Suspended License

Determine the Status of Your Driver's License

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Department of Social Services, and the court system can suspend licenses. You can verify if your license has been suspended when you talk to the DMV or obtaining a copy of your driving record.

Check Your Driving Record

Some states give you the option of ordering your record through a third-party provider, but Virginia only allows you to get this information directly from the DMV. You don't have to order a record to confirm your license suspension, but if you want to see what's on your record, do so in one of the following methods:

• Order Driving Record Online

1. Be ready to pay the $8 fee ($13 if requesting a certified copy) with a credit or debit card, or through your checking account.
2. Go to the record request site and follow the site instructions.

• Order Driving Record In Person

1. Have proper identification (such as your license or state ID card).
2. Be prepared to pay the $8 fee ($13 if requesting a certified copy).
3. Go to a DMV office.

• Order Driving Record by Mail

1. Write a letter containing your:
   • Full name
   • Address
   • Social Security number
   • Reason for record request
2. Send the letter and the $8 fee payment ($13 if requesting a certified copy) to:
   • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
   • Attention: Vehicle (Driver) Records Work Center
   • P.O. Box 27412
   • Richmond, VA 23269

Suspended in All States?

Don't think that you'll be able to drive with a suspended Virginia license when you're in other states. Most states belong to the National Driver Registry, which lists driver information on a computerized database for all members to access.

The Driver License Compact (DLC) works in a similar fashion, allowing its motor vehicle agency members to send information to a driver's home state if the driver is caught violating traffic laws in other states.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Suspension penalties vary widely depending on the reason for the suspension. However, the DMV should inform you about your penalties. If the agency fails to do so, or you're confused about the issue, call the DMV at (866) DMVLINE or (800) 435-5137.

Contact an Attorney

You also might want to consult an attorney about your suspension, if your case merits such action.

Obtain a Restricted License

You may be eligible for a limited license that's granted through the DMV or the court system. But, you'll need to provide written justification for why you need this license. See the DMV's page about this matter, or consult an attorney.

Reinstate Your License

Suspension reinstatement procedures differ according to the reason for the suspension. Generally, though, you must wait out the length of your suspension, and then pay the required fines and fees to have your license reinstated. But, sometimes other steps must be taken.

With that in mind, it's a good idea to complete a free Compliance Summary Request from the DMV. After doing so, the DMV will respond with detailed information about what you must do to reinstate your license. The DMV also provides answers to some common suspended license reinstatement questions.

Of course, consulting a attorney who specializes in licensing cases is another good option.

Be aware that your insurance rates are likely to rise due to your suspension, or your carrier may cancel your policy. Visit our Insurance Center to find a list of carriers and locate the best rates.

Keep Your Record Clean

You won't have to worry about getting your license suspended if you follow the law and stay out of situations like:

Evading a Police Officer

Fleeing from a law enforcement official will result in an automatic suspension.

Leaving the Scene of a Crash

If you're in an accident involving an injury or death and fail to stop and show proper identification, your license can be suspended.

Using Drugs

Even if you're caught using drugs when you're not driving, you still could have your driving privileges suspended.

Accumulating Too Many Points on Your License

Receiving 18 or more demerit points within 12 months, or 24 points in a 24-month period, means your license will be suspended.

Failing to Pay Child Support

If you're child support payment is 90 days late or you're at least $5,000 behind in payments, your license could be suspended.

Disregarding Court Fees

Your license may be suspended for failing to pay traffic or criminal court fees and fines within 15 days of the conviction.

Not Taking a Driver Improvement Clinic

If you don't take a required class within the time specified, your license may be suspended.

Operating a Vehicle While You're Impaired

This doesn't apply just to drug or alcohol users. If you have a physical or mental health condition that interferes with your ability to safely drive, your driving privileges may be suspended.

Making a Bomb Threat, Failing to Pay Your Gasoline Purchase, or Falsifying Your Driver's License Application

While these acts are unrelated, they do share one thing in common: If you're convicted of any of these offenses, your license could be suspended.