Getting your California driver’s license reinstated could be as simple as filling out a form and paying some fines. However, you’ll still need to wait until the end of your suspension period to do so. In contrast, if your license was revoked, you’ll have to restart the licensing process from scratch.
Most people who lose their driver’s license are eager to get it back. In many cases, this simply requires waiting until the end of the suspension, then submitting paperwork and paying fees. But regulations can be stiffer based on the severity of the offense that led to the suspension, and the rules vary from state to state.
California drivers typically pay a reinstatement fee and a license reissue fee to get their license reinstated, but the expectations depend on the circumstances. That’s why Jerry
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comparison shopping app, created this guide to California license reinstatement. We'll even show you the easiest way to find cheap car insurance in California.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Why you might need a license reinstatement in California
The California DMV
can suspend or revoke driver’s licenses for a wide range of offenses. For example, you might be issued a suspension if you fail to pay court charges, while a more serious offense like vehicular homicide could lead to a revocation of your license. In most cases, drivers who have had their California license suspended will have to actively get it reinstated when the suspension period ends. In other words, you don’t automatically regain driving privileges when the suspension runs out. Instead, the California DMV requires drivers to submit paperwork and pay reinstatement fees, as well as complete any other stipulations set forth by the court.
How to get a license reinstatement in California
Most often, the driver will need to submit the required documentation and remit payment for the reinstatement fee of $14, as well as a license reissue fee ranging from $100 to $150. Of course, the correct steps to get your license reinstated also depend on the nature of the suspension.
Traffic citations and court suspensions
In California, your license cannot be suspended for failure to pay traffic tickets, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences. With an outstanding charge, you may not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration, and you could wind up on the hook for a civil assessment fee of $300.
While nonpayment of traffic tickets does not necessarily result in immediate consequences, your license can be suspended for failure to appear in court after a traffic citation. In such a situation, you will be charged with a criminal offense (failure to appear) in addition to the original traffic charge.
If your license was suspended for a failure to appear in court after a traffic citation, you can usually get your license back by completing any mandated program (such as traffic school), providing proof of insurance to the DMV, paying the $14 reinstatement fee, and paying any applicable court fees. To get started, use the online form
provided by the California DMV. Point suspensions
In California, you can attend traffic school to eliminate points on your license—even if you haven’t yet accumulated enough points to warrant a suspension. However, if you do wind up with too many points on your license, you can still apply for reinstatement after the suspension period has expired.
For a point-related suspension, use the same form as above to start the reinstatement process.
Revocations
California drivers cannot get a revoked license reinstated or restored. Instead, you’ll have to apply for a new license once the period of revocation is over. This means, essentially, that you’ll have to start the licensing process from scratch, retaking driving tests and paying the applicable fees. You can begin the process on the California DMV website
. Key Takeaway In most cases of suspension, you can reinstate your driver’s license by paying fees, attending mandated programs, and providing proof of insurance. However, revoked licenses cannot be reinstated and instead require starting the licensing process from scratch.
MORE: How to remove a car registration suspension in California
How to get a hardship license in California
Driving with a suspended or revoked license can lead to serious consequences in California. But what if you rely on your car to get to work and pay your bills? In such a scenario, California allows drivers with certain suspensions to apply for a restricted license, also known as a hardship license, which will allow you to drive to school and work and complete other necessary tasks.
If you wish to apply for a hardship license and can certify that hardship circumstances exist—that is to say, you have no other transportation options for essential tasks—you can begin the process by filling out this form from the California DMV
. You should expect to pay a reinstatement fee of $125 before receiving your restricted license. When can you apply for a hardship license?
In most cases, you can apply for a restricted license in California after 30 days of your suspension period have passed. However, the process is more complicated if you were charged with reckless driving or driving under the influence.
In those cases, you’ll need to provide proof of enrollment in an 18- or 30-month DUI program (depending on the severity of your violation) in addition to the reinstatement fee and required paperwork.
MORE: High-risk car insurance: Everything you need to know
What is an SR-22 certificate?
If you lose your driving privileges in California, you will likely need to file for an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate through your insurance provider in order to eventually have your license reinstated. Often referred to as “SR-22 insurance,” these certificates verify that you have met the state’s requirements for auto liability insurance.
In every case of license suspension in the Golden State, a California SR-22 certificate
must be obtained in order for your license to be reinstated. The process involves a small fee and requires you to file for certificates through your insurance company. Unfortunately, even though the fees are usually inexpensive, driving with an SR-22 certificate invariably leads to drastically increased insurance premiums.
MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22
How to save money on car insurance in California
If you’ve dealt with a license suspension or SR-22 filing, you might be feeling pessimistic about the projected cost of your car insurance. To find the best insurance rate, you’ll want to do a careful comparison of every option available, since each insurance company will use a slightly different methodology to calculate your premium.
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