How to Pay for a Suspended License

Pay the fee for your suspended license.

Passing the driver's test may certify you for a driver's license, but that privilege can be revoked. Drivers who commit too many violations might have their license suspended for a period of time or even revoked. Depending on the severity of the infraction, you may apply for reinstatement after the suspension time has passed. Different states vary on the payment methods and fees required, but all require you to formally apply for reinstatement after you have paid off the other traffic violations. Serious legal infractions (DUI, vehicular homicide) will require additional reinstatement fees, though you might not be allowed driving rights.

Instructions

1. Call the local DMV or other motor vehicle office where your driver's license was issued. Ask them what the prerequisites are for paying the suspended license or license reinstatement fee. If you have unpaid traffic violations, they will need to be taken care of first. If your license was suspended as a penalty, you may not be allowed to pay the fee until the penalty time has passed.

2. Call the county office where your infractions occurred. Violations must be paid there and not in the county where your license was issued (unless they are the same).

3. Bring proof of payment for the infractions to your local county office where you are applying for reinstatement. Some states have thorough databases that can verify the payment, while others will need a confirmation call from the court office where you paid the ticket. If they do not call themselves, you will be issued a receipt of payment to present during reinstatement.

4. Some states, such as Tennessee, use an online reinstatement process that allows you to pay online using a credit card. You will still need to contact the local Department of Safety to verify that your violations have been paid, and all other prerequisites are met.

Tips & Warnings

• Most states require additional steps for reinstatement if you have multiple DUIs. You may need a key-locking device or breathalyzer installed in you car as part of your penalty.

• Be sure you have all your legal documents and requirements in order before driving, or else you risk long-term suspension. For instance, California drivers who are caught without car insurance face a 4-year suspension.

References

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Driver License Suspensions and Revocations
• Suspended License Help: License Reinstatement Fees
• Tennessee Department of Safety: Online Driver Re-instatement

Resources

• Unofficial DMV: Suspended License State Search