How to Get a Suspended License Reinstated. Our Guide:

Have you recently had your driver’s license suspended due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or another reason? Although having your driving privileges suspended can be inconvenient and even potentially dangerous, reinstatement may still be possible.

You may have even attempted to request the reinstatement of your license in the past, only for you to get a confusing, quick rejection. Whatever situation you are in, you need to know how to get a suspended license reinstated. To help, this is our step-by-step guide on what to do to in case this happens to you.

Understanding Reasons for Suspension

To reinstate your suspended license successfully, the first step should be understanding why it was suspended in the first place. Common causes for license suspension can include:

Unpaid Traffic Tickets

Failing to pay traffic fines or appear in court for traffic violations can lead to license suspension.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Being found guilty of DUI may lead to license suspension as well. If you are wondering is it worh getting an attorney for a DUI? The short answer is YES!

Accumulation of Points

Many states employ a point system where drivers receive points for traffic offenses. If too many points accumulate within an agreed-upon timeframe, your license could be suspended.

Driving Without Insurance

Operating a vehicle without proper insurance coverage may lead to license suspension. Including offenses such as reckless driving, hit-and-run accidents or driving on a suspended license could also result in license suspension.

Steps to Reinstate Your License

Once you understand why your license was suspended, taking steps to reinstate it should become easier. Here is what is involved.

Resolve the Underlying Issue

If your license was suspended due to unpaid fines or traffic violations, you need to take care of them. First address these matters by paying outstanding fines and attending any required court hearings regarding traffic offenses. Ask for legal help on what to expect at a DMV hearing if that is the case.

Complete Any Necessary Programs

Depending on the reason for your suspension, certain programs such as alcohol education classes for DUI offenses may be mandatory. You must meet these obligations according to court or DMV orders.

Proof of Insurance

If your license was suspended due to driving without adequate coverage, then proof will need to be provided as evidence to the DMV.

Wait Out the Suspension Period

In some instances, all it may take for reinstatement to happen is waiting out the suspension period set by DMV or the court. When that period ends, you can apply for license reinstatement.

Follow The Required Steps In Your Suspension Notice

First of all, you need to read the notice closely and follow all the steps it lists. You might simply have to wait a certain amount of time, such as 30 days, six months, or a year. Other times you might need to take a required class or attend specific meetings. You may have already heard this in court from your judge, or it may be the DMV telling you for the first time what you’re facing. If you’re not sure what it means, you should call a Lenoir traffic lawyer at Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C. immediately.

Make sure you follow all the rules and do not, by any means, drive with a revoked or suspended license. If you are caught driving with a revoked license it may not only increase the length of time you have to wait to drive legally again, but also may create additional barriers to qualify for reinstatement.

Pay All Reinstatement Fees

You may be facing a number of unpaid fees associated with your suspended license. In addition to solving the root of the issue, reinstatement fees may also be due. These vary based on state and reason for suspension. If the judge ordered you to take classes associated with a DWI/DUI conviction, you will have to finish the classes. Plus you will need to pay the provider fees before DMV will be notified that you have done everything.

If you are not sure if you have any outstanding fees, fines, or costs, you can contact the county court that handled the arrest (or where your license was suspended). If you don’t know how to figure this out, contact us at Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C. The legal team can help you to collect the necessary information.

Apply for a New License

Finally, the DMV requires you to submit a reinstatement application. This form requires personal details about yourself as well as proof that any required programs have been completed successfully. Sometimes, even when you think you’re eligible, handling a few problems may uncover others. You will have to deal with them, too. DMV may make you jump through some additional hoops, such as installing an ignition interlock device or having to retake the driving test. And there will be new fees attached to your renewal as well, although the exact fee may depend on what your license was suspended for in the first place.

When you go to your local DMV office they will tell you, if anything, you need to do in order to receive your license. But once you’ve done everything and are completely ready to get your new license, you will fill out the necessary paperwork, pay DMV, and get to take a new photograph for the license. Then you’ll receive a temporary license while the official license is created. They will mail it to your home address, so make sure the address is correct.

Legal Help

Being informed that your driver’s license has been suspended can be distressing, but it doesn’t need to be the end of your life. Understanding why it happened and following these steps, may help reinstate it and regain your ability to drive.

Once you start your journey, you may find that you need legal assistance in order to have your suspended license reinstated. Do your research on how to choose a lawyer near you. Generally, if you had a handful of minor driving violations or unpaid tickets that resulted in your suspended license, the process of getting it reinstated is straightforward and, as long as you follow DMV’s steps, you will receive a new license.

However, if your license was suspended due to an alcohol-related arrest or conviction, or you kept driving and got caught you may find that additional barriers are in front of you. This is the case if you have been arrested more than once for driving under the influence or driving while impaired. In those cases, you might need go to the DMV and be told you are not allowed to apply for a new license. Sometimes this is because the court system has not fully updated your paperwork. So this lag time is holding you down (even though you did everything you were supposed to). Other times you might need to go to court to modify a conviction or request the reinstatement of your suspended license. 

Regardless, you may find that you do not want to go about any of this on your own. If so, contact the law firm of Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C. If you have done everything you’re supposed to, you may need help to get the state to meet its obligations. Let our legal team offer you a helping hand.

Take The Next Step In License Reinstatement By Contacting Us Today

Whether you have had your request for a license reinstatement rejected, or you’re struggling with your job and family life because of the lack of a license, pick up your phone and give our legal team here at Wilson, Lackey, Rohr & Hall, P.C. a call. We will go over your case with you and help you plan the best course of action.