How to Get Your Driver’s License Back After Suspension
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Your driver’s license can be suspended for a couple of reasons. For example, you can have too many points on your driver’s license due to traffic violations or have been convicted of driving under the influence. Both can be grounds for license revocation. This post is here to help if you are feeling a little lost or not sure where to start to get your driver’s license back after a suspension.
Why a Driver’s License is Suspended
In addition to numerous traffic violations or a DUI, there are some other reasons why your driver’s license may be suspended. Some may not even be related to driving like missing child support payments, having no car insurance, not appearing on a court date, drug-related violations, and not paying fines. Over 10 million people have their licenses suspended each year due to reasons like these.
Driver’s License Suspension And Health Issues
At the same time, your driver’s license can also be suspended on account of an outstanding medical condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and vision-hindering diseases. Your state’s DMV is informed of your health conditions, and a medical board will review it for validity and whether or not you will be a risk to yourself and other drivers. If you are receiving treatment, then you can submit documentation of it to the board, and they may allow you to have your license.
How You’ll Know When Your Driver’s License is Suspended
The primary way your state’s DMV will contact you is by mail. They will usually send a suspension notice to your address. The DMV seldom makes phone calls. You can also check your driver’s license status on the DMV’s web database. All you’d need to provide is your social security number and driver’s license number. You can also use this database to check that your auto insurance is up to date with your vehicle registration. After learning this from the DMV, you should check with your car insurance provider to see if they were notified of your license suspension as well.
How to Get Your Driver’s License Back and Reinstated
Now comes the process of getting your driver’s license back. Some of the following steps are applicable based on your state of residence, but the process is consistent regardless of where.
To get your license back after a suspension, you should:
- Complete an approved driving program – A license can be suspended due to too many traffic violations or one major one. Taking certified defensive driving and DUI programs can be required to be eligible for license reinstatement. Sometimes there are fees that accompany these classes. An example would be in Florida, where a DUI course costs $280. This can even be the case for first-time offenders.
- Pay reinstatement fee – The reinstatement fee also depends on your state of residence. It can be as low as $25 and as high as $200. Other factors that affect the reinstatement fee are the violation(s) that resulted in the suspension and whether or not it’s your first offense.
- Get SR22 insurance if needed – You may be required by your state to file an SR-22 form through your car insurance provider as proof that you carry a policy as a high-risk driver. In other states, it may be referred to as an FR44. It will always be necessary to reinstate your license.
Remember to Give License Reinstatement Time
Driving with a suspended or invalid license can result in significant penalties and/or imprisonment. If you’re stopped by the police and your license is revoked, you may be fined hundreds of dollars and face imprisonment. Don’t drive until you get a notice from the DMV that your license is valid again, and be patient while awaiting its reinstatement.
