The Mandatory Actions Unit handles court-ordered and administrative holds on your driving record
The Mandatory Actions Unit is the DMV division that processes holds placed on your license or registration by courts, law enforcement, or other government agencies. These are not optional — they are legal requirements that prevent you from renewing, transferring, or using your license until the underlying issue is resolved. The unit does not decide whether the hold is fair; it enforces the hold that another body has already issued.
Common reasons for a mandatory action hold include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, suspension ordered by a judge, child support arrears reported by the state, or an administrative license revocation from a DUI arrest. When a hold is placed, the DMV cannot process any transaction on your license or vehicle registration until that hold is lifted by the agency that issued it.
You cannot remove a mandatory actions hold yourself through the DMV. You must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, complete a required program, or satisfy the child support obligation — and then the issuing agency notifies the DMV to clear it. The Mandatory Actions Unit straightforward maintains the record and enforces the block.
Key Takeaways
- A mandatory actions hold is placed by a court or government agency, not by the DMV, and the DMV cannot remove it without notification from that agency.
- Common holds include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, DUI-related suspensions, and child support arrears.
- You must resolve the underlying issue with the agency that issued the hold — the DMV will not process any license or registration transaction until it is cleared.
- You can contact the Mandatory Actions Unit to learn which agency placed the hold and what action is required to lift it.
How to find out what hold is on your record
Contact your state DMV directly and ask to speak with the Mandatory Actions Unit or check your driving record online if your state offers that service. When you call, have your driver's license number or full legal name and date of birth ready. The unit will tell you the name of the agency that placed the hold, the reason for it, and what you need to do to have it removed.
Some states allow you to view your record online through the DMV website without calling. If a hold appears on your record, the online system usually shows the agency responsible and sometimes a case number or contact information. If the information is unclear, call the DMV and ask them to explain it in detail — do not assume you know what the hold is for.
Write down the agency name, the reason for the hold, and any case or reference number the DMV gives you. You will need this information to contact the right office and resolve the issue.
Common agencies that place mandatory actions holds
Court systems place holds for unpaid fines, failure to appear, or license suspensions ordered by a judge. Law enforcement places holds related to DUI arrests and administrative license revocations. State child support enforcement offices place holds when child support payments are past due. The state attorney general or local prosecutor may place holds related to criminal cases or restitution orders.
Each agency has its own process for clearing the hold. A court hold requires you to either pay the fine, appear in court, or satisfy the judgment. A child support hold requires you to bring payments current or enter a payment plan. A DUI hold may require completion of a substance abuse program or payment of reinstatement fees. The Mandatory Actions Unit will tell you which agency to contact, but that agency — not the DMV — decides when the hold is lifted.
What happens if you try to renew or transfer your license with a hold
The DMV system will reject any transaction on your license or registration if a mandatory actions hold is active. You cannot renew your license by mail, online, or in person. You cannot transfer a vehicle registration. You cannot add a vehicle to your registration. The transaction will be denied at the point of processing, and you will be told to contact the Mandatory Actions Unit or the issuing agency.
If you attempt to renew in person at a DMV office, staff will inform you of the hold and direct you to resolve it with the responsible agency. If you attempt online or by mail, your process will be returned with a notice explaining the hold. Do not ignore this notice — the hold remains in effect and your license may expire while it is active.
Steps to resolve a mandatory actions hold
- Contact your DMV and ask the Mandatory Actions Unit which agency placed the hold and why.
- Write down the agency name, the reason, and any case or reference number.
- Contact that agency directly — the court, law enforcement, child support office, or prosecutor's office — and ask what action is required to clear the hold.
- Take the required action: pay the fine, appear in court, complete a program, bring child support current, or satisfy the judgment.
- Ask the agency for written confirmation that the hold has been cleared or that they have notified the DMV to remove it.
- Wait for the DMV system to update — this usually takes a few business days after the agency notifies the DMV.
- Check your driving record again to confirm the hold is gone before attempting to renew or transfer your license.
How long it takes for a hold to be removed after you resolve the issue
The time depends on how quickly the issuing agency notifies the DMV and how quickly the DMV system updates. If you pay a fine in person at a court, the court may notify the DMV the same day or within one business day. If you resolve the issue by mail or through a payment plan, it may take three to five business days for the agency to send the clearance to the DMV, plus another one to two business days for the DMV to process it.
Some agencies batch their notifications to the DMV, so your clearance may not be sent when ready after you resolve the issue. Ask the agency when they will notify the DMV and get an estimate. Do not assume the hold is cleared just because you have resolved the underlying issue — check your DMV record to confirm.
What to do if you believe the hold is incorrect
If you believe the hold was placed in error — for example, you paid the fine but the hold is still there, or the hold is for someone else with a similar name — contact both the Mandatory Actions Unit and the issuing agency. Explain the situation and ask for an investigation. Bring any documentation you have: proof of payment, court records, identification, or correspondence from the agency.
The Mandatory Actions Unit can tell you when the hold was placed and by whom, but they cannot remove it. The issuing agency must investigate and request the removal. This process can take two to four weeks. In the meantime, you cannot process any DMV transactions. If the error is on the issuing agency's side, ask them to expedite the clearance and provide you with written confirmation to show the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a mandatory actions hold on my license?
No. A mandatory actions hold means your license is suspended or invalid. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional fines, arrest, or jail time. Do not drive until the hold is cleared and your license is valid again.
Will the DMV contact me about a hold?
Not always. The DMV may send a notice if you attempt to renew your license, but you may not receive notification that a hold has been placed. It is your responsibility to check your driving record or contact the DMV if you suspect there is a hold. Some states send notices by mail when a hold is placed, but this is not may provide.
What if I do not know which agency placed the hold?
Call the Mandatory Actions Unit and provide your driver's license number or full name and date of birth. They will tell you the agency name and the reason for the hold. If the reason is unclear, ask for a case number or reference number so you can contact the agency directly and get more details.
Can I get a temporary license while the hold is being cleared?
No. The DMV cannot issue a temporary or restricted license while a mandatory actions hold is active. You must resolve the underlying issue first. Some courts or agencies may issue a temporary permit to allow you to drive to work or court, but this is separate from the DMV and must be requested from the issuing agency, not the DMV.
How do I know when the hold has been removed?
Check your driving record online through the DMV website or call the Mandatory Actions Unit and ask. Do not assume the hold is gone just because you resolved the issue. The agency must notify the DMV, and the DMV system must update — this usually takes three to five business days. Confirm the hold is cleared before attempting to renew or transfer your license.