Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

To get your suspended license reinstated, you will need to read your suspension notice, file an SR-22, pay all your fees, and complete your state’s process for reinstating your license.

The steps to reinstate your suspended or revoked license will vary depending on your traffic violations and applicable laws in your state.
The driver license reinstatement process typically involves waiting out your suspension period, filing an SR-22, and paying a license reinstatement fee.
Your license suspension notice should outline the reinstatement requirements to regain your driving privileges.

How to get your license back after suspension

The first and most important step in reinstating your license is reading and understanding your license suspension notice.

Your license suspension notice will tell you:

The reason(s) your license has been suspended

The effective date of the suspension

The length of your suspension or license revocation period

What you need to do to get your license reinstated

Make sure you keep this notice for your reference as you go through the process.

In order to receive your notice in the first place, you need to make sure that your address on file with the DMV and Department of Public Safety is fully up-to-date.

If your address is not up-to-date, you could miss your notice—and end up

driving with a suspended license without even realizing it

To check your driver’s license status: Many states offer databases that allow you to check the status of your driver’s license with your driver license number, date of birth, Social Security number, or other information. You can also inquire about your license status with your local DMV service center.

States commonly require several things to get your suspended license back. Here's how to complete them.

Key Takeaway: The most important step to reinstating your license is reading your license suspension notice. Make sure your address with the DMV and the Department of Public Safety is kept up-to-date so that you don’t miss any important notices in the mail.

Take a driving class

Your state might require you to take a

defensive driving course

in order to get your license reinstated.

Even if it is not required, it might be a good idea to take a driving class if you qualify. In some cases, a driver improvement course may be able to reduce your driver’s license suspension period.

Plus, taking a defensive driving course can land you a discount with some insurance companies.

Get an SR-22 filed

Next, you should file an

SR-22

with your insurance policy. An SR-22 is not a type of auto insurance policy on its own—an SR-22 filing simply functions as proof of insurance that meets your state’s minimum requirements.

If you were to cancel your SR-22 policy, your insurance provider would need to notify your state DMV of the

insurance lapse

No car insurance? Get it immediately

Unfortunately, your insurance provider might drop your policy if your license is suspended. This is because you are now considered a

high-risk driver

Not all car insurance companies are willing to provide SR-22 insurance. You might have to shop around for a new car insurance policy from a high-risk insurance company so that you can file an SR-22.

If your license was suspended for driving without insurance in the first place, you will need to purchase a new car insurance policy.

Don’t own a car? Get a non-owner SR-22

There are specific car insurance policies for drivers who don’t own a vehicle and don’t drive often. Typically, these policies give you

liability insurance

for those times when you’re driving someone else’s car and want higher liability coverage than what the car owner’s insurance offers.

If you don’t have your own motor vehicle with an insurance policy, you can file a non-owner SR-22 on a policy like this as proof of financial responsibility.

Pay your fees

Next, you need to pay all the fines and fees related to your license suspension. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, pay those off immediately.

No matter the reason for your license suspension, you’ll almost definitely have to pay a fee or two to get it reinstated.

License reinstatement fees might run anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on your state. The sooner you pay all your fines and fees, the sooner your license will be able to be reinstated.

If you aren’t able to pay the reinstatement fees immediately, you may be able to set up a payment plan.

Keep in mind: If your license suspension or revocation came with additional penalties, like jail time, you’ll likely need to serve your sentence before you can reinstate your license. Note that you may be required to install an ignition interlock device, or IID, after a drunk driving conviction.

Finalize your reinstatement—and be patient

Depending on your state, this final step will vary. You might need to reinstate your license online, by mail, or at the department of motor vehicles in person.

Review your license suspension notice and check online for your state’s regulations for license reinstatements.

Once you have done everything in your power to move along with your license reinstatement, you’ll have to be patient until you can finalize your reinstatement. Whatever you do, don’t drive with a suspended license—the penalties will far outweigh the wait for your license reinstatement.

Key Takeaway: Take a defensive driving course if required, file an SR-22, pay all the fines and fees related to your license suspension, and follow your state’s guidelines for finalizing your reinstatement.

How long does it take to get a license reinstated?

The timeline for reinstating your license can vary depending on your violation and the penalty you receive—it could be a matter of several weeks or as long as several years.

A number of driving and non-driving offenses can lead to a driver’s license suspension, and each comes with its own penalties:

Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)

Too many moving violation points on your driving record

Drug-related convictions

Use of false license plates

Failure to pay court-ordered child support

You can be proactive by following all the steps to get your license reinstated so that you can be back on the road as quickly as possible.

After carefully reading your license suspension notice, you can file an SR-22 with your insurance policy.

You should also pay any fines or fees as soon as possible. Then, you’ll go through the process of actually reinstating your license, which might involve an in-person visit to the DMV if it can’t be done online or over the phone.

"The app really does all the work for you. Give Jerry a try if you’re in the market for a better car insurance policy!" —Sam L.

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

FAQs

How do I get my license back after a suspension in Illinois?

If your license is suspended in Illinois, you will need to participate in a formal or informal hearing with a Secretary of State hearing officer.

Make sure to bring state-approved photo identification to your hearing, such as a driver’s license or passport.

You’ll also want to follow the steps listed above for reinstating your license.

How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Alabama?

The basic fees for reinstating a suspended license in Alabama will vary depending on your situation:

$100 for suspended license

$275 for DUI-related suspended license

But, you might have additional fees, depending on your circumstances:

$25 fee for drug-related offenses

$150 fee if reinstatement involves the installation of an ignition interlock device

$50 fee for failure to surrender your license within 30 days

$50 fee for failure to pay child support

How do you get around with a suspended license?

With a suspended license, you cannot legally drive any vehicle. You will need to rely on public transportation, rides from friends or family, or other non-vehicular methods of transportation to get around.

However, in some cases, you may be able to apply for a hardship license, which will give you limited driving privileges until your suspension period is over.