How to Get a Suspended License Back

So, you lost your license. It happens, and often it's due to a one-time mistake. If that's the case, then you can usually apply to get your license back, after you've completed the terms of your punishment. If you've lost your license due to a DUI or other incident, here is how to get a suspended license back:

Instructions

1. For Licenses Suspended Due to a DUI/DWI

   If you lost your license because of a DUI or a DWI, and it was not your third or fourth conviction, part of your punishment terms include getting your license back when the terms have been met. The length of the suspension is determined by the details of the DUI. If you are unsure of when you can apply to get your license back, check your sentencing records; it should be listed towards the bottom of the document.

   After you have completed any jail time, community service, and paid all of your fines, you can schedule a hearing. To do so, contact the clerk of the court to see when you can go in front of the judge. At the hearing, you will probably be asked to pay a restoration fee to get your license back. This has to be paid in full before your driving privileges are restored. You may also be required to pay a maintenance fee for the first 12 months you have your license back. If you skip a month or pay late, your license may be suspended again, so make sure you pay on time, every time.

   If this was a third or fourth offense, you will likely lose your license permanently. You can try to appeal the conviction and/or the loss of your license (you'll have better luck just appealing the loss of your license) by filing a typical appeal. Check the "Resources" section for more information on filing appeals.

2. For Licenses Suspended for Failure to Pay Child Support

   If you are in arrears for child support, usually after skipping a few months or not paying in full for 6 months or more, the only way to restore your license is to pay the amount in full. After paying the full amount, you should automatically receive notification that your license has been restored. Otherwise, contact the clerk at the family courthouse to find out if you have to schedule a hearing and pay a filing fee. After completing both, your license will be restored again. In the meantime, you can apply for a work license. This which allows you to drive to and from work, but keep in mind you can lose that, as well, if you are caught driving anywhere else.

3. For Licenses Suspended Due to Failure to Pay a Traffic Fine

   If your license was suspended for failing to pay a fine incurred from receiving a traffic citation, your license will be restored after paying the fine in full. You can usually pay the fine at the police station where you were issued the citation. In most cases, no additional fees or paperwork is necessary, and you will be allowed to drive again immediately.

4. For Any Other Type of Suspension

   If you have lost your license in conjunction with another crime, the terms of your suspension are usually explained in the conviction records. The typical procedure for all other suspensions is: wait until the suspension has completed, file a proof of financial responsibility (you can obtain this from the courthouse) schedule a hearing date if required, and pay the restoration fee at the courthouse. Afterwards, you will get your suspended license back.