Suspended License in Washington DC

Driver's License Suspension in Washington, D.C.

If your driver's license was suspended by the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you'll need to satisfy your suspension requirements to have it reinstated.

Your driver's license may be suspended for violations including:

  • Failing to pay child support.
  • Unpaid traffic violations.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other alcohol-related offenses.
  • Reckless driving.
  • Accumulating too many driving record points.

On this page you'll find information about your suspension and how to reinstate your D.C. driver's license.

About Your Suspended License in D.C.

The length of your license suspension and your reinstatement requirements will vary depending on your offense.

NOTE: In addition to your DMV suspension, you may also face court penalties, which may include additional suspensions and fines.

When your driver's license is suspended/revoked, you will receive a notice of suspension from your arresting officer or the D.C. DMV.

For information about your specific suspended license, please refer to your suspension notice or contact the Washington, D.C. DMV:

  • Phone: (202) 737-4404, TTY (for hearing impaired customers) 711.
  • E-mail: dmv@dc.gov.

NOTE: If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you may receive:

  • Imprisonment of up to 1 year.
    AND / OR
  • A fine of up to $5,000.

Check Your Driver License Status

Traffic violation and accidents can lead to driving record points, which remain on your D.C. record for 2 years.

If you accumulate too many driving record points, your D.C. driver's license may be suspended.

You can order your driving record to:

  • Check your driver's license status.
  • View your traffic offenses.
  • Keep track of your driving record points.

D.C. Suspension Hearings and Appeals

In Washington, D.C., you can request a hearing for your suspended license. You can also appeal the decision of a hearing if you wish to contest it.

Request a Hearing

If you want to contest your suspended driver's license, you may be able to request a Washington D.C. administrative hearing.

  • If you are a resident of Washington, D.C. you must request a hearing within 5 days after your arrests/notice of suspension.
  • If you are not a D.C. resident, you must request a hearing within 10 days.

NOTE: Washington, D.C. DMV administrative hearings have no effect on court decisions.

To request a DMV hearing, you'll need:

  • A copy of your driver's license.
  • Your suspension notice.
  • Any other supporting documents.

Submit your request:

  • In person at the D.C. DMV Adjudication Services, located at:
    • 955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Suite P100
    • Washington, D.C. 20024
  • By mail to:
    • Driver Improvement Office
    • P.O. Box 90120
    • Washington, D.C. 20090

Appeal a Hearing Decision

If you wish to appeal the result of your administrative hearing, you must do so within 30 days of the decision.

To file an appeal:

  • Download and complete the Appeals Application (Form DMV-ADS-003).
  • Submit your request and payment to the address on the form.
Find an Local Attorney

Contact a traffic attorney near you and get the legal support you need for your D.C. license suspension.

Reinstate Your Suspended D.C. License

Your D.C. driver's license reinstatement requirements will vary depending on the circumstances of your offense and whether your license is suspended or revoked.

Suspended Driver's License

To reinstate a suspended driver's license, you may need to:

  • File an SR22/proof of insurance, if necessary.
  • Complete an alcohol education program or driver improvement course, if applicable.
  • Submit any necessary clearance documents.
  • Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
  • Pay a reinstatement and licensing fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License"below.)

Revoked Driver's License

If your driver's license was revoked, you'll need to:

  • Request a reinstatement hearing by completing a Reinstatement Hearing Application (Form DMN-DIO-RHA-002).
  • Pass the driving skills and knowledge tests.
  • Apply for a new driver's license.
  • Pay a reinstatement fee. (See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License" below.)
Has your insurance premium gone up with your license suspension?

Find a cheaper policy by shopping for lower D.C. auto insurance premiums.

Obtain a Temporary Restricted License

Depending on the circumstances of your suspension, you may be eligible for a restricted D.C. driver's license, which allows you to drive to and from authorized locations.

To request a restricted limited occupational license in Washington D.C., follow the Instructions for Obtaining a Limited Occupational License.

The DMV will mail you a decision after receiving your request. If you are approved, you'll need to pay:

  • A reinstatement fee.
  • A license renewal/duplicate fee.

See “Fees to Reinstate Your Suspended License" below.

Fees to Reinstate Your D.C. Driver's License

The fees to reinstate your suspended Washington, D.C. driver's license may vary depending on the circumstances of your offense and whether or not you have any court fines. Below are general Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles fees that may apply to your reinstatement.

  • Reinstatement: $98.
  • Driving/knowledge test: $10 each.
  • Duplicate driver's license: $20.

You can pay your reinstatement fees:

  • Online on the D.C. website.
    OR
  • In person at your local Washington, D.C. DMV office.

Forms

DMN-DIO-RHA-002
Reinstatement Hearing Application
Apply to have your Washington D.C. driver's license reinstated after it was revoked or suspended.
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