Your license comes back automatically on a specific date, but you may need to take action first
When your license is suspended because you accumulated too many points, the suspension is not permanent. Your driving privilege will be restored on the date your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets — usually after a waiting period that ranges from a few months to a year, depending on your state and how many points caused the suspension.
However, "automatic" does not mean you do nothing. Most states require you to complete a defensive driving course, pay a reinstatement fee, or both before you can legally drive again. Some states will not restore your license until you meet these conditions, even after the waiting period ends. Starting these steps before your suspension date ends means you can drive the moment you become may be able to access.
The exact process depends on your state and the reason for your suspension. This guide explains what typically happens, what you need to do, and how to find your state's specific rules.
Key Takeaways
- Your license will be restored on a date set by your state's DMV, but you usually must complete a defensive driving course or pay a reinstatement fee before that date to drive legally.
- Most states send a notice by mail telling you the suspension end date and what you must do to restore your license.
- You can often complete a defensive driving course online while your suspension is still active, so you are ready the moment you become may be able to access.
- Reinstatement fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $300, and some states require you to prove you have auto insurance before restoring your license.
- If you do not complete required steps by the restoration date, your suspension may extend or your license may remain suspended until you do.
What happens when your suspension period ends
Your state's DMV will not automatically return your driving privilege on the suspension end date. Instead, your license remains suspended until you complete the steps your state requires. These steps almost always include at least one of the following: paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.
You will receive a notice in the mail before or shortly after your suspension begins. This notice lists the suspension end date and tells you exactly what you must do to restore your license. Read this notice carefully and keep it — you may need to show it to the DMV or to your insurance company.
Some states allow you to complete these requirements before your suspension period ends. Others require you to wait until the suspension period has passed. Check your notice or contact your state's DMV to learn which applies to you.
Defensive driving courses and point reduction
Many states allow you to take a defensive driving course (also called a traffic school course or driver improvement course) to reduce points on your record or to meet the requirement for license restoration. These courses teach safe driving practices and are often available online, which means you can complete them from home while your suspension is active.
The course typically takes four to eight hours to complete, depending on your state. You will answer questions about road safety, hazard recognition, and defensive techniques. At the end, you take a short test. If you pass, the course provider sends a completion certificate to the DMV.
Not all states reduce points through defensive driving, and not all suspensions can be reduced this way. Some states only allow you to take a course once every three or five years. Check your suspension notice or your state's DMV website to see whether a course will help in your situation.
Reinstatement fees and insurance requirements
Most states charge a reinstatement fee to restore your license after a points suspension. This fee is separate from any fines you may have paid for the traffic violations that caused the points. Reinstatement fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on your state and the severity of the suspension.
Some states also require you to show proof of auto insurance before your license is restored. This proof is usually in the form of an insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your current policy. If you do not have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy before you can restore your license. A few states require you to file an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) with the DMV, which your insurance company can help you with.
Pay the reinstatement fee and gather any required documents before your suspension end date if possible. This way, you can submit everything to the DMV as soon as you become may be able to access and avoid any delays in getting back on the road.
How to restore your license: step-by-step
The exact steps vary by state, but the general process is the same. First, check your suspension notice for the restoration date and the requirements. If you have lost the notice, contact your state's DMV by phone or visit their website to find this information.
Next, complete any required courses or gather required documents. If you need a defensive driving course, search online for "defensive driving course" plus your state name to find approved providers. If you need insurance or an SR-22 form, contact your insurance company. If you need to pay a reinstatement fee, note the amount and the payment method your state accepts (usually online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office).
Once your suspension period has ended and you have completed all requirements, submit your documents and fees to the DMV. Most states allow you to do this online, by mail, or in person. After the DMV processes your submission, your license will be restored and you will receive a new license card by mail or be told you can pick one up at a local office.
What to do if you cannot meet the requirements by the restoration date
If you miss the important date to complete a required course or pay a reinstatement fee, your license will remain suspended. The suspension will not automatically lift, and you will need to complete the missed requirement before you can drive again.
If your suspension has already ended and you have not yet restored your license, you are still driving illegally if you get behind the wheel. Driving on a suspended license carries serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Contact your state's DMV right away to find out what you still need to do.
If you are having trouble affording the reinstatement fee or completing a course, some states offer payment plans or fee waivers for people with financial hardship. Call your state's DMV to ask whether this option is available to you.
Points that accumulate after your license is restored
Once your license is restored, your point count does not start at zero — it depends on your state's rules. Some states clear all points when you restore your license. Others keep some or all of the points on your record. A few states reduce your points by a certain amount each year if you do not receive any new violations.
This matters because if you receive new traffic violations soon after your license is restored, you could accumulate points quickly and face another suspension. Ask your state's DMV how points work after restoration so you understand how close you are to another suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my suspension period ends if I complete the requirements early?
No. Your license remains suspended until the date your state's DMV sets, even if you complete a defensive driving course or pay the reinstatement fee early. Some states allow you to complete these requirements before the suspension ends so you are ready on the restoration date, but you cannot legally drive until that date arrives.
What if I move to a different state while my license is suspended?
Your suspension follows you. If you move, you must still complete your original state's requirements to restore your license there, or you must obtain a new license in your new state. However, most states will not issue you a new license if you have an active suspension in another state. Contact both your original state's DMV and your new state's DMV to understand your options.
Do I have to take a defensive driving course, or can I just pay the reinstatement fee?
It depends on your state and the reason for your suspension. Some states require both a course and a fee. Others let you choose one or the other. Your suspension notice will tell you what is required. If you are not sure, call your state's DMV to ask.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is restored?
Yes, likely. A points suspension usually means your driving record has multiple violations, and insurance companies charge higher rates for drivers with violations on their record. The increase depends on your insurance company and the violations. Contact your insurance company to ask how your rates may change.
How long do points stay on my driving record?
Points typically stay on your record for three to five years, depending on your state. After that time, they may be removed automatically, or you may need to request removal. Check your state's DMV website or call to learn how long points remain on your record and whether you need to take any action to have them removed.