter with instructions on what to do with your physical license card.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains active, so do not drive if you intend the suspension to be when ready. If you need the suspension to take effect right away, visit an MVC office in person instead.
Suspending your license in person at an MVC office
If you want your suspension to start when ready, go to any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office with your driver's license and a completed form. You do not need an appointment for a voluntary suspension request. Bring your physical license card with you.
Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to request a voluntary suspension. They will take your license card on the spot and give you a receipt showing the suspension is in effect. The receipt serves as proof that your license is suspended if you are stopped by police. Keep this receipt in a safe place.
The in-person process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will walk out without your license card, so make sure you do not need it for identification that day. If you need your license back before you planned, you can request reinstatement at any MVC office as well.
What happens to your license while it is suspended
Once your suspension is approved, your license number becomes inactive in the New Jersey system. You cannot legally drive in New Jersey or any other state. If you are stopped by police, show them the suspension receipt or explain that your license is voluntarily suspended — this is not a criminal matter, and you will not face charges for driving with a suspended license if you can prove the suspension was voluntary and current.
Your license does not expire while it is suspended. The expiration date stays the same, and when you reinstate, you will have the same license number and expiration date you had before. You do not lose your driving record or points during a suspension — those remain on file.
You cannot use your suspended license as identification for age-restricted purchases like alcohol or tobacco. If you need a form of ID during the suspension, you can request a non-driver identification card from the MVC, which costs about $15 and takes a few weeks to arrive.
How to reinstate your license after suspension
To reinstate your license, visit any MVC office or mail a written request to the Licensing Section at the address above. Include your name, date of birth, and license number. There is a reinstatement fee, which varies but is typically $10 to $25 — call the MVC to confirm the current amount before you visit.
When you reinstate in person, you will need to have a new photo taken for your license card. Bring your suspension receipt and proof of identity. The new license card will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for the card.
You do not have to retake the written test or road test to reinstate after a voluntary suspension. Your driving record and license class remain unchanged. If your original license has expired while suspended, you will need to renew it at the same time, which adds a renewal fee and may require a vision test.
Voluntary suspension versus court-ordered or state-imposed suspension
A voluntary suspension is one you request yourself. You control when it starts and stops, and you can reinstate whenever you choose. There are no penalties or additional requirements beyond the reinstatement fee.
A court-ordered suspension is imposed by a judge as a penalty for a traffic violation or criminal offense. You cannot reinstate until the court-ordered period ends, and you may have to meet other conditions (like paying fines or completing a defensive driving course) before reinstatement is possible.
A state-imposed suspension is triggered automatically by the MVC for reasons like unpaid tickets, failure to pay child support, medical disqualification, or accumulating too many points. These suspensions have specific end dates or conditions you must meet to reinstate, and you cannot straightforward request to lift them early.
If your license is currently suspended by court order or state action, you cannot convert it to a voluntary suspension. You must wait for the suspension period to end or meet the reinstatement conditions set by the court or MVC.
What to know before you suspend
Suspending your license is reversible, but there are practical consequences to consider. You will not be able to drive legally, rent a car, or use your license as ID. If you have a job that requires driving, suspension will affect your work. Insurance companies may charge higher rates when you reinstate, depending on how long the suspension lasted.
If you are suspending to avoid insurance costs, remember that you still cannot drive — not even for emergencies. If you are suspending because of a medical issue, make sure you have addressed the issue before you reinstate, or the MVC may deny reinstatement or require a medical evaluation.
Some people suspend their license and then forget about it for years. If you do this, your license will eventually expire. When you try to reinstate, you may have to renew as well, which adds time and cost. Set a reminder for yourself about when you plan to reinstate so you do not lose track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is voluntarily suspended?
No. A voluntarily suspended license is not valid for driving, and you can be cited for driving with a suspended license. The suspension is legally binding even though you requested it. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you must wait until your new license card arrives or your temporary paper license is issued.
Do I have to give a reason when I request a voluntary suspension?
No. You can request a suspension without stating a reason. If you do include a reason in your letter or conversation with the MVC, it does not affect the process — the MVC will suspend your license regardless. A reason is helpful only if you think the MVC might question the request, but it is not required.
How long does reinstatement take?
If you reinstate in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that allows you to drive. Your new license card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you mail a reinstatement request, the entire process takes four to six weeks. You cannot drive during this time unless you have the temporary paper license.
Will a voluntary suspension affect my insurance rates?
A voluntary suspension itself does not appear on your driving record as a violation, so it should not directly raise your rates. However, if the reason you suspended was to avoid paying for insurance, your rates may increase when you reinstate because you will have a gap in coverage. Talk to your insurance company about how a suspension affects your policy before you request one.
Can I suspend my license if I have unpaid tickets or fines?
If the MVC has already suspended your license because of unpaid tickets, you cannot request a voluntary suspension — your license is already suspended by state action. You must pay the tickets or fines first, reinstate your license, and then request a voluntary suspension if you still want one. If you have unpaid tickets but your license is not yet suspended, you can request a voluntary suspension, but the MVC may suspend it anyway once they process the tickets.