Driver's License Suspension for Failure to Pay Child Support
Key takeaways
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can suspend your driver's license if you have not complied with a child support order.
The first step to getting your license reinstated is to contact your child support agency and arrange to make a payment toward your balance.
On this page
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can suspend your driver's license if you have not complied with a child support order. This page explains what to do if you receive a suspension notice or your license is suspended.
When the MVA can suspend your license
The Child Support Administration (CSA) can authorize the MVA to suspend your license if you have not complied with your child support agreement for 60 days or more. The CSA also decides when your suspension can be lifted.
The MVA is obligated to follow the CSA's instructions.
What to do if you receive a suspension notice
Contact your child support agency right away. Arrange to make a payment toward your child support balance. Do not contact the MVA.
If you do not take any action by the suspension date printed on your notice, your license will be suspended.
What to do if you have been mistakenly identified as owing child support
You may request a hearing before the Maryland State Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), through the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD) but only if you have been mistakenly identified as owing child support. A hearing will not be granted simply because you disagree with the terms of the court order.
Instructions for requesting a hearing are printed on the back of your suspension notice.
If you request a hearing, you do not need to turn in your driver’s license while you want for the outcome of the hearing.
Important: Submit the request to the Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD) before the suspension date on your notice, or your driving privileges will be suspended.
What to do if your license is suspended
Return your most recently issued license to the MVA right away.
You may return it:
- By mail, or
- In person either at any MVA branch office. If you deliver your license in person, you should receive a signed Receipt for License/Identification form.
If you are no longer have your driver’s license:
- Submit a written explanation, or
- Visit any MVA full-service branch office and complete a Certified Statement form explaining why you no longer have it.
Get your suspension lifted
Contact your child support agency—not the MVA—to arrange to pay your child support.
When you come into full compliance, the CSA will notify the MVA to lift your suspension. This usually takes a few days. After that, you may apply for a new driver’s license.
What if you cannot pay the full amount of child support owed
Even if you can’t pay the full amount, the CSA may still permit you to retain some driving privileges. The CSA will notify the MVA of any applicable limited driving privileges and when full privileges should be restored.
Fees
- There is no fee involved in the hearing process.
- There is a fee if a hearing is requested.
- There is a fee for obtaining either a corrected driver's license for work restriction or an unrestricted license.