Getting your driver's license revoked or suspended is a serious offense that can be related to things such as driving under the influence (DUI) or a high number of traffic tickets. While your license is suspended or revoked you cannot legally drive a vehicle. Getting your driving privileges back from the state can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year. It depends on what you did to get your license revoked or suspended in the first place.
Contact your local DMV office to order a copy of your driving record to see the status of your license. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, name and address. The Car Buying Tips website (see "Resources") has links for the DMVs in each state. You do have to pay for your driving record. The price varies by state and ranges from $5 to $15.
Complete any necessary training tests and waiting periods as part of your suspension period. Exact requirements vary by state and are typically related to the reason that you lost your license. For example, if your license was suspended for not having insurance you can usually just show proof of insurance. Or if you lost your license for a DUI, you may have to complete an alcohol education class or a treatment program. Waiting periods can be a few weeks up to 12 months depending on the offense. Serious offenses, such as multiple DUIs, can result in suspension of even longer than 12 months.
Take any necessary tests to get your license back. Some states require to you re-take the skills and knowledge driving tests to get your license back.
Present proof of insurance and pay the necessary reinstatement and licensing fees. You may have to get SR-22 insurance, which is high-risk auto insurance for people that have had a suspended or revoked license. Reinstatement fees vary by state and offense. For example, in Alaska the reinstatement fee is $100 for your first non-DUI offense, $200 for the first DUI and up to $500 for two DUIs (as of 2010). You typically have to pay the fees for a new license as well.
