Reading the Suspension Notice
The first thing you have to do is that you have to carefully read your notice. You may think that reading your suspension notice is a fairly obvious step in getting your driver’s license reinstated but it is also one of the most important steps. You also have to keep this notice as paperwork so that you can use it as a reference throughout your reinstating process.
The suspension notice will describe detail key aspects of your suspension, such as how long your license will be suspended. This period could range from a few months to over a year, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. If you are delinquent on a payment such as a child support payment your notice might stipulate that your license is suspended until you can catch up on your payments.
Take a Driving Class
Your second step should be to look into driving classes. Not all states require you to take a defensive driving course to get your driver’s license reinstated. Either way, it might be a good idea to take one, especially if your license was suspended for a driving-related reason. Not only can it help you get your license back, but once you’re driving again, a defensive driving course can help you keep your car insurance rates a little lower.
Obtain an SR-22 Filing on Your Car Insurance
The third step is to obtain an SR-22 filing for your insurance policy. It shouldn’t be too difficult or expensive to add this filing to your policy. An SR-22 filing isn’t extra coverage, all it does is link your car insurance to the state. This link automatically informs the state if you cancel your car insurance or change vehicles.
That’s not to say a suspended license won’t cause problems with your insurance situation. The trouble occurs when you have a preferred insurance carrier, and your violations are more than what your policy allows. If this is the case for you, it might be time to switch your car insurance over to a high-risk insurance carrier.
Pay the Fees
The fourth step is to settle any fees or payments related to your suspension. Regardless of why your license was suspended, you will almost certainly have to pay fees to restore the license’s status. For example, in North Carolina, drivers pay a $65 restoration fee for all licenses that were suspended for nonmedical reasons. Depending on the manner in which the license was suspended, North Carolinians may also pay a $50 service fee. If the suspension was related to an intoxicated driving incident, there is an additional $130 fee.
Processing
The fifth and final step is to ensure that you follow the correct process for reinstating your license. As with fees, this step varies significantly between states. The three most common ways to finalize your reinstatement are online, in-person at the DMV, or by mail. Some states, like Wisconsin, may require you to visit a DMV after starting the process online.
There may be a waiting period after you’ve finalized your reinstatement process. For example, Iowa tells drivers to be prepared to wait up to 21 days for new licenses to be created and mailed to their homes.
Whatever the waiting period is, be patient. Driving with a suspended license even if you’re just a day or two away from official reinstatement comes with hefty penalties, not to mention the delay to your reinstatement process.
