{"id":357094,"date":"2025-07-30T12:42:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T17:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=357094"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:49:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T23:49:57","slug":"how-to-get-your-license-back-after-a-dui","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/cases\/how-to-get-your-license-back-after-a-dui.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get Your License Back After a DUI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Get Your License Back After a DUI<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. 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<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Getting your license back after a DUI<\/span> requires several steps including serving your full suspension period<\/span>, paying reinstatement fees<\/span>, and fulfilling court-ordered<\/span> requirements like DUI<\/span> education programs. Many states suspend driver’s licenses<\/span> immediately following a DUI<\/span> arrest, with suspension lengths varying based on prior offenses and state laws. The reinstatement process typically involves administrative hearings<\/span>, proof of insurance<\/span>, ignition interlock devices<\/span>, and demonstrating completion of all legal obligations.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Almost every state will suspend or revoke your driver\u2019s license after a DUI conviction. The duration of your license suspension depends on your driving record and how many prior DUIs you\u2019ve had. Once the suspension period is over, you can have your license reinstated depending on the terms and conditions of the suspension.<\/p>\n

The specific suspension terms and license reinstatement requirements<\/a> vary from state to state. In this article, we’ll cover the general steps to getting your driver\u2019s license back following a drunk driving arrest.<\/p>\n

If you have lost your license and need to have it restored, a local DUI attorney<\/a> can be an extremely helpful resource. They can walk you through the process and ensure you meet all the requirements for a license reinstatement where you live.<\/p>\n

Steps To Reinstate Your Driver\u2019s License<\/h2>\n

A DUI license suspension usually begins after an arrest<\/a>. In some states, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license immediately if you refuse a roadside breath test or field sobriety test.<\/a><\/p>\n

These \u201cadministrative suspensions\u201d may run concurrently with a criminal suspension, but will run even if the court dismisses your DUI charges. In other words, refusing a Breathalyzer<\/a> can still cost you your license, even if you weren’t over the legal limit.<\/p>\n

If you’re convicted of a DUI, you need to complete your entire sentence before requesting a driver\u2019s license reinstatement.<\/p>\n

Attend an Administrative Hearing<\/h3>\n

You may have the right to an administrative hearing<\/a>, depending on where you’re arrested and charged for DUI. In some states, like California, the DMV can suspend your license if you refuse<\/a> a breath test or blood test.<\/p>\n

At an administrative hearing, the DMV only needs to show that the DUI stop and arrest<\/a> were legal, and you either:<\/p>\n