Reinstate a License
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Your license may be eligible for reinstatement if it was revoked for accumulating 12 or more points or for violating an alcohol-related restriction. Reinstatement is not automatic. You must apply and receive approval from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Before you apply
Reinstatement is not automatic. You must:
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Complete the mandatory waiting period
- Submit an application with the required fees
- Complete any required treatment or testing
In some cases, you may also need to accept driving restrictions or retake licensing tests before a new license is issued.
Mandatory waiting periods
The length of your waiting period depends on how many times your license has been revoked and the reason for the revocation.
| Revocations | Waiting period |
|---|---|
| 1 revocation | 6 months |
| 2 revocations | 1 year |
| 3 revocations | 18 months |
| 4 or more revocations | 2 years |
| Revoked under 16-205(b) | 5 years |
When the waiting period starts
Your waiting period begins on whichever date is later: the date you turn in your most recently issued license, or the date of revocation.
You must turn in your most recent license to begin getting credit toward your revocation period. Delaying the return of your license will delay when you can apply for reinstatement.
Issues that can affect your eligibility
Several issues can delay or prevent reinstatement, including:
- Unresolved insurance or child support violations
- Past alcohol or drug-related offenses
- Violations of driving restrictions (such as Ignition Interlock requirements)
- Delaying the return of your license, which postpones the start of your waiting period
- A license that expired more than one year during suspension or revocation; this may require you to reapply and retest
Treatment requirements for alcohol- and drug-related revocations
If your revocation involves alcohol or drug incidents, you may need to complete a treatment program before the MVA will consider your application. Select the number of incidents on your record to see what's required.
Please note that the timeframes outlined below may be subject to change based on all information received by the MVA Driver Wellness & Safety division.
Treatment requirements for alcohol- and drug-related revocations
You must complete a 12-hour Alcohol Education Program (AEP). This applies regardless of when the incident happened.
What you need depends on when your incidents happened.
- Only one within the last 5 years: 90-day program with monthly testing
- Both within the last 5 years: 6-month program with monthly testing*
- Both between 6 and 10 years ago: 90-day program with monthly testing
- Both more than 10 years ago: 12-hour Alcohol Education Program
What you need depends on when your incidents happened.
- Only one within the last 5 years: 90-day program with monthly testing
- 2 or more within the last 5 years: 6-month program with twice-monthly testing*
- All between 6 and 10 years ago: 6-month program with monthly testing
- All more than 10 years ago: 90-day program with monthly testing
What you need depends on when your incidents happened.
- Only one within the last 5 years: 6-month program with monthly testing*
- 2 or more within the last 5 years: 6-month program with twice-monthly testing*
- All between 6 and 10 years ago: 6-month program with monthly testing
- All more than 10 years ago: 90-day program with monthly testing
Your case will be reviewed individually by the MVA. Contact the MVA directly to find out what is required.
*These programs includes an additional type of alcohol test called ethyl glucuronide screening.
How to apply for license reinstatement
If you believe you meet the criteria for license reinstatement, follow these steps:
-
Request an application
Request a reinstatement application through your myMVA account. You can use your account to securely upload documents and track your case status 24/7.
The MVA will review your driving record for insurance violations, child support violations, and other issues that could affect eligibility. If a problem is found, you will receive a letter explaining why you are not eligible. If no problems are found, the MVA will mail you the application.
-
Submit your application and fees
Complete the application and upload it through your myMVA account along with payment of required fees. Once received, the MVA will make a final decision and notify you by mail. As part of the approval process, you may be required to accept driving restrictions, such as an alcohol restriction or Ignition Interlock requirement.
When you get the MVA's decision
Fees
You must pay the required reinstatement fees when you submit your application. Additional fees may apply for testing or issuance of a new license. If you appeal a denial, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) requires a separate filing fee.
Questions? We can help.
Contact us if you have questions or need more information.