REV stands for "Revoked" and means your driving privilege has been permanently cancelled by your state
When you see REV printed on your driver's license, it indicates that your license is no longer valid for driving. A revoked license is different from a suspended one — revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot legally drive with a revoked license, and doing so carries serious criminal penalties including fines, jail time, and additional license suspensions.
Revocation happens when you commit serious traffic violations or accumulate violations over time. The most common reason is driving under the influence (DUI or DWI), but revocation can also result from reckless driving, multiple speeding convictions, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your driving record within a set period. Each state has its own rules about what triggers revocation and how long it lasts.
Key Takeaways
- REV on your license means your driving privilege is revoked and you cannot legally operate a vehicle until you complete reinstatement with your DMV.
- Revocation is permanent until you take action, unlike suspension which ends automatically after a set time period.
- Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and additional license penalties.
- To get your license back, you must meet your state's specific reinstatement requirements, which typically include paying fees, completing a driver safety course, and sometimes passing a written or driving test.
- The reinstatement process varies by state and by the reason for revocation, so you need to contact your state DMV directly to learn your requirements.
How revocation differs from suspension
A suspended license is temporary — it ends on a specific date set by your state, and your driving privilege automatically returns when that date passes. A revoked license has no automatic end date. You must take specific steps to have your license reinstated, and you must prove to the DMV that you meet all their conditions before you can drive again.
Suspension typically results from minor violations like unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or accumulating a certain number of points. Revocation is reserved for more serious offenses. Because revocation is the harsher penalty, it signals to law enforcement and to you that the state considers your driving behavior a significant public safety risk.
Common reasons your license gets revoked
Driving under the influence is the most frequent cause of revocation across all states. A single DUI conviction can trigger revocation, and multiple DUI convictions within a certain timeframe result in longer revocation periods or permanent revocation in some states.
Other common reasons include reckless driving convictions, accumulating too many points on your record (the threshold varies by state — some states revoke after 12 points in three years, others use different thresholds), driving with a suspended or revoked license, refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop, and causing a serious accident while driving without insurance or while committing a traffic violation. Some states also revoke licenses for serious criminal convictions unrelated to driving, such as drug felonies.
What you must do to reinstate a revoked license
Reinstatement requirements vary significantly by state and by the reason for revocation. You cannot straightforward wait out the revocation period — you must contact your state DMV to learn what steps you need to take. Most states require you to pay a reinstatement fee, which ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the state and the violation.
Beyond the fee, common requirements include completing a driver safety or defensive driving course, passing a written knowledge test, passing a driving skills test, providing proof of insurance, and sometimes completing substance abuse counseling or treatment if the revocation was DUI-related. Some states require you to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period. The DMV will give you a checklist of what you must complete before you can reapply for your license.
The timeline for reinstatement varies. Some states allow you to begin the reinstatement process when ready after revocation takes effect; others require you to wait a minimum period (often one to five years depending on the violation) before you can even start. Once you submit all required documents and fees, approval typically takes several weeks to a few months.
What happens if you drive with a revoked license
Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in every state, not just a traffic violation. Penalties include criminal fines (often $500 to $1,000 or more), jail time (ranging from days to months depending on the state and whether it is a first or repeat offense), and a new criminal record. Your license revocation period will be extended, and you may face additional license suspensions on top of the original revocation.
If you are caught driving with a revoked license, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face the cost of retrieving it. Insurance companies will almost certainly drop your coverage, and you will have extreme difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. The criminal record itself can affect employment, housing, and loan applications.
How to find out your state's reinstatement requirements
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly — by phone, in person, or through their website. Have your driver's license number and the date your revocation took effect ready. The DMV will tell you the specific reason for your revocation, the minimum waiting period (if any), the exact fees you owe, and the step-by-step process to reinstate your license in your state.
Some states offer online portals where you can check your license status and see what documents you need to submit. Others require you to visit a DMV office in person. Do not rely on third-party websites that claim to handle reinstatement for you — these services charge fees and often provide information you can get directly from your state DMV for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work if my license is revoked?
No. A revoked license means you cannot legally drive for any reason — not to work, not in an emergency, not to the store. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense. Some states offer a "hardship license" or "work permit" that allows limited driving for employment or medical reasons, but you must request this separately from the DMV and meet specific conditions.
How long does revocation last?
There is no single answer — it depends on your state and the reason for revocation. Some revocations last one to three years; others are permanent until you complete reinstatement. Contact your state DMV to learn the revocation period that applies to you.
If I move to another state, does my revocation follow me?
Yes. States share license information through the National Driver Register, so a revocation in one state will show up when you try to get a license in another state. You must resolve the revocation in the original state before most states will issue you a new license.
Can I get a revoked license reinstated early?
Some states allow early reinstatement if you meet all requirements before the minimum waiting period ends; others do not. Ask your state DMV whether early reinstatement is an option and what you would need to do to request it.
What is the difference between REV and SUS on a license?
SUS means suspended — your license is temporarily invalid but will return automatically on a specific date. REV means revoked — your license is permanently cancelled and you must take action to reinstate it. Revocation is the more serious penalty.