Getting your license back after a DUI: What you need to know

Driving under the influence (DUI) not only endangers you and your passengers, but also the other drivers in your community. Considering the immense safety risk and the potential for devastating property damage, a DUI has some of the stiffest consequences of all traffic violations. In addition to fines and potential jail time, your license will likely be subject to suspension or revocation. To reinstate your license after a DUI — and to regain the trust of your fellow drivers for that matter — you’ll typically have to wait out your suspension period and fulfill an assortment of legal requirements before getting behind the wheel of a car again.

Getting your license back after a DUI

After dealing with the immediate legal consequences of a DUI, the next step for many drivers is finding out how to regain their license. Below is a list of prudent steps that may help with getting your license back after a DUI.

Wait out the suspension period

Typically, license suspension refers to a set period of time when a driver is not permitted to operate a vehicle. Suspension periods vary on a state-by-state basis but can be anywhere from a few months to several years. You must wait out the entirety of your license suspension period before applying for license reinstatement. In some instances, you might be eligible for a hardship license during your suspension period. However, this license only allows you to drive to essential activities like commuting to work or attending rehabilitation.

Some DUIs may result in a license revocation. In that case, you will also have to wait out the revocation period. Unlike a suspended license, a revoked license cannot be restored. Instead, you would need to apply for a new license altogether.

Serve jail sentence, if necessary

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding drunk driving. In many states, a DUI can lead to an arrest and possible jail time for repeat offenders. However, first-time offenders may have to serve jail time if they have an unusually high blood alcohol content (BAC). Depending on the state, a DUI may come with a mandatory minimum sentence or a judge may have more leeway in determining an offender’s punishment.

If a drunk driver kills or injures someone, that driver may face prison time regardless of whether or not they have prior convictions. If your DUI conviction requires you to serve jail time, you will need to complete your sentence before you are able to get your license back.

Pay fees

The cost of a DUI can get expensive quickly. Fines typically range between $500 to over $2,000, and drivers with higher BACs will likely pay more expensive fines. Offenders may also be required to purchase equipment such as interlock devices (IIDs) out of pocket. These devices require a driver to test their BAC before starting the engine and disable the vehicle if the driver’s BAC is higher than a certain level. Bail may also apply and typically runs about $150. All fees must be paid before beginning the reinstatement process.

Complete a DUI program

A critical step in reinstating your driver’s license after a DUI is completing an approved DUI course. Course curriculums focus primarily on drug and alcohol education, and course length will likely depend on your driving history, plus the rules in your state. If it is your first DUI offense, your course will likely be shorter than one for someone who is a repeat offender. Courses can last between 30 days to one year and could cost around $500. Some states also require drivers to complete a defensive driving course in order to be eligible for reinstatement.

Obtain SR-22 or FR-44 insurance

After a DUI, your car insurance provider may require you to obtain an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate, which your insurer files on your behalf with the motor vehicle department. It serves as proof of financial responsibility, certifying that you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.

In the wake of a DUI, your car insurance premium will likely jump exponentially. While you can stick with your current company, you could instead shop around for more affordable coverage and inquire about any discounts that may be available. In some cases, you may be forced to look elsewhere if your insurer decides to cancel your policy after your conviction — which is in their full legal right.

If your insurance is canceled, you’ll likely want to find a provider that offers car insurance for drivers with a DUI. Many well-known insurers offer high-risk auto insurance, but rates may vary from carrier to carrier based on several factors, which is why it’s typically worth it to get quotes from several.

Apply for reinstatement

Each state has its own requirements for license reinstatement, so you may want to research your state’s regulations. Offenders will likely have to pay the court a reinstatement fee, which typically ranges between $50 and $200, depending on the state. Some offenders may choose to hire a DUI lawyer to argue their case in court. In some states, offenders must request a hearing for license reinstatement, which may be approved or denied by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or court. For further details on the specific steps where you live, refer to the DMV website.

Key DUI statistics

The following drunk driving statistics illustrate the immense toll that driving under the influence can take on individuals and communities.

How do you get your license back after a second DUI?

A driver’s first DUI presents several hurdles, but a second DUI often makes legal troubles exponentially worse. In some states, a driver’s first DUI may be considered a misdemeanor or even a civil infraction, which is less serious than a misdemeanor. However, after a second offense, penalties typically become more intense.

The process for getting your license back after a DUI the second time around will mirror the process for a first-time offender. But, fines will likely be higher and your alcohol education course will likely be longer. Additionally, your license revocation period will be longer. Exact processes will depend on your state, so you may want to consult your state’s DMV website for more information.

A DUI usually stays on your record for between five and 15 years, although the exact timeframe will depend on your state and circumstances. In many states, a DUI remains on your record forever. Certain states offer the option of expungement if you’re a first-time offender or a minor. You may want to research your state’s laws to nail down your exact options.

Frequently asked questions

• • What is the minimum fee for reinstating your license after a DUI?

    That will depend on your state. However, the American Addiction Centers estimates that DUI fines alone can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,800. License reinstatement fees are cheaper, somewhere between $20 and $200 depending on your location. The total cost of a DUI is estimated to be between $10,000 and $25,000.

  • How do I find the details of reinstating my license after DUI suspension?

    You can start by looking at your DUI police report, which becomes available to you after you are arraigned. In many states, you can also check on the motor vehicle department’s website to see if your license was suspended.

  • What do I need to reinstate my license in TN?

    To reinstate your license in Tennessee after a DUI, you must first wait out your license revocation period and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for at least 365 days. You must then obtain a court certification that states the court is satisfied with your efforts to reinstate your license. SR-22 insurance is also required, as is proof that you surrendered your license when it was first suspended. If it was your second DUI, you will also need to complete an alcohol education course. Lastly, you will need to pay a $103 reinstatement fee and keep your ignition lock on your vehicle for at least six months following your license reinstatement.

  • How long does it take to reinstate a license in Illinois?

    Once you have met all of the secretary of state’s reinstatement requirements, the government has 60 days to either approve or deny your license reinstatement.