Returned (bad) check
What we mean by a returned check
A "returned," "dishonored," "bad," or "bounced" check is when you pay DMV a fee by check, but we are not able to process it because there is not enough money in your bank account.
What to expect when your check is returned
The DMV will send a letter to the address we have on file informing you that your check has not been honored by a bank. You will have 30 days from the date we mail the letter to repay the check (fee) amount in addition to a $35 Civil Penalty Fee.
If you do not pay within 30 days, we will suspend your license and/or registration
If the person the transaction is for and the writer of the check are different, the bad check will affect the record of the person the transaction is for. For example, if a parent writes a bad check for their child, the child's record will be affected (license suspended), not the parent's.
How to repay a returned check
You must pay
- by mail (you cannot pay online or at an office)
- by Certified Check or Money Order (Do not send us cash by mail)
Regular mail
Revenue Accounting
PO Box 2409
Albany, NY 12220-0409
Overnight mail
New York State DMV
Revenue Accounting
Rm 233
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228
Clearing a suspension
If the DMV does not receive payment within 30 days, we will suspend your New York State driver license and/or registration. DMV will send a suspension notice (called an “order”) to the address we have on file.
You can clear the suspension by paying the amount of the returned check plus the Civil Penalty Fee. DMV will process payment on the date we receive it, and your suspension will be cleared overnight.
You will receive a restoration notice by mail at the address of record.
You will not be able to write personal checks to the DMV until 5 years after you pay to clear the suspension.
Do you have more questions?
Refunds Live Chat
You can also call the Bad Check unit weekdays from 9 AM - 3 PM
or