The reissue fee to reinstate your California driving privileges
When the California DMV reinstates your driving privileges after a suspension or revocation, you will need to pay a reissue fee along with any other fees tied to the reason your license was suspended. The reissue fee itself is a separate charge that covers the cost of processing your reinstatement and issuing a new license document. As of now, this fee is $100, though you should confirm the current amount on the official California DMV website since fees can change.
The reissue fee is not optional — you cannot reinstate your license without paying it. This is different from other reinstatement costs, such as fines for unpaid traffic tickets or fees related to a DUI conviction, which may also be required depending on why your license was suspended in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- California charges a $100 reissue fee to process your reinstatement and issue a new license, separate from any other reinstatement costs.
- You must pay the reissue fee before the DMV will reinstate your driving privileges, even if you have paid all other required fees and fines.
- The total cost of reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended — a DUI suspension, for example, includes additional fees beyond the reissue charge.
- You can pay the reissue fee online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
What the reissue fee covers
The $100 reissue fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement request and printing your new physical license. It is not a fine or a penalty — it is a service fee for the work the DMV does to restore your driving privileges and issue you a valid document.
This fee applies whether your suspension was for a minor violation (such as unpaid parking tickets) or a serious one (such as a DUI). The amount stays the same regardless of how long your license was suspended or how many times you have been suspended before.
Other fees you may owe alongside the reissue fee
The reissue fee is only one part of what you might owe. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may also owe:
- Administrative fees — charged by the DMV for processing a suspension or revocation
- Court fines — ordered by a judge for traffic violations or criminal charges
- DUI-related fees — including license suspension fees, restitution, and court costs if your suspension was alcohol or drug-related
- Probation fees — if you are on probation as part of your sentence
- Unpaid traffic fines — the original ticket amounts you did not pay
Before you can reinstate your license, you must clear all of these debts. The DMV will not process your reinstatement until everything is paid. If you are unsure what you owe, contact the DMV directly or check your driving record online through the California DMV website.
How to pay the reissue fee
You have three main ways to pay the $100 reissue fee:
Online through the DMV website: Visit the California DMV website and look for the reinstatement or fee payment section. You can pay by credit card or debit card. This is usually the fastest option and gives you a confirmation number when ready.
By mail: Write a check or money order for $100 and mail it to the address listed on your reinstatement notice or on the DMV website. Include your driver's license number and a note explaining what the payment is for. Allow two to three weeks for processing.
In person at a DMV office: Visit your local DMV office with cash, a check, or a debit or credit card. You can pay the fee and often complete other parts of your reinstatement on the same day. Bring your ID and your reinstatement notice.
Timeline: when you can drive after paying the reissue fee
Paying the reissue fee does not when ready restore your driving privileges. The timing depends on how you pay and what else is required for your reinstatement.
If you pay online, the DMV usually processes your payment within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow five to seven business days for the check to arrive and be processed. If you pay in person, your reinstatement may be processed the same day, but this depends on whether all other requirements have been met.
Once the reissue fee is paid and all other conditions for reinstatement are satisfied, the DMV will issue your new license. If you requested a replacement by mail, it will arrive within two to three weeks. If you picked it up in person, you can leave with it the same day.
What happens if you cannot pay the reissue fee right away
If you do not have the $100 available when ready, your license will remain suspended. The DMV does not offer payment plans for the reissue fee, and there is no way to drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you have started the reinstatement process.
Some people in financial hardship may be able to request a fee waiver or reduction, but this is rare and depends on your specific situation. Contact your local DMV office or the California DMV customer service line to ask whether a hardship waiver is possible in your case. Be prepared to explain your financial circumstances.
Confirming the current fee amount
While the reissue fee is currently $100, you should verify this amount before you pay. The California DMV updates its fee schedule periodically, and the amount may have changed since this article was written.
Check the official California DMV website or call the DMV customer service line at 1-800-777-0133 to confirm the current reissue fee. When you contact the DMV, have your driver's license number ready and be prepared to explain why your license was suspended — different suspension types sometimes have different fee structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I am waiting for my reinstatement to be processed after I pay the reissue fee?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DMV officially reinstates your driving privileges. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DMV before you drive.
Is the reissue fee refundable if my reinstatement is denied?
This depends on the reason for denial. If you paid the fee but did not meet other reinstatement requirements, the DMV may refund it. Contact the DMV office that processed your case to ask about a refund.
Do I have to pay the reissue fee if my license suspension was a mistake?
If the suspension was genuinely an error by the DMV, you may not owe the reissue fee. However, you will need to prove the error. Contact the DMV with documentation showing the suspension was incorrect, and ask them to waive the fee as part of correcting their mistake.
What if I owe money to the court but not to the DMV — do I still have to pay the reissue fee?
Yes. The $100 reissue fee goes to the DMV for processing your reinstatement, separate from any court fines you owe. You must pay both the reissue fee to the DMV and any court-ordered fines to the court before your license can be fully reinstated.
Can I pay the reissue fee with a payment plan?
The DMV does not offer payment plans for the reissue fee itself. However, if you owe court fines or other penalties related to your suspension, the court may allow a payment plan for those amounts. Contact the court that issued your suspension to ask about payment options for court-related debts.