How much is it to reinstate your license in VA? While the cost to reinstate a Virginia driver’s license varies depending on the suspension reason, it typically falls between $40 and $220. Having your driver’s license suspended in Virginia can create significant challenges. Given limited public transportation options in many areas, driving is often essential for work, school, visiting loved ones, and more.
Once your license suspension period ends, you’ll likely be eager to regain your driving privileges. Here are the steps you need to take before you can get back on the road.
Why Your Driver’s License Can Get Suspended in Virginia
In Virginia, there are several reasons why your driver’s license may be suspended. While a law (§ 46.2-388.1 of the Virginia Code) effective since July 2019 stops suspensions for failure to pay court costs, other reasons still apply:
- Lack of Auto Insurance: Driving without the required auto insurance can lead to suspension.
- Failure to Complete Driver Improvement Course: If mandated, failing to complete a driver improvement course can result in suspension.
- Back Owed Child Support: License suspension can occur if you owe back child support payments.
- Unpaid Civil Judgment: Not paying a civil judgment related to a car accident can lead to suspension.
- Reckless Driving Conviction: Being convicted of careless driving can result in license suspension.
- DUI/DWI Offense: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI) leads to automatic suspension.
- Hit-and-run Incident: Fleeing the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) can result in license suspension.
- Excessive Points on Driving Record: Excessive points from traffic violations result in suspension.
Restoring Your Suspended Driver’s License in Virginia
Replacing your driver’s license in Virginia isn’t automatic once the suspension period ends. You must follow specific steps to regain your driving privileges:
- Check if your suspension period has ended by contacting the Virginia DMV.
- Fulfill any requirements, such as paying fines or completing courses as mandated.
- Collect essential papers like proof of insurance and identification.
- Please submit your application for license reinstatement to the DMV and await their approval.
These steps ensure a smooth process to get back on the road legally.
Get Your Compliance Summary
The first thing to do is get your compliance summary from the DMV. This document lists what you must do to regain your driver’s license. You can get it in these ways:
- Order it on the DMV’s website, which is quick and easy.
- Visit a DMV office.
- Call the DMV.
Once you have your compliance summary, complete any remaining requirements to restore your license.
Settle Unpaid Court Costs
You don’t need to pay court costs to reinstate your license under the 2019 law, but it’s wise to either pay them or arrange a payment plan. After 40 days, interest starts accruing, raising the total amount owed. If your court costs are owed to a District Court, you can usually pay them online.
Check Eligibility for a Restricted License
You might qualify for a restricted license depending on why your driver’s license was suspended. This license allows you to drive to work, school, and medical appointments, even if you can’t have full driving privileges. Offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or aggressive driving may make you eligible for a restricted license.
Additional Steps to Regain Your Driver’s License
In addition to purchasing motor vehicle insurance and showing proof to the DMV, you have another option: paying a $500 uninsured motorist fee. However, this won’t provide insurance coverage if you cause an accident. The specific requirements to reinstate your license depend on why it was suspended and may include:
- Showing proof of compliance with court orders
- Verifying completion of a driver improvement course
- Providing documents like proof of residency, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card as requested by the DMV
- Submitting a medical or vision report from a physician
- Meeting child support obligations
- Proving payment or discharge of a civil judgment through bankruptcy
- Taking a mandatory written or driving test
Pay the Reinstatement Fee
You must pay a reinstatement fee before regaining your driver’s license. The cost ranges from $40 to $220, depending on why your license was suspended.
If your driver’s license has been suspended in Virginia, our experienced lawyers can assist you. We specialize in driver’s license suspension cases and can guide you through obtaining a restricted license or restoring your full driving privileges. Feel free to use our free consultation to find out more. Contact Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates by phone to schedule your appointment.
