Reinstating a Driver's License in District of Columbia

For a suspended license, clear any stops on your record and pay the reinstatement fee online only (payable to the DC Treasurer); a points suspension may be reinstated at the end of the mandatory suspension period. For a revocation for points or a major moving violation, apply at the end of the revocation period and attend a virtual reinstatement hearing; alcohol- or drug-related revocations require a written application with proof of a state-certified counseling program. Non-DC-metro residents can mail a reinstatement request with a check or money order to DC DMV Driver Improvement Office, PO Box 90120, Washington, DC 20090. For a child-support revocation, get a clearance letter from the Office of the Attorney General's Child Support Enforcement Division and take it to a DMV service center. Help: (202) 737-4404.

The DMV may suspend or revoke a license for excessive points (90-day suspension at 10–11 points; revocation at 12 or more), delinquent child support (cleared with an Office of Attorney General clearance letter), and major violations such as DUI (a first DUI conviction brings a 6-month revocation and 12 points, with retesting required). Driving while suspended or revoked can bring up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Reinstatement requires clearing all stops and paying a reinstatement fee.

If a license is suspended or revoked for a non-mandatory reason, the driver may be eligible for a limited occupational license allowing driving for work purposes only. The request must be made in writing to DMV Adjudication Services.