Summary
Effective July 1, 2019, Virginia law changed to prohibit Virginia courts from suspending someone's driving privilege solely for failure to pay court fines and costs. This change does not address non-payment of tolls or eliminate any suspensions/requirements for failure to pay child support, driving on a suspended license or judgments or other reasons unrelated to fines and costs suspensions.
Additionally, all suspensions in DMV's records for failure to pay Virginia court fines and costs were removed, and any related reinstatement fees were waived.
While failure to pay Virginia court assessed fines and costs no longer affect driving privileges, this change does not eliminate the requirement to pay the underlying court costs and fines.
For Virginia Residents
DMV mailed letters to individuals who currently live in Virginia and had suspensions for failure to pay Virginia court fines and costs to advise them of their specific requirements to get their driver's licenses. The letters were mailed to the address on file with DMV.
Log in to your DMV account and check your compliance summary to find out if your Virginia driving privilege is suspended or revoked for other reasons besides the failure to pay court fines and costs. If it is, your compliance summary will provide details on what is required to meet any other court or DMV requirements to include payment of reinstatement fees to regain your driving privilege.
If you do not have a DMV account, create a DMV account. If you are not able to create an account, enter your contact information (which will be encrypted) in our secure online form, then select "Fines and Costs" from the Subject dropdown on the next screen.
Any reinstatement fees that you previously paid will not be refunded.
If you are a Virginia resident and must apply to get your license back, your application requirements could include:
- Completion of a driver's license application (DL 1P) including a new photograph
- Vision screening or submission of a Vision Report (MED 4) completed by your eye care professional
- Testing (a two-part knowledge exam and a road skills test)
- Note: If you don't currently have a license but present acceptable evidence that you previously held a license, you may not be required to complete knowledge and skills testing or to hold a learner's permit for a minimum period. Acceptable proof includes an expired driver's license, driver transcript or court or insurance documentation that indicate you previously held a license.
- Presentation of proof documents for identity, legal presence, social security number and Virginia residency. Review the DMV publication Obtaining a Driver's License or ID Card (DMV 141) En español
or access the interactive online Document Guide to determine which documents to present.
Note: If DMV records indicate that you have provided proof of legal presence after January 1, 2004, you are not required to provide proof again unless you are applying for a REAL ID compliant credential. Log into your DMV account to determine whether you have already provided proof of legal presence. For more information on REAL ID, visit dmv.virginia.gov/REALID.
Access the Fines and Costs Suspensions Wizard to determine your requirements to obtain a driver's license.
Avoid the Traffic
DMV offices will be extremely busy in the summer months, so you should expect longer than normal waits for service. If eligible, you are encouraged to use alternative services (this website, mail, DMV Select, and DMV mobile offices) for routine services.
For Non-Virginia Residents
If you do not live in Virginia, no action is necessary if your Virginia driving privilege was suspended solely for failure to pay court fines and costs. Your suspension for failure to pay court fines and costs will no longer be visible to other states' driver licensing agencies on/after July 1.
Additional Information
Review the Fines and Costs Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have additional questions about how the new law affects you, we invite you to send us a secured email.
Once you have entered your contact information, make sure to select "Fines and Costs" from the Subject dropdown on the next screen. Our customer service representatives will respond to your inquiry.