The cost of reinstating a suspended or revoked driver's license depends on the state you live in and why the license was suspended or revoked. So let’s start with explaining the difference between reinstating a suspended drivers license versus a revoked drivers license.
License Suspension
A suspension can come via the state agency that issued the license or a court if the driver commits one or more legal offenses. Examples of the latter include failing to pay traffic tickets, driving without valid insurance and failure to pay child support. Licenses can be suspended for a limited time, or they can be suspended for an indefinite period until the driver takes necessary action.
License Revocation
A revoked license can never be reinstated. However, it is still sometimes possible for the driver to apply for a completely new license. In this case, the driver must pay all the usual fees charged when a new license is issued, and retake the written and driving road skills tests. They may also have to pay additional fines and penalties or provide other documentation.
The Cost of Reinstating a Suspended License by State
Each state has its own regulations and fee structure that determine the cost to reinstate a suspended driver's license. In most cases, the fees to reinstate the license are cumulative, so if you have suspensions or revocations for more than one offense, your total payment will be the sum of all of the fines added together. If your license has been suspended more than once that can also change the cost of reinstatement.
Wondering how much license reinstatement will cost? Below are the general costs of license reinstatement in each state.
Alabama
Alabama drivers license reinstatement fees range from $100-$275.
Alaska
Alaska drivers license reinstatement fees range from $100-$500.
Arizona
Arizona drivers license reinstatement application fees range from $10-$25.
Arkansas
Arkansas drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$150.
California
California drivers license reissue fees range from $55-$125.
Colorado
Colorado drivers license reinstatement fee is $95.
Connecticut
Connecticut drivers license restoration fee is $175.
Delaware
Delaware drivers license reinstatement fees are $50 for a suspended license and $200 for a revoked license.
Florida
Florida drivers license reinstatement fees range from $45-$175 for a suspended license and $75-$205 for a revoked license.
Georgia
Georgia drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$410.
Hawaii
Hawaii drivers license reinstatement fees range from $20-$500.
Idaho
Idaho drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$285.
Illinois
Illinois drivers license reinstatement fees range from $70-$500.
Indiana
Indiana drivers license reinstatement fees vary depending on the person’s driving record.
Iowa
Iowa drivers license reinstatement civil penalty is $200.
Kansas
Kansas drivers license reinstatement fees vary by county.
Kentucky
Kentucky drivers license reinstatement fee is $40.
Louisiana
Louisiana drivers license reinstatement fee is $60 or more.
Maine
Maine drivers license reinstatement fees vary depending on violation and record but all include a $10 filing fee.
Maryland
Maryland drivers license reinstatement fees range from $45-$75.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts drivers license reinstatement fees range from $100-$1,200.
Michigan
Michigan drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$125.
Minnesota
Minnesota drivers license reinstatement fees range from $20-$680.
Mississippi
Mississippi drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$175.
Missouri
Missouri drivers license reinstatement fees range from $20-$400.
Montana
Montana drivers license reinstatement fees range from $100.
Nebraska
Nebraska drivers license reinstatement fees range from $125-$175.
Nevada
Nevada drivers license reinstatement fees range from $75.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire drivers license restoration/reinstatement fees range from $25-$100.
New Jersey
New Jersey drivers license restoration fee is $100 (other fines and fees apply).
New Mexico
New Mexico drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$100.
New York
New York drivers license suspension termination fee ranges from $50-$100.
North Carolina
North Carolina drivers license reinstatement fees range from $70-$140.25.
North Dakota
North Dakota drivers license reinstatement fees range from $25-$100.
Ohio
Ohio drivers license reinstatement fees range from $15-$650.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma drivers license reinstatement fee is $25 + additional fees.
Oregon
Oregon drivers license reinstatement fee is $75.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania drivers license restoration fees range from $25-$100.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island drivers license reinstatement fees range from $152.50-$352.50.
South Carolina
South Carolina drivers license reinstatement fee is $100.
South Dakota
South Dakota drivers license reinstatement fees range from $50-$200.
Tennessee
Tennessee drivers license reinstatement fees range from $20-$165.
Texas
Texas drivers license reinstatement fees is $100.
Utah
Utah drivers license reinstatement fees range from $40-85.
Vermont
Vermont drivers license reinstatement fee is $80.
Virginia
Virginia drivers license reinstatement fees range from $145-$220.
Washington
Washington drivers license reissue fees range from $75-$150.
West Virginia
West Virginia drivers license reinstatement fee is $25 + additional fees.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin drivers license reinstatement fees range from $60-$200.
Wyoming
California drivers license reinstatement fees range from $5-$50.
Keep in mind there are also special considerations that can affect the cost of a license reinstatement. For example, in California If you have a DUI or DWI and have an Administrative Suspension, also known as an Admin Per Se (APA), you may be charged additional fees of $100 or more to lift the suspension.
In Georgia, the cost of a first offense DUI for a driver over 21 is $200. The fine for a first offense of non-proof of insurance is also $200, rising to $300 or more for subsequent offenses. Point violations in Georgia start at $200 and increase to above $400. These must be paid before a license can be reinstated.
Finding Out How Much You Owe
When a license is revoked or suspended, either the state agency issuing the license or the court will typically send a notice to the driver informing them of the status. This will be sent to the last mailing address they have on record for that person. This "Order of Revocation Notice" or "Notice of Reinstatement Requirements" lists the fees and actions the person must take to have their license reinstated. It is essential to read this notice carefully and take all required steps by their due dates or additional penalties may be added.
It is also essential to notify the issuing agency of the drivers license whenever you move so you do not miss important notifications, including notices of suspensions and revocations. Cumulative penalties can be avoided by making sure you always receive prompt notice of issues with your license and act on them immediately.
If you want to keep points off your driving record and avoid a suspension find out if you are eligible to take an online defensive driving course.
*This article was updated on 1/04/2021.
