If your license is revoked can you get it back

You can have your licence suspended if you exceed the demerit points limit or commit a traffic offence such as:

  • speeding
  • driving under the influence (DUI)
  • street racing
  • aggravated burnouts
  • driving without supervision (learner licence holders).

In certain instances your licence can also be suspended for not paying an outstanding penalty notice or a court-imposed fine.

Police can suspend your licence on the spot, or you may get a Notice of Suspension from Transport for NSW. This could happen as a result of camera-detected offences or exceeding your demerit points threshold. The notice will tell you when the suspension starts and how long it will last.

    You don't need to reapply for your licence at the end of the suspension period, provided it hasn't expired.

    Note: Disqualification of your licence is different to suspension. Disqualification is imposed by the court, and you need to reapply for a driver licence at the end of the disqualification period.

    Last updated: 28 March 2022

    If your license is revoked can you get it back

    When a person commits certain traffic or legal offenses, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can revoke or suspend their driver's license. This means that their license is invalid, and the driver can no longer legally operate a vehicle.

    The difference between revoking and suspending a license is that one action is permanent, and the other temporary. A suspended license can be reinstated after a specific time, or by taking a required action. A revoked license is invalid forever - but it is sometimes possible for a person with a revoked license to earn a new one.

    Licensing laws and regulations differ from one state to another. If you're ever affected by suspended and revoked licenses, it's essential to check the local laws and to read the notice carefully for instructions.

    Reasons for Suspended and Revoked Licenses

    The DMV can suspend a person’s driver's license for the following reasons:

    • Driving without valid insurance
    • Drug and alcohol-related driving offenses
    • Non-payment of traffic fines
    • Other unpaid fees or fines

    Definite and Indefinite License Suspensions

    License suspensions are issued for either a definite or an open-ended period. The DMV notice of suspension specifies this information. 

    To reinstate a driver's license suspended for a set amount of time, you need to wait until the end of the suspension period (as stated on the suspension notice), pay any fines due, and apply for reinstatement.

    When the DMV suspends a driver's license for an indefinite period, the driver must take a specific action before the DMV lifts the suspension. For example, you may need to pay an overdue fine, or clear back payments of taxes or child support. For more information on dismissing your traffic tickets and violations online? Our online traffic school can help you with that, easy.

    Other Types of Suspended and Revoked Licenses

    If your license is revoked can you get it back

    Some states have a special designation of suspension called an “Administrative Review Suspension.” This is issued to people who have a medical condition that makes it hazardous for them to drive. In these cases, the DMV may require written notice from a doctor before lifting the suspension.

    License Revocation

    When the DMV revokes a driver's license, the license is taken away forever. Common reasons for license revocation include making false statements on DMV application forms, repeat DUI offenses, being of advanced age, or having certain medical conditions. It is sometimes possible for someone with a revoked license to get a new one. This can be done by taking specific steps, such as:

    • Requesting a hearing at the State DMV
    • Paying overdue fines and penalties
    • Reapplying for a completely new license 

    Consequences of Suspended and Revoked Licenses

    Driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in felony charges. Insurance companies also often cancel auto insurance policies for drivers with suspended and revoked licenses. This leads to an insurance status called "excluded driver," which makes it difficult or even impossible to find insurance in the future.

    Most people can avoid a driver's license suspension or revocation by always driving safely and following local laws.

    Nobody wants to get a driver's license revocation notice. It can disrupt your life, making it much more difficult to go about your daily business. But how can your license get revoked and is there anything you can do? Here's what you should know. 

    What Is a Driver's License Revocation? 

    The revocation of your license means that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) cancels your license and you can't reinstate it. As a result, you can no longer legally operate a vehicle.  

    How Does a Driver's License Get Revoked?

    Your driver's license can get revoked for a number of reasons, including:

    1. Medical Conditions

    The DMV will often be concerned if they learn of medical conditions that could cause a danger to you or anyone else on the road. The following confirmed conditions could lead to a license revocation:

    • Heart problems

    • Partial blindness

    • Epilepsy or seizures

    • Lapses of consciousness

    • Sleep disorders 

    • Dementia

    • Alzheimer's

    • Pulmonary disorders

    2. Multiple Driving Offenses

    If you continue to rack up convictions for driving offenses, some states will label you a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO). This can lead to having your license suspended or revoked. For example, in California, you could lose your license for two convictions of offenses within one year that have a violation point value of two or more. You could also face revocation of your license for three or more accidents within one year. 

    4. Fraud

    If the DMV finds out you are guilty of fraud that relates to the application or use of your driver's license, they may revoke it. 

    5. Alcohol or Drug Addiction

    If you are convicted of an offense involving drugs or alcohol, your license will often be suspended. Repeat or felony offenses often lead to revocation. 

    6. Reckless Driving/Racing

    In most states, your license will automatically be suspended if you are convicted of reckless driving which includes racing. If you have any prior history of reckless driving, you may face revocation of your license. 

    7. Hit-and-Run

    You could also lose your license if you cause an accident that leads to an injury and flee from the scene. 

    8. Failure to Appear

    Lastly, if you are required to appear in court for a traffic ticket but don't, the DMV can suspend your license, and you may eventually face driver's license revocation. 

    Revoked vs. Suspended Driver's License: What's the Difference?

    When a driver's license is revoked, it is canceled permanently. On the other hand, if a license has been suspended, it is only temporarily invalid. With a suspension, you still have a chance to take steps that will enable your license to be valid again. 

    Can You Get a Revoked License Back?

    The laws on reinstatement of a revoked license will vary by state and depend on the situation. In Illinois, for example, if you lost your license because you were convicted of a DUI, you can have your driving privileges reinstated if you:

    • Have a clean driving record

    • Undergo and pass a drug/alcohol evaluation

    • Complete a drug/alcohol remediation program

    • Undergo a hearing and make your case with the Secretary of State hearing officer

    • Pay a fee

    • Pass the driver's license exam

    • Show proof of insurance

    In short, if reinstatement is possible, it is not an easy process. Cases are often heard and decided on a case-by-case basis and can come with fees, education requirements, and more. To find out the details, you'll want to look up the laws in your state. 

    Prevent License Revocation with Driver's Education

    If you are heading down the path toward a driver's license revocation, or know someone who is, it's probably a good time for a refresher on driving best practices. At DriversEd.com, we make it easy with our online adult driver's ed program. Sign up online and complete the courses from your phone or computer when it fits into your schedule. 

    Learn more about online adult drivers ed!

    How do you get around a revoked license?

    A revoked license is invalid forever - but it is sometimes possible for a person with a revoked license to earn a new one..
    Requesting a hearing at the State DMV..
    Paying overdue fines and penalties..
    Reapplying for a completely new license..

    How long can your license be revoked in VA?

    If a driver is convicted of driving on a revoked license in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-272, his driver's license will be administratively revoked for 12 months and he cannot obtain a restricted license (Va.

    What does it mean when your license is revoked in Florida?

    If your license is revoked, it is taken away for a period of 6 months to life. In some cases, you may apply for a new license after a period of time. Your license must be REVOKED if you are found guilty of, or department records show: Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances.

    What is a permanent revocation in Virginia?

    License Revocation versus Suspension Revocation is usually permanent too. That means the driver's license cannot be reinstated. After the term of revocation required by law has passed, a new license must be issued before driving privileges can be restored.