Getting your New York driver’s license reinstated is a two-step process—depending on the severity of the violation, this process could take a week or sometimes years. You’ll have to pay the state’s reinstatement fee and submit the correct paperwork before you get your driving privileges back.
If you lost your driver’s license, you’re probably wondering how to get it back. Depending on the severity of the violation, getting your license back may be as easy as paying a one-time reinstatement fee. But for more serious offenses, it may take months, or even years, to get back on the road. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of your state, since they vary depending on where you live.
In New York, a driver’s license reinstatement has a fee of $50 or $100, but the rules can get complicated. That’s why the driving expert and car insurance
comparison app Jerry
created this guide to New York license reinstatement. We can even help you land the lowest New York car insurance costs
—no matter your record. So, let's get started. 
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 New York
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) issues license suspensions and revocations for a range of offenses—serious traffic offenses, failure to pay state taxes, or DUIs will result in your license being suspended. The penalties required to get back behind the wheel will vary depending on the severity of the case.
If you’re wondering whether you need a license reinstatement, the status of your New York driver’s license can be found on the NYS DMV’s website
. How to get a license reinstatement in New York
In most cases, when your New York driver’s license is suspended, you won’t automatically regain your driving privileges when the suspension period runs out. Instead, the state requires drivers to request and receive approval
from the DMV’s Driver’s Improvement Unit. However, you will need to pay any of the following outstanding fines or penalties before submitting your approval request:
Suspension termination fee
Driver license civil penalty
Driver responsibility assessment
Receive approval to apply for a license reinstatement
This approval is required for all offenses—applications can be submitted online or by mail. Online applications will immediately be considered and you will be granted approval if eligible.
Your approval request cannot be submitted online if:
You have never been issued a New York driver’s license or driving permit
Your license was suspended for an uninsured accident—in these cases, you need to contact the DMV Insurance Services Bureau
You failed to pass a DMV driving test—reach out to your local DMV office to learn about getting your license reinstated
You have a valid or suspended conditional or restricted license—reach out to your local DMV office to learn about getting your license reinstated
You are a current or former participant in the Impaired Driver Program—reach out to your local DMV office to learn about getting your license reinstated
Your last issued driver's license was a commercial driver license (CDL)
Your license was suspended because you were convicted of a fatal crash
Your license was revoked because you were found guilty of a penal law violation
If any of these conditions apply to you, you will need to visit your local DMV office or mail your approval application to Driver Improvement Unit, NYS DMV, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 336, Albany, NY 12228.
Once approval is granted, you can apply for license reinstatement
. Key Takeaway You need to receive approval from the DIU before applying for license reinstatement.
Applying for a license reinstatement
When you have received approval, you can then move forward in applying for your New York driver’s license to be reinstated. All applications require a completed Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card
form (MV-44) and payment of a $100 fee. Depending on your violations, additional fees may be added to your non-refundable application fee. NYS DMV requires additional documentation and payments for certain violations, such as those that follow.
DUI suspensions
If your license was suspended for receiving two or more DUIs in 25 years, you will be required to take an alcohol evaluation or treatment within one year of the violation. The provider you work with must send proof of your completion to the New York DMV.
The New York DMV will accept evaluation and treatment centers that are part of the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
. You can also explore treatment options by calling the toll-free OASAS HOPE line at 1-877-846-7369. Outstanding DMV fees
If your license was suspended for outstanding DMV fees, they must be paid before you apply to have your license reinstated. Outstanding fees can be paid online.
Child support
If your license was suspended for failing to pay child support, you need to call your local child support collection unit. Any outstanding payments are due before you can apply to get your New York driver’s license reinstated.
Failure to pay taxes
If your driver's license was suspended for failing to pay New York State taxes, you are required to contact the NYS Department of Tax and Finance
to pay the outstanding payments. Accident reports
If your license was suspended for failing to file an acceptable accident report with the DMV, you need to submit a completed Report of Motor Vehicle Accident form (form MV-104)
to the New York DMV. This form must be faxed to (518) 486-3906 to submit your license reinstatement application. Insurance lapse
If you were suspended for failure to provide proof of active car insurance, you will be required to submit proof of insurance
online. If your vehicle does not have active coverage and the registration is still valid, you are required to surrender your registration and plates to DMV. Traffic violations
If you have unpaid traffic violations, these fees must be paid before you may apply for a driver’s license reinstatement.
Key Takeaway In most cases, you can get your license reinstated by paying the necessary fees and providing the necessary documentation.
How to get a hardship license in New York
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense in most states, but getting around without a car can be difficult. That’s why New York allows drivers with certain suspensions to apply for hardship licenses so that they can drive to school and work or complete other essential tasks. All hardship licenses
must be applied for in person at your local DMV. Conditional license
If your driver’s license was suspended for a DUI violation, you can apply for a conditional hardship license. You will be required to attend a DMV-approved Impaired Driver Program (IDP)
to receive this type of hardship license. Restricted use license
This type of hardship license can be given to drivers whose license was revoked for non-alcohol or drug violations.
Out-of-state driver’s license
A hardship license can be given if you have a driver's license issued in another state and you do not meet the requirements of the other hardship licenses.
What is an SR-22 certificate?
If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, some states require that you file for an SR-22 through your insurance provider. Sometimes called “SR-22 insurance,” these certificates constitute legal proof that you’ve met the state’s minimum insurance requirements. However, New York does not require an SR-22 to be filed.
Even though New York does not require an SR-22 certificate, you will need to submit proof of liability insurance
when applying for a New York driver’s license reinstatement. New York requires that all drivers meet the state-mandated minimum insurance requirements: MORE: How to fill out and file an SR-22
How to save money on car insurance in New York
When you’ve dealt with a license suspension, finding the best insurance rate is more important than ever. Since every insurance company will use a slightly different methodology to calculate your premium, it’s worth doing an exhaustive comparison of every offer on the market. But who has the time for all that research—and all that math?
Jerry
is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance
policy that is customized for you.After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They can even help cancel your old policy! So why do all that extra work when Jerry can do it better?
“Jerry
is the future of car insurance! I downloaded the app, entered the information, picked my insurance rate, and paid my fee. I even switched insurance providers easily! Jerry saved me $182/month so quickly!” —Paulina F.
RECOMMENDEDThis app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
