The holidays will be here before you know it. But holiday travel can get complicated fast if your driver’s license is suspended or expired.
Getting your license reinstated means you’ll have one less thing to worry about during the holiday rush, and you’ll be ready to go wherever the season takes you. Wondering how to get started? Let’s look at what to expect and how long it might take.
How to Reinstate a Suspended License
To ensure your license is cleared before the holidays arrive, you’ll want to give yourself about 4 to 8 weeks. Of course, this can vary widely depending on the state you live in, the reason for suspension, and how busy the local DMVs are. There might be extra delays and closings during the holiday season.
1. Determine the Reason for Suspension
Start by understanding why your license was suspended. Common reasons include unpaid fines, a DUI, lack of insurance, or accumulating too many points on your record. Each reason may require different actions for reinstatement, so check your state’s DMV website or contact them directly to confirm the exact requirement
2. Fulfill Legal Obligations
You’ll likely have at least a few legal obligations to complete before you can reinstate your license. This may include:
Paying outstanding fines: You typically must pay all fines in full before starting the reinstatement process.
Attending required courses: You may need to take a DUI education or treatment program or a defensive driving course. Many courses run 4 to 6 hours and can be completed in a day. But if you’ve had a DUI, you might need to commit anywhere from 12 to 30 hours, and it could take a couple of weeks.
Providing proof of insurance: In cases of insurance-related suspensions, you’ll likely need to show proof of insurance, sometimes in the form of an SR-22 (a certificate proving you have the state-required insurance).
3. Submit Your Application and Documentation
Once you’ve completed all requirements, gather the necessary documentation. This may include proof of course completion, receipts showing fines are paid, and insurance documents. Then, submit your application for reinstatement.
Some states allow you to do this online, while others require an in-person visit. This is typically handled at the DMV. But, some states may have alternative offices for certain suspensions. Scheduling an appointment may reduce wait times, especially if your DMV tends to be busy around the holidays.
4. Await Processing
Once you’ve submitted your application and paperwork, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get it processed. Some states provide access to an online portal where you can check on the status of applications.
After approval, you should receive a physical or digital reinstatement confirmation. Verify that everything is correct on your new or updated license and keep a copy of any reinstatement notices in case you need proof.
Reinstating an Expired License
Renewing an expired license is typically easier than dealing with a suspended license. Normally, you can get this done in a few days to a few weeks. But this depends on how long it’s been expired. If it’s been less than a year, most states allow you to renew without taking extra steps. You can likely do this on your state’s DMV website.
If your license has been expired beyond the state’s cutoff (typically over one to two years), you may have to retake the written test or road test to show that your driving skills are still sharp. Once you complete the renewal, you may receive a temporary license (either printed or digital) to use until your new one arrives. Processing times for physical licenses vary, but you can generally expect to receive it within one to two weeks.
Avoiding Potential Delays
With holiday fun just around the corner, the last thing you want is to get sidelined by unexpected delays. Here are some of the most common hiccups and some tips to help you avoid them:
DMV backlogs: Holiday closings, vacations, and other factors can lead to backlogs this time of year. Submit your information early, and if you have to visit the DMV in person, make an appointment or visit during off-peak hours.
Incomplete applications: Missing even one little detail can slow things down. Double-check everything on your application before submitting it.
Missing documents: Forget a document, and it’s back to the end of the line, so review your submission carefully.
Course completion and processing times: If you’re taking in-person courses, the schedule might differ during the holidays, leading to delays. Depending on where you take the course, you might also have to wait to receive the certificate of completion.
Verification delays: Extra verification requirements or background checks can slow things down. Start the process as early as possible if you’ve had a lengthy suspension or multiple issues on your record.
Set Yourself Up for a Hassle-Free Holiday
Whether renting a car, heading to family gatherings, or simply running around to holiday events, having a valid license makes things easier. Take a moment to check your license status, and if you need to reinstate or renew, start the process early. For specific requirements, check your state’s DMV page, where you’ll find detailed info on the steps to take.
And if you need a defensive driving course, iDriveSafely is here to help with flexible, affordable online options.