Reinstating a Driver's License in Virginia

Follow the reinstatement letter DMV mails you. If you lost or never received it, request a Compliance Summary (a summary of your requirements) and a Driver Transcript through DMV's records transactions. Some requirements can be met without visiting DMV (insurance certification, driver improvement clinic, medical or vision report, VASAP, child support compliance, paying fees); proof of identity, residency and legal presence, knowledge or road tests, and court orders for restricted privileges must be handled in person. Reinstatement fees range from $145 to $220 depending on the suspension or revocation, and certain fees can be paid online.

Grounds include excessive demerit points (90-day suspension at 18 points in 12 months or 24 in 24 months), violations while on probation (45-90 days), DUI (one-year loss of license for a first conviction; three-year revocation for a second within 10 years; indefinite revocation for a third within 10 years), and refusing a breath or blood test (one-year suspension for a first refusal).

For a first suspension while on driver improvement probation, DMV must grant a restricted license on request (if otherwise eligible), for purposes such as work, school, and medically necessary travel with written verification; restricted licenses do not cover commercial vehicles. After a DUI, courts may authorize a restricted license under § 18.2-271.1, and a person whose license was revoked for three DUIs may petition the circuit court for a restricted license with an ignition interlock.