DUI Suspended License Reinstatement by State

By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed May 05, 2024

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Having the ability to drive a vehicle is important and necessary for many people. Most need their vehicles to get to work, school, childcare, or important medical appointments. It's essential if you live in an area without public transportation. For some, being able to drive represents freedom.

But driving is a privilege. When we get a driver's license, we agree to obey the law and drive safely. The state can suspend or revoke our license when we violate this privilege.

Types of Suspensions

Driver's license suspensions happen for many reasons. You may have gotten several traffic tickets and now have too many points on your driving record. Failing to appear in court as ordered can cost you your license. You can also lose your license if you're not paying court-ordered child support. One of the more serious triggers for a license suspension is driving under the influence (DUI) conviction.

Generally, you can restore your driving privileges by following all court orders and paying any required fees by the end of your suspension period. Your requirements and costs will depend on the type of suspension you earned.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

One of the most common types of driver's license suspension is due to a driving while intoxicated (DWI) or DUI charge. A DUI conviction carries many penalties. The most immediate is losing your driving privileges. You may lose your driving privileges at the time of your arrest if you refuse chemical testing or if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above the state legal limit. You may face a second license suspension if convicted of a DUI offense.

Your suspension or revocation period will vary depending on:

  • The circumstances of your charge
  • Whether it's a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or felony
  • Your BAC level
  • Your cooperation with chemical testing
  • Whether this is your first DUI, second offense, or more

License Suspension Basics

Most states require you to complete a substance abuse treatment program or education course. You must pay all fines and present proof of financial responsibility to the state. Finally, you must contact an insurance company that issues SR-22 insurance policies.

Most states offer a limited, hardship, or restricted license that allows you to drive to work or school, maintain childcare, or attend medical or treatment appointments. These limited privileges require installing an ignition interlock device (IID).

A few states have specialized DUI license plates you must display on all vehicles registered to you.

Suspension or Revocation?

Though sometimes used interchangeably, a license revocation differs from a license suspension. While both mean you can't drive for some time, getting your privileges back differs from a revocation.

When your license gets suspended, your state department of motor vehicles or the agency in charge of driver's licenses holds your license until you meet specific requirements.

If your privileges are revoked, the state cancels your license. You must complete your reinstatement requirements and retake your driving tests to earn a new license.

Administrative License Suspension

Administrative license suspension is typically related to a DUI/DWI charge. It begins shortly after your DUI arrest. An administrative suspension is separate from your criminal charge. You must serve this suspension regardless of the outcome of your court case.

If your suspension is administrative and not criminal, you may request an administrative hearing. At this hearing, you can contest your license suspension. The police officer involved in your arrest will also present evidence before the hearing officer rules. Your suspension period begins after this hearing unless you waive it.

DUI Suspended License Reinstatement by State: Overview

Below, you will find key information on suspended license reinstatement laws by state. Remember that reinstatement fees and requirements are subject to change in each state with the passage of new legislation. You may wish to speak with a local attorney or your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) to learn more about your situation.

State

 Administrative Suspension (First Offense, Second, Third) Reinstatement and Additional Fees Restricted, Limited, or Hardship License Ignition Interlock Device (First Offense, Second)

Alabama
  1. 90 days
  2. 1 year
  3. 3 years
The court will issue a suspension if no administrative suspension
  • $275 reinstatement fee
  • $25 Drug related fee
  • $150 Interlock issuance fee
 For essential travel only, limited to Alabama with IID required
  1. Required for six months following license reinstatement
  2. Required for two years following reinstatement

Alaska

Revocation:

  1. 90 days
  2. 1 year
  3. 3 years
 $200 reinstatement fee for first offense Limited License with IID required
  1. Required for minimum of six months
  2. Required for a minimum of 12 months

Arizona

 BAC below 0.15%:
  1. 90 days
  2. 1-year revocation
  3. 3-year revocation
 $20 Available under certain circumstances only; IID required
  1. During suspension period
  2. During revocation plus one year

Arkansas
  1. 6 months
  2. 2 years
  3. 30 months
 $150 Interlock restricted license; Not available for DWI-Drugs offenses Must have IID for a time equal to the suspension period

California
  1. 6 months
  2. 2 years
  3. 30 months
 $125
  1. Optional, maintain for six months
  2. Mandatory for one to three years

Colorado
  1. 9 months
  2. 1 year
  3. 2 years
 $120 IID Restricted License
  • Nine month IID with BAC under 0.15%
  • Two year IID with BAC over 0.15%
  • Second offense: IID for two years

Connecticut
  1. 45 days, then 1 year IID
  2. 45 days, then 3 years IID
  3. Permanent
  • $175 reinstatement fee
  • $100 IID administration fee
  1. One year
  2. Three years

Delaware
  1. 3 months
  2. 12 months
  3. 18 months
 $200 IID Special License Required with for special license and remain installed for duration of suspension

District of Columbia
  1. 6 months
  2. 1 year
  3. 2 years
 $98 IID-restricted licenses and Limited occupational licenses Mandatory for all offences
  1. Six months
  2. One year

Florida
  1. 6 months
  2. 1 year
  3. 2 year
  • $130 Administrative fee
  • $75 Revocation fee or
  • $45 Suspension fee
  Hardship driver license
  1. Six months
  2. One to two years after revocation period

Georgia
  1. 1 year
  2. 3 years
  3. 5 years
 $200-210 Limited permit and IID limited permit
  1. Discretionary
  2. Minimum one year

Hawaii

 Revocation:
  1. 1 year
  2. 2-3 years
  3. 3-5 years
  • $20 reinstatement fee
  • $50 for skills test
 IID License IID required for the duration of revocation

Idaho
  1. 3-6 months
  2. 1 year
  3. 5 years
 $285 Restricted license during suspension for first offense only IID mandatory for minimum of one year following license suspension period

Illinois
  1. 1 year
  2. 5 years
  3. up to 10 years
  • $250 for a first offense
  • $500 for a second offense
  • $500 for revocations
 IID required for the remainder of your suspension
Indiana
  1. 30 days to 2 years
  2. 180 days to 2 years
  3. Up to 10 years
  • $250 for a first offense
  • $500 for a second offense
  • $1,000 for third offense
 Limited privileges available under certain circumstances At judge's discretion

Iowa

 Revocation
  1. 180 days
  2. 1 year
  3. 6 years
 $200 civil penalty Temporary restricted license (TRL) with IID required
  1. Remainder of suspension
  2. One year following license suspension

Kansas
  1. 30 days
  2. 1 year
  3. 3 years
  • $100 minimum reinstatement fee
  • $16 License re-issuance fee
  • $29 Class C license fee
  • $3 Retesting fee
    		•  Modified driving privileges
    1. 180 days
    2. One year

    Kentucky
    1. 6 months
    2. 18 months
    3. 36 months
    		 $40 Hardship license
    1. Four to six months
    2. 12 months after one year suspension

    Louisiana
    1. 1 year
    2. 2 years
    3. 3 years
    		 DWI:
    1. $100
    2. $200
    3. $300
    UDUI: $60    		 Hardship license with IID required
    1. 180 days
    2. One year

    Maine
    1. 150 days
    2. 3 years
    3. 6 years
    		 $500 to $100 License restoration with IID
    1. Remainder of suspension
    2. Two years

    Maryland
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 18 months
    		 $45 to $75 Restricted license with IID
    1. 180 days
    2. One to three years

    Massachusetts
    1. 1 year
    2. 2 years
    3. 8 years
    		 $500 to $1,200 Hardship license available with documented need
    1. If BAC was 0.15%, required for duration of suspension
    2. Suspension period plus two years

    Michigan
    1. 180 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 5-year revocation
    		 $125 Restricted license with IID Until completion of DWI/drug court program, or minimum of one year

    Minnesota

    		 Revocation
    1. 90 days
    2. 1 year
    3. Indefinite
    		 $680 Limited license available under certain circumstances Three to six years

    Mississippi
    1. 120 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    		 $175 Ignition-interlock restricted license
    1. Required for 90 days of 30-day suspension
    2. One year following 45-day suspension

    Missouri
    1. 90-day suspension
    2. 1-year revocation
    3. 10 years revocation
    		 $45 Minimum of six months

    Montana
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 1 year
    		 $100 Probationary limited license
    1. Six months
    2. One year

    Nebraska
    1. 6 months
    2. 18 months
    3. 15 years
    		 $125 Ignition interlock permit Required for remainder of suspension

    Nevada
    1. 180 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    • $120.00 reinstatement fee
    • $35 Victim Impact Fee
    		 IID Lice
    1. 185 days
    2. 12 months minimum

    New Hampshire
    1. 9 months
    2. 3 years
    3. Indefinitely
    		 $100 Limited driving privileges with IID 12 months to two years

    New Jersey
    1. 3 months
    2. 2 years
    3. 10 years
    		 $100 N/A
    1. Three months to one year depending on BAC
    2. Suspension period plus two to four years

    New Mexico
    1. 1 year
    2. 2 years
    3. 3 years
    		 $113 Ignition interlock license
    1. One year
    2. Two years

    New York
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 1 year
    		 $50 Conditional license Minimum of six months or duration of probation

    North Carolina
    1. 1 year
    2. 4 years
    3. Indefinitely
    		 $140.25 Limited driving privilege
    1. One year
    2. Three years

    North Dakota
    1. 91 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    		 $100 Temporary Restricted License with IID Required for remainder of suspension

    Ohio
    1. 1 to 3 years
    2. 1 to 7 years
    3. 12 years
    		 $475 Limited driving privileges Required for remainder of suspension

    Oklahoma
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    • $290 Statutory fee per offense
    • $25 Reinstatement fee
    		 Provisional driver's license with IID
    1. 18 months
    2. Four years

    Oregon
    1. 1 year
    2. 3 years
    3. Indefinitely
    		 $85 Hardship permit
    1. One year
    2. Three years

    Pennsylvania
    1. None
    2. 1 year
    3. 1 year
    		 $79  Probationary License
    1. None if BAC is 0.10% or less
    2. One year

    Rhode Island
    1. 30 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    		 $352.50 Hardship license with IID
    1. Judge's discretion
    2. One to two years

    South Carolina
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    		 $100 Provisional driver's license for first offense
    1. Six months
    2. Two years

    South Dakota
    1. 30 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 1 year following imprisonment
    		 $50 to $200 Restricted permit N/A

    Tennessee
    1. 1 year
    2. 2 years
    3. 6 years
    • $103 Reinstatement fee
    • $50 SR-22 Fee
    		 Restricted license Required for remainder of suspension, or minimum 365 days

    Texas
    1. 90 days
    2. 180 days
    3. 180 days
    		 $125
    1. Discretionary
    2. One year

    Utah
    1. 120 days
    2. 2 years
    3. 2 years
    • $85 Reinstatement fee
    • $255 Administrative fee

    Alcohol/drug-related limited license
    1. N/A
    2. Two years

    Vermont
    1. 90 days
    2. 18 months
    3. Permanent
    		 $98 Ignition interlock device restricted license Required for remainder of suspension

    Virginia
    1. 1 year
    2. 3 years
    3. Indefinite
    		 $220 Restricted driving privileges with documented need Required for remainder of suspension or six months

    Washington
    1. 90 days
    2. 2 years
    3. 3 years
    		 $170 Ignition Interlock Driver License
    1. One year
    2. Five years

    West Virginia
    1. 6 months
    2. 10 years
    3. Lifetime
    		 $50 N/A
    1. 125 days minimum
    2. Two years

    Wisconsin
    1. 6 months
    2. 1 year
    3. 2 years
    		 $200 Occupational license
    1. For duration of suspenstion if BAC is 0.15% or more
    2. Minimum of one year

    Wyoming
    1. 90 days
    2. 1 year
    3. 3 years
    		 $50 Ignition Interlock Restricted License
    1. Six months if BAC is 0.15% or more
    2. One year

    Note: State laws can change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it's a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.

    A Note About Zero Tolerance Laws and Commercial Driver's Licenses

    This chart details the basic license suspension information if you're over 21 years of age and not operating under a commercial driver's license (CDL). Legal blood alcohol levels vary for commercial drivers and for those under 21.

    All states have a version of a zero-tolerance law, which covers those under 21. If you have a trace amount of alcohol in your system, you may face license suspensions. You may also need to complete DUI education or treatment.

    If you operate a commercial vehicle, you must abide by strict regulations. Generally, you face a DUI/DWI charge if your BAC is 0.04% or more. Many CDLs also require you to cooperate with a breathalyzer and chemical testing, or you will face permanent loss of your commercial driver's license.

    Get Help With Your DUI Suspended License: Contact a Lawyer

    If you're charged with a DUI or DWI and face a suspended license, you'll need solid legal advice to help you through the ordeal. A DUI is a serious charge that can result in jail time, huge fines, and participation in DUI programs. The good news is that legal advocates in your area can guide you through the laws and procedures you must follow. Start the process today by meeting with a DUI defense attorney near you.

    Was this helpful?

    Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

    • Complex DUI situations usually require a lawyer
    • DUI defense attorneys can challenge Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer or blood test results
    • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate DUI penalties
    • A lawyer can help get your license back

    Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

     

     If you need an attorney, find one right now.

    Helpful Links

    Attorney Directory