How to Get a Suspended License Reinstated in Maryland

November 7, 2025
5 Min Read

A suspended license in Maryland can be reinstated, but the process requires you to complete a specific checklist of legal and administrative tasks. The first and most important step is to complete your mandatory suspension period. You cannot begin the reinstatement process until this time has passed.

The most important thing to know is that your steps to reinstate depend entirely on WHY your license was suspended. The process for unpaid tickets is completely different from a DUI. This guide will walk you through the correct steps for your specific situation.

Your First Step: Check Your Official MVA Requirements

Before you can fix the problem, you must know your exact compliance requirements. Do not guess.

  1. Go to the myMVA Portal: The easiest way is to create an account or log in to the official https://mymva.maryland.gov/ portal.
  2. Check Your Status: In your account dashboard, you can view your driver’s license status. If you are suspended, it will show you:
    • The reason for your suspension (e.g., Failure to Appear, Points, DUI).
    • A checklist of your compliance items (e.g., “Pay Reinstatement Fee,” “Complete Driver Improvement Program”).
  3. Order Your Record (Optional): If you need a full history, you can also order your non-certified driving record through the myMVA portal for a $9 fee.

Your goal is to clear every item on that official checklist.

How to Reinstate Your License (Based on Your Suspension)

Find your situation below. Do not complete steps for other suspensions.

Situation 1: Suspension for Unpaid Tickets / Failure to Appear in Court

This is the most common suspension. It is an indefinite suspension until you clear it.

  1. Contact the Court: You must first contact the District Court in the county where you received the ticket. (This is not the MVA).
  2. Pay All Fines: You must pay the original fine plus any new late fees or court costs.
  3. Get Court Clearance: The court will then notify the MVA that you have complied (this can take 24-48 hours).
  4. Pay the MVA Fee: Once the MVA system is updated, you must pay the MVA reinstatement fee (typically $45-$75). This can often be paid online through the myMVA portal.

Situation 2: Suspension for Accumulating Points

If you get 8-11 points, you will get a suspension notice. If you get 12+ points, it’s a revocation.

  1. Serve Your Suspension Period: This is a definite period (e.g., 60 days). You must wait for this time to end.
  2. Complete the Driver Improvement Program (DIP): If you were ordered to take the DIP (common for 5-7 points) or a 12-Hour Alcohol Education Program, you must complete it and submit the certificate.
  3. Pay the MVA Fee: Once your suspension period is over and your courses are complete, you can pay the MVA reinstatement fee online or in person.

Situation 3: Revocation for a DUI / DWI

This is the most serious. A revocation is a cancellation of your license, not a temporary hold.

  1. Serve Your Revocation Period: You must wait for the entire period to end (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
  2. Complete an Alcohol/Drug Program: You will be required to complete a state-certified 12-Hour Alcohol Education Program (AEP) or a longer 26-session treatment program.
  3. Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID): You will be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Programfor a set period (e.g., 1 year) to get your license back.
  4. Pay All Fees & Re-Apply: Once all other steps are complete, you must pay your reinstatement fee. Because this is a revocation, you must then re-apply for a brand new license, which means you will have to retake the vision, knowledge (written), and skills (road) tests.

Situation 4: Suspension for an Insurance Lapse (A Registration Issue)

This is the situation your original article confused. If you cancel your insurance, the MVA will suspend your vehicle registration and, if not corrected, your driver’s license.

  1. Get New Insurance: You must get a valid Maryland auto insurance policy.
  2. File an SR-22: Your insurance agent must file an SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility) with the MVA. This is a special certificate proving you are insured. For a full breakdown of what an SR-22 is and how to get it, see our SR-22 insurance.
  3. Return Your License Plates: To stop the fines, you must return your Maryland license plates to the MVA beforeyou cancel your insurance.
  4. Pay All Fines: You must pay the outstanding insurance lapse fines (which are $150 for the first 30 days and $7/day after).
  5. Pay the Reinstatement Fee: Finally, you will pay the separate MVA reinstatement fee for your license.

FAQs

What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?

This is the most important question.
>A Suspension is a temporary hold (for points, unpaid tickets). You get your same license back after you pay your fees.
>A Revocation is a cancellation (for DUI, driving uninsured). Your license is gone. You must re-apply as a new driver and retake all three tests (vision, written, and road).

I refused the breathalyzer. How long is my suspension?

Refusing the breath test carries its own separate MVA suspension, in addition to any criminal penalties. For a first offense, it is 270 days. For a second or subsequent offense, it is 2 years.

Do I really need to surrender my license card to the MVA?

Yes. When you are suspended, you are mailed a notice that instructs you to surrender your physical driver’s license to the MVA. If you do not, your suspension period may not officially begin, and you could face additional penalties for failure to surrender it.

I was suspended in Maryland, but I live in another state now. How do I fix this?

You must clear the Maryland suspension. You cannot get a license in any other state because the suspension is reported to the National Driver Register. You must contact the MD MVA, find out your compliance items (e.g., unpaid fines, fees), and clear them (usually by mail). The MVA will then send a clearance letter to your new state’s DMV.

Conclusion

To get your Maryland suspended license back, you must be proactive. Your first and most important step is to log in to your myMVA account to see your official checklist of compliance items.

The process is not a simple “request” by phone or in person. You must:

  1. Identify your specific suspension reason.
  2. Complete all required compliance items (e.g., pay court fines, complete alcohol education, get an SR-22).
  3. Serve your mandatory suspension time.
  4. Pay your final MVA reinstatement fee.

Once all items are cleared, your myMVA status will update to “Valid,” and you will be legal to drive again.

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