The fastest way to check your Virginia license status
You can find out whether your Virginia license is suspended in about two minutes using the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online portal. Go to dmvnow.com, select "License/Permit Status," enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. This is the same database the police use, so the information is current.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538. Have your license number ready. They can confirm your status over the phone and tell you the specific reason for the suspension — which matters, because different reasons have different paths to reinstatement.
If you cannot reach the online system or the phone line, you can visit a DMV customer service center in person. Bring your license or state ID. Staff will print your driving record and show you the suspension details on the spot. Locations and hours are listed on dmvnow.com under "Find a DMV Office."
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia DMV online portal at dmvnow.com shows your license status in real time and takes about two minutes to check.
- You can also call 804-367-0538 to have a DMV representative confirm your status and explain the reason for suspension.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Virginia.
- The reason for your suspension determines what you must do to get your license back — some require payment, others require a waiting period or a court action.
- If you were not notified of the suspension in writing, request a copy of the suspension notice from the DMV, as it will list the exact reason and any important date.
What the online status check will show you
When you log into dmvnow.com and pull your license status, the system displays one of several outcomes. If your license is valid, it will say so and show your expiration date. If it is suspended, the screen will show the suspension status but may not always display the specific reason — this varies depending on the type of suspension.
Some suspensions appear with a code or brief description (for example, "Failure to Pay Fine" or "Medical Review"). Others show only that the license is suspended and require you to call the DMV or visit in person to learn the reason. Write down any code or description you see, because you will need it when you contact the DMV or a reinstatement service.
If the system shows your license as revoked rather than suspended, that is a more serious status. A revocation typically means you cannot straightforward pay a fee or wait out a period — you usually must petition the court or complete a formal reinstatement process. The online system will not always distinguish clearly between suspension and revocation, so if you see either status, contact the DMV directly to confirm which one applies.
Common reasons Virginia suspends licenses and what each one means
Virginia suspends licenses for many reasons, and the reason determines how you get reinstated. Failure to pay a fine or court cost is one of the most common. If you were convicted of a traffic offense or other crime and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports it to the DMV and your license is suspended. You must pay the full amount owed to the court (not the DMV) to lift the suspension.
Failure to appear in court triggers a suspension when ready. If you missed a court date for a traffic ticket or other charge, the judge ordered your license suspended. You must go back to that court, explain the absence, and resolve the underlying case. straightforward paying the fine may not be enough — the court must formally dismiss the failure-to-appear charge first.
Accumulation of points from traffic violations can also suspend your license. Virginia assigns points for moving violations (speeding, reckless driving, etc.). If you reach 12 points within 12 months, your license is suspended for 30 days. If you reach 18 points within 24 months, the suspension is 60 days. These suspensions lift automatically after the waiting period, but only if you do not earn more points during that time.
Failure to maintain insurance is another frequent reason. If you were in an accident or stopped by police and could not show proof of insurance, the DMV may suspend your license. You must obtain a Virginia insurance policy, have your insurer file an SR-22 form with the DMV, and pay a reinstatement fee. The suspension typically lifts within one business day of the SR-22 filing.
Medical suspension occurs when the DMV receives a report from a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement that you may be medically unfit to drive (due to seizures, loss of consciousness, or certain medications, for example). You will receive a notice and a important date to submit medical documentation or take a driving test. If you do not respond, the suspension stays in place.
What to do if you find out your license is suspended
First, do not drive. Driving on a suspended license in Virginia is a separate offense — Class 1 misdemeanor if you knew it was suspended, which carries a fine of up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail. Even if you did not know, you can still be charged. The safest step is to arrange other transportation when ready.
Second, get a copy of the suspension notice. If you received one in the mail, find it. If you did not receive one or cannot locate it, contact the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit a customer service center and request a certified copy of your driving record and suspension notice. The notice will state the reason, the date the suspension began, and what you must do to reinstate your license.
Third, take the action required for your specific suspension type. If it is a fine or court cost, contact the court listed on the notice and pay what you owe. If it is failure to appear, contact the court and schedule a hearing. If it is points-based, wait out the suspension period and avoid further violations. If it is insurance-related, obtain a policy and file the SR-22. If it is medical, submit the required documentation or schedule a test.
Fourth, once you have completed the required action, contact the DMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted. Do not assume it is gone just because you paid a fine or filed a form. The DMV may take several business days to update its records. Call 804-367-0538 or check dmvnow.com again to verify your status before you drive.
Reinstatement fees and timelines
Most Virginia license suspensions require a reinstatement fee in addition to whatever else you must do (pay a fine, file an SR-22, etc.). The reinstatement fee is $145 for a first suspension, $200 for a second suspension within five years, and $300 for a third or subsequent suspension within five years. You pay this fee to the DMV, not the court.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through dmvnow.com, by mail, or in person at a DMV customer service center. If you pay online or by mail, include a copy of proof that you have completed the underlying requirement (receipt from the court, SR-22 confirmation, etc.). Processing typically takes three to five business days after payment.
Some suspensions lift automatically without a fee. A suspension for accumulation of points, for example, ends on its own after the waiting period (30 or 60 days) as long as you do not earn more points. A medical suspension may be lifted once you submit the required medical clearance. Always confirm with the DMV what fee, if any, applies to your suspension type.
If you received no notice of the suspension
Virginia is required to mail you a suspension notice, but mail gets lost or delayed. If you discovered your suspension through the online check or a traffic stop and never received a written notice, request one when ready from the DMV. Call 804-367-0538 or visit a customer service center and ask for a certified copy of your suspension notice.
The notice will show the reason, the date it was issued, and the date the suspension began. If the suspension began more than a few weeks ago and you were genuinely unaware, you have a potential defense to a charge of driving with a suspended license — but you must be able to prove you did not receive notice. Keep records of your request for the notice and any correspondence with the DMV.
If you believe the suspension was issued in error (for example, you paid a fine but the court did not report it to the DMV), contact the DMV and the court together. Provide proof of payment or the action you took. The DMV can sometimes lift a suspension when ready if the underlying reason no longer applies, but you must provide documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, medical appointments, or court dates. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Virginia. If you need to drive, you must first get your license reinstated or obtain a restricted license (available in limited circumstances — ask the DMV whether you may have access to).
How long does it take for a suspension to show up on dmvnow.com?
Usually within one business day of the court or agency reporting it to the DMV. However, if you were just stopped by police or involved in an accident, it may take a few days for the report to reach the DMV. If you know a suspension should be in effect but do not see it online, call 804-367-0538 to confirm.
What if I paid the fine but the suspension is still showing?
The court must report the payment to the DMV, and the DMV must update its records. This usually takes three to five business days. If more than a week has passed since you paid, call the court that issued the fine to confirm they reported it, then call the DMV to confirm they received it. Ask the DMV for a timeline for when the suspension will be lifted.
Is there a way to get a restricted license while my license is suspended?
Virginia offers restricted licenses in some cases — for example, to drive to work or school during a suspension for points or failure to appear. You must petition the court that issued the suspension. Not all courts grant them, and not all suspension types may have access to. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to ask whether you are may be able to access.
What happens if I ignore the suspension and keep driving?
You face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. Penalties include fines up to $2,500, jail time up to 12 months, and a longer suspension. A second offense within five years is a felony. Additionally, your insurance will not cover any accident you cause while driving on a suspended license, leaving you personally liable for damages.