How to resolve license revocation

There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.

Suspensions and Revocations

Conviction of a serious traffic violation or multiple traffic violations can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver license or privilege to drive in New York State.

It is illegal to drive here when your driver license or driving privilege is suspended or revoked. A driving privilege is your legal authority to drive in a state other than the state that issued your driver license. If you have a driver license issued in another state, DMV can revoke your privilege to drive in New York State, but your out-of-state license may still be valid to drive in other states.

If your license or driving privilege is suspended or revoked, DMV will send a notice (called an “order”) to the address we have on file. Be sure to follow the instructions on the order.

A suspension means your license or driving privilege will be taken away for a period of time. You may need to pay a suspension termination fee. Your suspension period can be definite (which has a beginning and end date) or indefinite, which does not end until you take the required action.

A definite suspension means your driver license or privilege to drive is taken away for a certain amount of time. If you receive a definite suspension order, it will tell you how long the suspension period will last.

The following are common reasons for definite suspensions:

• you did not have automobile liability insurance
  If you were suspended for an insurance lapse, you can submit proof of insurance online. If the vehicle is not insured and the registration is still valid, you must surrender your registration and plates to DMV. If you are required to pay the suspension termination fee, you can pay online. See more information about insurance lapses.
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge
• You received too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time
• you did not follow the rules for junior drivers

You cannot drive until you meet the following requirements:

• the suspension period ends
• you pay a suspension termination fee
• you have a valid driver license

If you receive an indefinite suspension order, it will tell you what you must do to remove the suspension.

The following are common reasons for indefinite suspensions:

• you did not answer a traffic ticket
  If you were suspended because you did not answer a traffic ticket issued in New York City (the ticket will say “Traffic Violations Bureau”), you can plead or pay for the ticket online. If the traffic ticket was issued in any other part of New York State, you must contact the local court directly. DMV’s My License, Permit, or ID service can give you additional information about where to respond to a traffic ticket.
• you did not pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
• you did not file a motor vehicle accident report
• you failed to pay child support
  To remove a suspension for the failure to pay child support, you must contact the local child support enforcement agency or the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The OTDA website has a list of local child support enforcement agencies.
• you have unpaid New York State tax debts
  For information on clearing these suspensions, visit the Department of Taxation and Finance website or contact them at 518-862-6000.
• you did not have automobile liability insurance
  If you were suspended for an insurance lapse, you can submit proof of insurance online. If the vehicle is not insured and the registration is still valid, you must surrender your registration and plates to DMV. See more information about insurance lapses.

Note: Your license or driving privilege may be suspended due to a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. See Administrative Review Suspensions.

If you receive an order from DMV saying your license or driving privilege is revoked, this means your license has been canceled and you must get a new one when the revocation period ends. In most cases, before you can get a new license you must first request approval from DMV when the revocation period is over. You may be required to take the written and driving tests again and pay a license re­application fee. Your application may be denied if you have a high-risk driving record or fail to meet DMV requirements. You may also need to pay a driver civil penalty before your license or driving privilege can be restored.

Common reasons for revocations are:

• you operated or permitted operation of a vehicle without insurance
• you were involved in an uninsured motor vehicle accident
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge
• you were convicted of a serious traffic offense or multiple offenses
• you failed a DMV road test
• you made a false statement on an application for a license or registration
• you were a driver in a motor vehicle crash that involved a fatality