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If you find yourself in some automotive trouble, you could be asked to surrender your driver’s license. In some cases, that is your best way to get out of a pickle. Also, refusing to hand over your license can make things much worse. 

What does it mean to surrender your driver’s license? 

If you surrender your driver’s license then you voluntarily hand it over to a judge or DMV official, or you voluntarily agree not to renew your license. 

In most cases, people will surrender their licenses to resolve outstanding traffic violations instead of having to go through the process of having their licenses revoked or suspended. Also, a judge may require you to surrender it. 

It’s viewed as a proactive move that can prevent a sanction or revocation or suspension on your record. But it also admits guilt. It might not be the best course of action while fighting a lawsuit. However, the incident, evidence, and previous traffic violations may come into play. 

Also, once you surrender your license it’s destroyed and considered invalid, making it illegal to operate a motor vehicle until it’s reinstated. 

A woman happy with her license
Car interior view of woman with driving license. | iStock

After surrendering your license you must wait until it expires to apply for a new one. Once you have completed the suspension or court-ordered programs you will get a Notice of Restoration in the mail with steps on how to reapply. 

Depending on if you had a DWI, or reckless driving citation, were speeding at least 15 mph over the speed limit, 

Failure to surrender your driver’s license can make things much worse. You may receive prolonged suspension, criminal charges, another sanction, or hefty fines. Plus, interest can accrue on unpaid fines, making things more expensive. 

If your license is suspended then it goes on your record. It means your privilege to drive is taken for a specified period of time and then later reinstated without you having to take a written test or a drug test. 

If it’s revoked, then your driving privileges are completely terminated, possibly permanently. Privileges may not be reinstated unless you meet certain requirements.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.