The fee to restore your New Jersey license after suspension is $100, paid to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)

When your license suspension ends, you cannot straightforward start driving again. New Jersey requires you to pay a restoration fee to the MVC before your driving privileges are reinstated. This $100 fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or other penalties you may owe for the reason your license was suspended in the first place.

The restoration fee applies whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or any other cause. You must pay it before you can legally drive, and the MVC will not process your reinstatement without payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The MVC restoration fee in New Jersey is a flat $100, required before your suspended license can be reinstated.
  • This fee is separate from fines, court costs, or other penalties tied to why your license was suspended.
  • You pay the fee directly to the MVC by mail, online, or in person at an MVC office.
  • Your suspension period must be complete before you can pay the restoration fee and regain driving privileges.
  • If you cannot pay the full $100 at once, contact the MVC to ask about payment plans or hardship options.

How to pay the restoration fee

You have three ways to pay the $100 restoration fee to the MVC. The fastest method is online through the MVC website, where you can submit payment and receive confirmation when ready. You can also pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the MVC address listed on your suspension notice, though this takes longer to process.

A third option is to visit an MVC office in person and pay by cash, check, or card. Bring your driver's license or identification document and your suspension notice. Processing times vary: online payments are usually confirmed within one business day, mail payments take one to two weeks, and in-person payments are processed the same day.

When you can pay the fee

You can only pay the restoration fee after your suspension period has ended. If your license was suspended for 30 days, you must wait the full 30 days before paying. Paying early will not shorten your suspension or allow you to drive sooner.

Check your suspension notice for the exact end date. If you are unsure when your suspension ends, contact the MVC directly at 609-292-6500 or check your driving record online through the MVC website. Once the date has passed, you can pay the restoration fee when ready.

What happens after you pay

After the MVC receives and processes your $100 payment, your license will be reinstated. If you paid online or in person, this usually happens within one business day. If you paid by mail, allow one to two weeks for processing.

You will receive written confirmation of your reinstatement by mail. You do not need to take a new written test or road test to get your license back — the restoration straightforward removes the suspension from your record. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons, the MVC may require a medical evaluation before reinstatement.

Other costs tied to your suspension

The $100 restoration fee is only one cost you may face. Depending on why your license was suspended, you could also owe traffic fines, court costs, DUI-related fees, or surcharges. These are separate from the restoration fee and must be paid to the appropriate court or agency, not to the MVC.

For example, if your suspension resulted from unpaid tickets, you must pay the ticket fines to the court before the MVC will lift the suspension. If your suspension was DUI-related, you may owe a Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund fee in addition to the restoration fee. Ask the MVC or the court that issued your suspension which other payments are required.

If you cannot pay the $100 fee

If paying $100 all at once creates a hardship, contact the MVC to discuss your situation. While the MVC does not advertise a formal payment plan program for restoration fees, staff may be able to work with you on timing or refer you to resources. Call 609-292-6500 and explain your circumstances.

Some people in financial hardship have been able to arrange partial payments or delayed payment dates by speaking directly with an MVC representative. There is no may provide, but it is worth asking before assuming you cannot proceed. The longer your license remains suspended, the greater the risk of driving illegally and facing additional penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before I pay the restoration fee?

No. Your license remains suspended until the MVC processes your payment. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated.

What if I lost my suspension notice and do not know the end date?

Contact the MVC at 609-292-6500 or check your driving record online through the MVC website. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The MVC can tell you the exact date your suspension ends and confirm the $100 restoration fee amount.

Do I have to pay the restoration fee in person, or can I mail it?

You can pay by mail, online, or in person — whichever is most convenient. Mail and online payments take longer to process than in-person payment, but all three methods are accepted. Choose based on how quickly you need your license back.

Will paying the restoration fee remove the suspension from my driving record?

Paying the fee reinstates your license, but it does not erase the suspension from your record. Your driving history will still show that your license was suspended. However, once reinstated, you can legally drive again.

What if my suspension was for a medical reason?

Medical suspensions require an additional step. After paying the $100 restoration fee, the MVC may ask for a medical evaluation or clearance from your doctor before fully reinstating your license. Contact the MVC to find out what medical documentation you need to provide.