What Can I do If My Drivers' License Has Already Been Suspended?

Good Reasons Why License Should Not Be Suspended
Partial Payment Option
Work-Restricted License
I Received a Notice of Suspension, What can I Do?

If you have a good reason for not paying, you can try to reinstate the license
If your driver’s license has already been suspended, you can also try to file a motion to reinstate your driver’s license with the court which issued the child support order. You should include in your motion why you think the suspension is in error and/or why you believe it is in your children’s best interests for your driver’s license to be reinstated. For example, you may need your license to complete training school.

If you can make a payment, contact the Child Support Administration
Once you have been issued a court order to pay child support, you can be "punished" in various ways for falling behind. For example, you may be put in jail for contempt, your tax refunds may be intercepted, your wages may be garnished, your child support obligations may be reported to credit reporting agencies, and your driver’s license may be suspended.

You may try to work out an agreement with the Child Support Administration where they may accept a partial lump sum payment along with a modified payment plan.

The Child Support Administration must tell the MVA to reinstate your license once the arrearages are paid in full or if you have "demonstrated good faith" by paying the ordered amount of support for 6 consecutive months after the suspension.

 You can contact the Child Support Enforcement  Administration (CSEA) by calling their main office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays at (800) 332-6347. 

 Also available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and on most Saturdays, is the interactive phone information service.  This service allows you to get recorded information about your case.  Call (410) 962-1110 if you are calling from the Baltimore area, or (800) 723-9937 from outside the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.  Note that the interactive phone information service is not available on state holidays, and that to use the system you must have your nine-digit Child Support case number. You can find the Child Support case number on your check.

 You can also call your local area Child Support Enforcement office. 

 If neither of the above apply and you are working, you can request a restricted license
If you are currently working and your driver’s license has been suspended, you can request a work-restricted driver’s license. To do this, you should obtain a letter from your employer verifying your employment. Next, contact your agent at your local child support enforcement office and arrange a meeting to present the proof of employment and request a work-restricted license. The Child Support Administration should then provide you with the paperwork to take to the MVA to get the restricted license.

You can contact the Child Support Enforcement Administration main office by calling (800) 332-6347, or by calling your local area office.

 I Received a Notice of Driver License Suspension.  What Can I do?
If you are 60 days or more behind on your child support obligation, the Child Support Administration is supposed to notify the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which will then suspend your driver’s license. However, before notifying the MVA, the Child Support Administration must send you written notice that includes an explanation of your right to request an investigation if you disagree with the suspension.

It is important that you do not miss the deadline stated in the notice.

Be sure to date your request for investigation and keep a copy for your records. The Child Support Administration must then conduct an investigation and send you a notice of the results. The notice should explain your right to further appeal if you disagree with the decision. Date your appeal request and keep a copy for your records.

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