Check your suspension status through Virginia DMV online or by phone

The fastest way to learn about your Virginia driver's license is suspended is to use the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online license status tool. You can check your status 24 hours a day without calling or visiting an office. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth.

If you do not want to use the online tool, you can call the Virginia DMV customer service line at 804-367-0538 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time). A representative can tell you whether your license is suspended and why. You will need your driver's license number ready when you call.

A third option is to visit a Virginia DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Staff can print a status report on the spot. This takes longer than online or phone options but gives you a paper record you can take with you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia DMV online license status tool is available 24/7 and requires only your driver's license number and date of birth.
  • You can also call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 during business hours to speak with a representative about your suspension status.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Virginia or any other state until it is lifted.
  • Common reasons for Virginia suspensions include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, and driving with a suspended license.

What the Virginia DMV online tool shows you

The Virginia DMV license status page displays whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the tool will show the suspension date and sometimes the reason. The reason code may be brief — for example, "FTP" (failure to pay) or "DWLS" (driving with suspended license).

The online tool does not always show the exact amount you owe or the steps to lift the suspension. If the reason code is unclear or you need more detail about what caused the suspension, call the DMV or visit an office. They can explain the specific violation and tell you what you must do to restore your license.

Common reasons Virginia suspends licenses

Virginia suspends driver's licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support ordered by a court, and driving with a suspended license. Other reasons include unpaid vehicle registration fees, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, and insurance-related violations like driving without proof of insurance.

Some suspensions are automatic. For example, if you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), Virginia law requires a mandatory suspension. If you accumulate too many points on your driving record in a short time, the DMV will suspend your license. The point system varies by age and the type of violation.

A few suspensions come from outside Virginia. If you have an unpaid fine in another state or a suspension there, Virginia may honor that suspension and prevent you from renewing your Virginia license. Federal suspensions — such as for drug convictions — also carry over to Virginia.

How long a suspension lasts

The length of a suspension depends on the reason and whether it is your first offense. Some suspensions last a set number of days or months. Others last until you take a specific action, such as paying a fine or completing a defensive driving course.

For example, a suspension for unpaid fines may last until you pay the court or the DMV. A suspension for a first DUI conviction typically lasts one year, but you may be able to drive with a restricted license after 45 days if you meet certain conditions. A suspension for accumulating too many points usually lasts 30 to 90 days, depending on your age and driving history.

If you do not know how long your suspension will last, the DMV can tell you when you call or visit. Ask for the lift date or the action required to restore your license.

Steps to restore your Virginia license after suspension

The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, you must pay the court or the DMV the full amount owed. Once payment is received and processed, the suspension is usually lifted within one to three business days.

If the suspension is for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete an alcohol safety education program (ASEP) or a substance abuse assessment before you can restore your license. You must also pay any court fines and fees. Some DUI suspensions allow a restricted license (for work or school) before the full suspension ends.

If the suspension is for child support arrears, you must work with the Virginia Department of Social Services or the court that ordered the support. Once you bring your payments current or reach an agreement with the other parent, the DMV will be notified and your license can be restored.

After you complete the required action, contact the DMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You can check online, call, or visit an office. Do not drive until you have confirmed your license is valid.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license in Virginia

Driving with a suspended license in Virginia is a crime. A first offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500 and possible jail time. A second or subsequent offense within 10 years is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and possible jail time.

If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, your vehicle may be impounded. You will face criminal charges in addition to the original reason for the suspension. A conviction for driving with a suspended license will add points to your record and may result in a longer suspension.

If you need to drive before your suspension is lifted, ask the DMV or the court about a restricted license. Some suspensions allow restricted driving for work, school, or medical appointments. A restricted license is not automatic — you must request it and meet specific conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to the DMV to renew my license if it is suspended?

No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive anywhere in Virginia, even to the DMV office. You must use another form of transportation or have someone else drive you. If you are stopped while driving with a suspended license, you face criminal charges.

Will my Virginia suspension affect my license in other states?

Yes. Virginia suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, and other states can see your suspension status. Most states will not issue you a license while a suspension is active in another state. Some states will honor the suspension and prevent you from driving there as well.

How do I know if my suspension has been lifted?

Check the Virginia DMV online status tool again using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call the DMV at 804-367-0538 or visit an office. Once the suspension is lifted, your license status will show as valid, and you can legally drive.

What if the DMV website says my license is suspended but I do not know why?

Call the Virginia DMV at 804-367-0538 during business hours. A representative can explain the reason code and tell you what action is required to restore your license. If the suspension is for unpaid fines or child support, the DMV can direct you to the right agency to resolve it.

Can I get a restricted license while my license is suspended?

It depends on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions allow a restricted license for work, school, or medical purposes. You must request a restricted license from the DMV and meet the conditions set by Virginia law or the court. Call the DMV to ask whether your suspension qualifies.