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.

Suspended driving privilege

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 a required action. 

Definite suspensions

If you receive a definite suspension order, it will tell you how long the suspension period will last.  You cannot drive until the period ends, you pay a termination fee, and have a valid driver license again.  You can use DMV’s My License, Permit or ID service to check if your license is valid. 

Common reasons for definite suspensions

• you did not have automobile liability insurance  2
• you were convicted of an alcohol or drugged driving charge  3
  
• you received too many traffic tickets in a certain amount of time  4
  
• you did not follow the rules for junior drivers  5

Indefinite suspensions

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

Common reasons for indefinite suspensions

• you did not answer a traffic ticket  6
• you did not pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
• you did not file a motor vehicle accident report
• you failed to pay child support  7
• you have unpaid NY State tax debts  8
• you did not have automobile liability insurance 9

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). 

Revoked driver license or driving privilege

If you receive an order from DMV saying your license or driving privilege is revoked, this means your license has been cancelled 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  10
  
• 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

 See also Suppose Your License was Taken Away.

How to check if your license is suspended or revoked

Sign up for MyDMV and use the My License, Permit or ID service.

How to restore your driving privilege after a suspension of revocation

Read the instructions on the suspension of revocation letter we mailed to you carefully.  You can also use the restore license service to see what steps you will need to take.