How to Reinstate a Suspended License in New York (NYS)

Having your NYS driver’s license suspended or revoked is a serious problem. The process to get it back is specific and depends entirely on WHY it was taken away. This guide will show you the exact steps to reinstate your license.

Suspension vs. Revocation: You MUST Know the Difference

This is the most important part of the process.

• SUSPENSION: This is a temporary hold on your license. You get it back after you clear the issue (e.g., pay a fine) and pay a termination fee.
• REVOCATION: This is a cancellation. Your license is gone. You must wait for your revocation period to end, get approval from the DMV, and apply for a brand new license (which means retaking the written test, getting a permit, and passing the road test).

Step 1: Check Your License Status on “MyDMV”

Before you can do anything, you must know your exact suspension or revocation.

1. Go to the official NYS DMV website and log in to your “MyDMV” account.
2. Check your license status. It will show you:
   • The reason for your suspension/revocation (e.g., “Failure to Pay,” “Points,” “DWI”).
   • The date your suspension/revocation began.
   • A list of “requirements” you must meet to get it back (e.g., fees you owe).

Once you know your reason, find the matching section below.

How to Reinstate a SUSPENDED License (Temporary Hold)

Reason 1: Unpaid Traffic Ticket / Failure to Answer

This is the most common reason. Your license is suspended indefinitely until you clear it.

1. Answer the Ticket: You must contact the local court that issued the ticket (or the Traffic Violations Bureau – TVB – if it was in NYC). You must answer the ticket by pleading guilty (and paying the fine) or pleading not guilty.
2. Pay Court Fines: Pay all fines and surcharges to the court.
3. Pay the DMV Fee: Wait 24-48 hours. The court will notify the DMV. You must then pay a separate $70 Suspension Termination Fee to the NYS DMV. You can pay this online through your MyDMV account.

Reason 2: Point Accumulation (11+ points in 18 months)

This is an automatic and definite suspension (e.g., 60 days).

1. Wait for the Suspension Period to End: You cannot shorten this. Your “MyDMV” account will show the end date.
2. Pay the DMV Fee: Once the end date passes, you must pay a $50 Suspension Termination Fee to the NYS DMV online.

Reason 3: Insurance Lapse (on a registered car)

This means your car’s registration and your license are suspended.

1. Get Valid Insurance: You must have valid NYS auto insurance.
2. Pay the Civil Penalty: You must pay a civil penalty for the days you had no insurance (e.g., $8/day).
3. Pay the DMV Fee: You must pay a $50 Suspension Termination Fee to the NYS DMV online.

How to Reinstate a REVOKED License (Cancellation)

This process is much longer. You must apply for a new license from scratch.

Reason 1: DUI / DWI (Alcohol or Drug-Related)

This is the most complex process.

1. Wait for the Revocation Period to End: You must serve your full revocation period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year).
2. Complete the Impaired Driver Program (IDP): You must enroll in and complete the state-mandated IDP (or equivalent).
3. Get DIU Approval: You must request approval from the DMV’s Driver Improvement Unit (DIU). This is ONLYfor alcohol/drug revocations. You can do this online, and the DIU will review your lifetime record.
4. Pay All Fees: Pay your court fines and the $100 Revocation Termination Fee to the DMV.
5. Apply for a New License: If the DIU approves you, you must go to a DMV office and:
   • Take and pass the Written (Permit) Test.
   • Take and pass the Road Test.

Reason 2: Driving Uninsured (A Conviction)

This is a conviction, not a simple lapse.

1. Wait for the Revocation Period to End: This is a minimum 1-year revocation.
2. Pay the Civil Penalty: You must pay a separate $750 civil penalty to the DMV.
3. Pay the DMV Fee: Pay the $100 Revocation Termination Fee.
4. Apply for a New License: You must retake the written test, get a permit, and pass the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)