What Can I Do To Get My Driver’s License Reinstated in My State?

Driving is a privilege. States issue driver’s licenses to show you meet the qualifications to drive on public roads and highways.

The state also has the power to suspend or revoke your driver’s license for a wide variety of different reasons, from driving under the influence (DUI) to accumulating too many traffic tickets.

Driver’s license suspension or revocation can be a real burden for individuals and families. Most motorists want to get their license reinstated as quickly as possible. The license reinstatement process varies by state.

Talk to a traffic violation lawyer to help you get your license back after a suspension.

Reasons for a Driver’s License Suspension

There are many reasons your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend your license. Common reasons for a valid license suspension include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Refusing a chemical blood alcohol content (BAC) test after a DUI arrest
• Reckless driving or other serious vehicle violation
• Too many traffic citations on your driving record
• Driving without insurance coverage
• Failure to pay child support

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Driver’s License Reinstatement Process

The reinstatement requirements for getting your driver’s license back depend on the reason your license was suspended. For example, for most drunk driving-related suspensions, the process involves:

• Wait for the suspension period to pass
• Successfully complete all required alcohol and driver safety courses
• Have ignition interlock device installed (if required)
• Pay all citations, tickets, and fees
• Show proof of financial responsibility, like an SR-22 form (if required)
• Show proof of insurance
• Pay the license reinstatement fee

The driver’s license reinstatement fee varies by state and reason for the license suspension. Reinstatement fees can range from $5 to $1,000 or more.

In certain circumstances, the court can waive some administrative fees with an indigency waiver. You may also qualify for a reinstatement payment plan if you cannot afford to pay all the fees up front.

For other types of license suspensions, your reinstatement process can vary. For example, for a child support suspension, reinstatement generally requires bringing your payments up to date or qualifying for a payment plan. Talk to your traffic violation lawyer about the requirements to reinstate your license.

You May Be Eligible for a Limited Purpose License

Many drivers can obtain a restricted license for limited purposes before obtaining full reinstatement. There are a few different types of restricted licenses available, depending on the reason for your suspension.

The driver can get limited driving privileges, which allow drivers to operate a vehicle to go to and from work, medical appointments, childcare, and for educational purposes only. If you are found driving in violation of the limited license, the state can extend your license suspension.

For a drunk driving charge, the most common type of restricted license is an ignition interlock device (IID) license. An IID is a breath testing device installed in your vehicle. The machine requires a clean, alcohol-free breath to start the vehicle, with rolling tests to continue driving. The IID-restricted license suspension period can vary by state, the number of DUIs, your BAC level, and other factors.

Commercial License Suspension

The reinstatement process is different for people with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Commercial drivers with a DUI have their license disqualified for one year for a first offense. This applies whether the commercial driver was operating a commercial vehicle or their personal automobile.

In most cases, a second DUI on a CDL carries a lifetime ban. If you are a commercial driver with a drunk driving arrest, talk to a DUI defense lawyer about protecting your commercial license.

Challenge the Administrative License Suspension

If your driver’s license is at risk of being suspended, you are not necessarily out of luck. All driver’s license suspensions ― whether an administrative license suspension or a court-ordered suspension — are subject to appeal.

An administrative appeal goes through your DMV or motor vehicle agency. You can challenge the administrative suspension by requesting a hearing. However, most states have strict deadlines for challenging an administrative suspension. If you have a DUI defense lawyer handling your case, they can generally represent you during the administrative hearing, as well.

Find Legal Help After a Suspended License

If you are considering appealing a license suspension, you should talk to an experienced traffic violations defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to take action to protect your driving record.