How to get your driver's license back after suspension

How do you reinstate a suspended drivers license?

To reinstate a suspended driver’s license, review the notice from your DMV or court, which lists the steps you must complete before you can drive again. Those steps can include paying fees, finishing classes, filing proof of insurance, and serving the full suspension period.

If your suspension is due to a major violation like a DUI, you may be required to attend classes and pay fines. In some states, after even a first-time DUI, you may have to serve time in jail or perform community service.

You'll also have to wait a prescribed period of time, typically anywhere from three months to a year, before applying for reinstatement. In most states, you will need to ask your insurance company to file an SR-22 certificate for you. An SR-22 is a car insurance company’s guarantee to the state that you are carrying the legally mandated coverage.

Other suspensions, such as those for minor traffic offenses or non-driving offenses like nonpayment of child support, may not require an SR-22 filing. But you must still meet the state’s conditions, whether it is simply not driving for a year or making good on a court judgment against you, to get your license back.

Are there legal organizations that can help get your license reinstated?

Yes, there are legal aid organizations that can help if you do not understand your suspension, cannot afford fines, or need help dealing with court requirements. Many areas have nonprofit legal services that help drivers request payment plans, resolve missed court dates, or understand what must be done before reinstatement.

"People just don't know what the consequences are if they do nothing," says Molly Gena, Managing Attorney at Legal Action of Wisconsin.

Unfortunately, that's what many people do. They can't pay, so they don't go to court. Then they either quit driving and lose jobs, or drive on a suspended license.

Most areas have some kind of legal services organization, a nonprofit that can help people at a low cost or for free. At court, lawyers such as Gena can:

Get the original suspension lifted
Have a payment plan arranged
Get a judge to order community service instead
Find payment assistance.

"Every state is definitely different, but I would say that if you can, try to go to court to see if you can work something out," Gena says. "And if not, to consult a lawyer, or legal services."

Can you get a hardship license?

In some situations, you might be able to apply for a hardship license, also called a restricted license. This is a license that allows you to drive only for very specific reasons, mainly to get to work and back, but also for things like medical appointments, court-ordered appointments or classes and school.

You might have a waiting period before you can apply. The rules vary, so ask the DMV if you're eligible and how to apply.

What you should know about license suspension

A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive until the state restores your driving privileges. Paying a ticket or finishing a class may not be enough on its own. You still need to complete every requirement and confirm that your license has been reinstated before you get behind the wheel.

Here are a few dos and don'ts of a suspended license.

Don't drive with a suspended license

A conviction for driving while your license is suspended can turn a minor problem into a major one. You'll wind up with more legal troubles and likely a longer suspension, or possibly even have your license revoked for good.

If you're not saddled with multiple convictions, you may be eligible for a restricted or a conditional license. Offered in 39 states and the District of Columbia, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), these provide limited road privileges to drive to work, school, or doctor's appointments.

Do compare rates for high-risk insurance

When your license is suspended, you are likely to lose your auto insurance coverage, although there are some ways to keep car insurance with a suspended license. If you lose your insurance, the gap in your coverage will hurt your rates. What's more, if your license was suspended for a serious violation, you're even more of a risk to insurance companies.

Car insurance rates for drivers with violations on their records vary hugely from company to company. If you have a very serious violation or multiple violations, you might need to shop with a non-standard, or high-risk, car insurance company. You can expect to pay some of the highest rates around. Shop around as soon as you can to find the best rates.

Do prepare to file an SR-22

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that the insurance company files with the state, to attest that you do, indeed, have at least minimum liability coverage. An SR-22 filing itself usually costs about $25 – though whatever infraction caused it probably will send your insurance rates up more.

The SR-22 is usually required for three years, but it can vary by state and depending on the violation.

Reinstating a suspended license: Final thoughts

Getting your license back requires that you complete every requirement and wait until the state clears you to drive again. Follow your DMV or court notice, keep proof of the steps you have completed, and do not drive until your license is reinstated. One more violation can delay the process.

While it can be a frustrating process, breaking the rules by driving or avoiding court-ordered classes won't do you any favors. Instead, focus on meeting the requirements and keeping a clean record going forward.

FAQ: Getting your license back after suspension

How do I find out what I need to do to reinstate my license?

Check your suspension notice, log in to your state DMV account, or call the DMV or court that ordered the suspension. Your requirements depend on why your license was suspended and what agency issued the order.

Can I drive after my suspension period ends?

No, not until your license is officially reinstated. The suspension period ending only means you may be eligible to apply for reinstatement. You still need to complete all requirements and confirm that your driving privileges have been restored.

Do I need an SR-22 to get my license back?

You may need an SR-22 if your suspension involved a DUI, uninsured driving, driving with a suspended license, repeat violations, or another serious offense. The DMV or court notice will indicate whether proof of financial responsibility is required.

Can I get car insurance with a suspended license?

Yes, you can get car insurance with a suspended license, but it will be harder and more expensive. Some insurers will not write a policy until your license is eligible for reinstatement. If you need an SR-22, compare quotes from companies that handle high-risk drivers.