How to Reinstate a Suspended License in NC

December 29, 2025
3 Min Read

If your North Carolina driving privileges have been suspended or revoked, you cannot simply wait for the clock to run out. To drive legally again, you must navigate a specific DMV restoration process that involves clearing your record, paying specific state fees, and occasionally appearing in court.

This guide outlines the exact sequence of steps required to restore your license based on the reason for your suspension.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility Date

The NC DMV does not automatically reinstate licenses once a suspension period ends. Your first step is to verify your “Eligibility Date”—the earliest day you can apply for restoration.

  • Check Online: Use the NC DMV MyDMV portal to view your status and see any “stop” orders on your record.
  • Call the DMV: Contact the main service line at (919) 715-7000 to confirm if you have met all court-ordered requirements or if additional documentation is needed.

2. Calculate and Pay Reinstatement Fees

North Carolina requires a restoration fee plus a service fee if a law enforcement officer had to physically seize your license.

Suspension TypeRestoration FeeService FeeTotal Cost
Standard (Points/Speeding)$70.00$50.00$120.00
DWI / Alcohol Related$140.20$50.00$190.20

Payment and Processing

While you can pay fees online via MoneyGram or by mail, complex reinstatements—such as those requiring a new road test—must be handled in person. If your case requires a visit to a field office, scheduling a North Carolina DMV appointment can help you avoid long wait times and ensure a representative is available to process your specific restoration.

3. Meet Specific Conviction Requirements

Your path to reinstatement changes depending on the violation that triggered the suspension:

  • DWI Convictions: You must complete a Substance Abuse Assessment and any required treatment programs through an approved North Carolina provider before the DMV will process your restoration.
  • Point Accumulation: If you reached 12 points, your license is suspended. Upon reinstatement, your point balance is cleared to zero.
  • Speeding: For suspensions related to excessive speed (over 80 mph), you may only need to wait out the 30-to-60-day period and pay the $70 fee.
  • Driving While License Revoked (DWLR): If you are caught driving while already suspended, the DMV will issue a mandatory 1-year extension to your suspension for the first offense.

4. Applying for a Hardship License (Limited Privilege)

If serving your full suspension would cause “undue hardship” (preventing you from reaching work, school, or medical care), you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP).

  • The Petition: You must apply through the court in the county where you were convicted, not the DMV.
  • The Requirement: A judge must sign an order granting the privilege. Once signed, you must bring this order and proof of insurance (Form DL-123) to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the driving test again?

If your license has been revoked or expired for more than one year, you will likely be required to retake the vision, sign recognition, and road skills tests.

What is Form DL-123?

This is a “Certificate of Insurance” provided by your insurance agent. It proves you have the required liability coverage. Most reinstatements require a fresh DL-123 dated within the last 30 days.

What happens to my out-of-state license?

North Carolina is part of the National Driver Register. If your NC license is suspended, you will typically be blocked from renewing or getting a license in any other state until the NC suspension is cleared.

Conclusion: Reinstating your license requires three distinct actions: verifying your end-date, paying the specific state fees (online or in-person), and submitting proof of insurance. To avoid a permanent loss of your driving privileges, ensure you do not operate a vehicle until you have received physical confirmation from the DMV that your status is “Active.”