Suspended License in North Carolina

Check Your Driver's License Status

Determine the Status of Your Driver's License

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the courts determine suspension penalties and fines. You can learn the current status of your license when you order your driving record.

Check Your Driving Record

You can either order a driving record through the DMV or a third-party vendor.

• Order Driving Record Online

  Visit Driving Records to immediately order a copy of your driving record.

• Order Driving Record in Person
  1. Complete a Driver Privacy Protection Act form.
  2. Write a check or money order for $8 for a limited extract (three years) or a complete extract, or $11 for a certified true copy (entire driver history). Make check or money order out to "NCDMV."
  3. Visit the NCDMV Headquarters Building located at:
  • 1100 New Bern Ave.
  • Raleigh, NC 27697

• Order Driving Record by Mail
  1. Complete a Driver Privacy Protection Act form.
  2. Pay $8 for a limited extract (three years) or a complete extract, or $11 for a certified true copy (entire driver history) with a check or money order payable to "NCDMV."
  3. Mail to:
     • NCDMV
     • Driver License Records
     • 3113 Mail Service Center
     • Raleigh, NC 27699-3113

Suspended in All States?

Most states utilize the National Driver Register (NDR). This national database collects and shares information on drivers with suspended licenses, preventing them from attempting to circumvent the law and apply for a license in a different state.

The Driver License Compact (DLC), another national database, shares information on drivers who get their licenses suspended while operating outside of their home states. This guarantees enforcement upon their return.

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License

Each case is different. Fines and sentences handed down by the court differ from those mandated by the DMV. To learn more about your suspension, you can call (919) 715-7000, send an e-mail, or write a letter to:

• North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles

• Driver License Section

• Information Services Branch

• 3114 Mail Service Center

• Raleigh, NC 27699-3114

Contact an Attorney

If caught driving on a suspended license, you'll face stiff penalties. To help negotiate through the legal process, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer.

Obtain a Restricted License

In some cases, after the DMV has revoked your license, the court might issue you limited driving privileges. This allows you to drive under certain circumstances, such as to and from work, for emergency medical treatment, or for court-ordered treatments. You should speak to an attorney if you think you might be eligible for such privileges.

NOTE: You are ineligible for a restricted license if health or mental conditions caused your suspension.

Reinstate Your License

There is no exact reinstatement process to follow, because every suspension comes with different fines and penalties.

If your suspension penalty feels unmanageable, you should consider seeking legal advice with an attorney.

Also, most suspensions will cause a dramatic spike in insurance costs. You can compare rates from a variety of carriers at our Insurance Center.

The following are some of the more common reinstatement scenarios:

DWI

1. Serve your suspension time.
2. Provide proof of enrollment in an alcohol safety school, if required.
3. Pay all court fines.
4. Visit any DMV office.
5. Pay $75 reinstatement fee.
6. Reapply for your license.

Suspension Due to Points

1. Complete your suspension time.
2. If applicable, provide proof you enrolled in a Driver Improvement Clinic.
3. Pay all required court fines.
4. Visit any DMV office.
5. Pay $50 reinstatement fee.
6. Reapply for your license.

Physical/Mental Condition or Disorder

1. Have your doctor complete a medical evaluation form and submit it to the DMV.
2. If the DMV approves your request, visit any DMV location and reapply for a license.
3. You do not have to pay a reinstatement fee.

NOTE: Depending on your situation, you may have to wait up to a year before you can apply for reinstatement.

Keep Your Record Clean

If you want to keep your license, avoid the following:

Accumulating Points

If you amass 12 or more points over a three-year period, your license may be suspended for up to 60 days. If, after reinstatement, you garner eight points within another three-year period, your license will be suspended for six months.

Speeding

Your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days if caught driving over the speed limit by 15 mph when traveling at 55 mph or faster.

Refusing a Breath Test

Refusing a breath test, regardless if you're sober, is treated as an admission of guilt and results in a one-year suspension.

DWI

You'll lose your license for one year as a first time offender, and be saddled with fines, possible jail time, and 24 hours of community service. If you get arrested a second time within three years of your first DWI, you'll lose your license for four years.

Reckless Driving

Getting charged twice in a single year for reckless driving will lead to a one-year suspension.

Prearranged Racing

The court will strip you of your driving privileges for three years if convicted of a planned race on a public highway. This penalty also applies to race observers and betters.

Liability Insurance

Prolonged or repeated lapses in your liability insurance coverage will cost you financially. You have 10 days, after being notified to pay the fines. Failing to respond within this time frame will result in a 30-day suspension.

Provide False Information

You will lose your driving privileges for one year if the DMV discovers you provided false information on your license application.

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