In Virginia, getting your suspended driver’s license reinstated can be as simple as showing proof of insurance and providing the DMV with the required paperwork. But if you committed a more serious violation, you may need to wait until your suspension period ends and attend a driver improvement clinic before you can get your license back.
Getting your license suspended is tough—if your license has been suspended, you probably want to get it back as soon as possible. If you only committed a minor violation, you can usually get your driving privileges back in a matter of days—so long as you fill out the required paperwork and pay your reinstatement fee. But the rules for more serious violations can sometimes be murky and they vary from state to state.
In Virginia, a driver’s license reinstatement costs between $145 and $220, but figuring out exactly how much you owe and what you need to do can be confusing. That’s why car insurance
comparison shopping and licensed broker super app Jerry
created this guide to license reinstatement in Virginia. We'll even sweeten the pot by throwing in a tip for how to save on your Virginia car insurance costs
. 
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 Virginia
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
might suspend your license for a number of reasons. You could have your license suspended for a minor offense like driving without proof of insurance
or revoked completely for a major violation like driving under the influence (DUI
). In most cases, when you lose your driving privileges in Virginia, you won’t automatically get your license back when your suspension term is up. The Virginia DMV will require you to pay a reinstatement fee before you can hit the road again.
If you don’t know the status of your driver’s license in Virginia, or you aren’t sure whether or not you’re eligible for a license reinstatement, you can check online
. How to get a license reinstatement in Virginia
The steps you need to take in order to get your license reinstated in Virginia depend on the offense which caused your license to get suspended in the first place. After you lose your driving privileges, the Virginia DMV will send you a first-class letter containing a summary of the offense and an explanation of the requirements you need to meet. In nearly all cases, you will need to submit some paperwork and pay a reinstatement fee
of $145, $175, or $220. If your license was suspended for point violations, you will probably need to complete a driver improvement clinic
as well. Revocations
Severe violations such as driving under the influence
or leaving the scene of an accident can result in the complete termination of your driving privileges in Virginia. Like suspensions, the steps you need to take to get your license back will vary based on the offense committed, but you will also be required to retake your road test and pay for a new license. Key Takeaway In most cases, you can get your Virginia license back by paying a reinstatement fee, but the exact terms of your reinstatement depend on the offense you committed.
How to get restricted driving privileges in Virginia
In Virginia, driving with a suspended
or revoked license is a serious offense. If you’re caught, you can end up with some pretty hefty fines or even jail time. But since getting around without a car can make life difficult, in certain cases Virginia may grant restricted driving privileges to drivers with suspended licenses. Restricted driving privileges allow you to drive to and from school or work, or attend essential activities like medical appointments. The only instance where the DMV itself can grant restricted driving privileges is if your license was suspended for violating Driver Improvement Probation.
In this situation, the DMV can grant you restricted driving privileges if: This is your first violation of probation
This is your second violation, but the violation was immediately preceded by an 18-month period of no violations
If your license was suspended or revoked for any other reason, Virginia law allows you to petition the court for restricted driving privileges. For a complete list of violations for which the count can grant restricted driving privileges, check the DMV website
. When you petition the court for restricted driving privileges, you will need to provide an explanation of why they are needed. You may need a letter from your employer if you’re requesting permission to drive to and from work, or a copy of your class schedule if you need to drive to and from school.
When can you apply for restricted driving privileges?
In general, you are permitted to petition the Virginia court for restricted driving privileges anytime on or after your conviction date.
What is an SR-22 certificate?
Depending on why your license was suspended or revoked in Virginia, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate
through your insurance provider. These forms act as legal proof that you’ve met Virginia’s minimum insurance requirements. If you committed one of the following violations, you might be required to purchase a Virginia SR-22 certificate
: Falsifying insurance information
Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter
You will need to purchase an FR-44 certificate
for some other offenses, such as: Driving under the influence
Causing bodily injury while driving under the influence
Driving with a suspended or revoked license as a juvenile
You can file for an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate through your insurance company. Although it’s usually inexpensive to file, driving with an SR-22 or FR-44 almost always causes your insurance premiums to skyrocket.
How to save money on car insurance in Virginia
Dealing with a license suspension or SR-22 is hard enough, so finding affordable car insurance is more important than ever. Even if your Virginia driving record is less-than-stellar, Jerry
is here to help. If you’re hesitant to switch car insurance companies because you’re worried about your record, let Jerry take care of all the details! Just download the trustworthy comparison shopping super app
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