License restoration

Dangerous, negligent, or careless driving behavior can result in both serious legal consequences and the temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.

License suspension License revocation Common causes for suspension or revocations

If a driver's license is suspended, an individual’s driving privileges are temporarily withdrawn for a specific period and may be reinstated once the terms of the suspension are fulfilled. Because a driver’s license renewal transaction is required you must visit a Secretary of State Branch office to get your license reinstated.

If a driver's license is revoked, an individual’s driving privileges are terminated and can only be reinstated if the individual meets eligibility requirements and any conditions or terms set forth in a hearing facilitated through the Michigan Department of State.

Whether through an accumulation of points, driving while intoxicated or other violation there are specific penalties and consequences for each offense.

Six Points:

Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or other felony involving use of a motor vehicle
Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs
Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash
Reckless driving
Unlawful bodily alcohol content of 0.08 or more
Refusal to take a chemical test
Fleeing or eluding a police officer

Four Points:

Drag racing
Operating while visibly impaired
Under age 21 with any bodily alcohol content
16 mph or more over the legal speed limit
Failure to yield/show due caution for emergency vehicles

Three Points:

Careless driving
Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing
11 through 15 mph over the legal speed limit
Failure to stop at railroad crossing
Failure to stop for a school bus or for disobeying a school crossing guard

Two Points:

Open alcohol container in vehicle
All other moving violations of traffic laws
Refusal of Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) by a driver under age 21

NOTE: Snowmobile and off-road vehicle (ORV) alcohol-conviction points are placed on a driver record and may result in licensing action against your driving privileges even though the violation happened while operating a snowmobile or ORV.

Understanding the hearings process (Choose tab)

Many suspensions and revocations either require or can be shortened by an administrative hearing.

Request a hearing Virtual hearings due to COVID-19 restrictions Drug and alcohol related suspensions and revocations

Individuals seeking a hearing for a suspension or revocation may do so online using DAIS – the Driver Appeals Integrated System. To use DAIS you must first set up an account by following the online instructions at: http://milogin.michigan.gov

You may also submit a Request for Hearing form and a Substance Evaluation Form to the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight at the following address:

Michigan Department of State
Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight
P.O. Box 30196
Lansing, MI 48909-7696

All requests for hearings must be in writing and either mailed or submitted electronically. If you have questions regarding your appeal rights, contact our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424).

Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements there are NO LIVE (IN-PERSON) hearings being held at this time. Until further notice ALL OHAO hearings are being held via video conferences using Microsoft Teams.

If you have not already done so, please download the free Microsoft Teams app now. DO NOT REGISTER or LOGIN.
Review the Notice of Hearing to find the name of the hearing officer assigned to your hearing.
Locate the name of the assigned hearing officer on the list on this page.
Follow the link that follows the name of the assigned hearing officer that says (Follow this link to join the meeting) join as a guest using your first/last name.
Make sure to enable your camera and microphone icons found at the bottom center.
You must access this link from the device you intend to use.
This is a formal hearing, and you should be in a quiet location by yourself and have a clear table/area in front of you that is free from any documents.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE NEXT LINK BUTTON AND SELECT THE HEARING OFFICER FROM YOUR LETTER

If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked due to a drug or alcohol related offense, you will want to familiarize yourself with the following programs and information as you work to restore your driving privileges.

Ignition interlock information
Sobriety court
High blood alcohol content (BAC) offenses
Habitual alcohol offender information

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the potential outcomes of my driving reexamination?

At the conclusion of your driver assessment reexamination, your license may be unaffected, or it may be restricted, suspended, or revoked depending on several factors. These factors include the type of violation or unsafe driving behavior involved, your driver record, and your willingness to comply with assessment recommendations and requirements.

License restrictions allow you to drive under certain terms and conditions that will be stated on your restricted license. A license suspension means that your driving privileges are taken away for a determined period of time, ranging from days to months. A license revocation means that you must wait one to five years before you are eligible to reapply for possible re-licensure. If your license is restricted, suspended, or revoked, you will be given your appeal rights and licensing reinstatement information.

I received a notice to appear for a reexamination. Why?

You have received tickets while on probation.
The Secretary of State has reason to believe that you cannot operate a motor vehicle safely because of a mental or physical condition.
You have been involved in a fatal crash.
You have been involved in three or more traffic crashes within a two-year period where the crash report indicates you were at fault.
You have accumulated 12 or more points within a two-year period.
You have been convicted of violating the restrictions, terms or conditions of your license.

If you are scheduled for a driver assessment reexamination, you will receive a Notice to Appear telling you when and where to go for a reexamination. Your reexamination will include time for the driver assessment analyst to review your driver record and discuss your driving behavior with you. You may be required to pass vision and knowledge tests as well as an on-road performance test. You may also be required to provide a medical or vision statement for review.

At the conclusion of your driver assessment reexamination, your license may be unaffected, or it may be restricted, suspended or revoked depending on a number of factors. These factors include the type of violation or unsafe driving behavior involved, your driver record, and your willingness to comply with assessment recommendations and requirements. If you are approved for re-licensure, you may be required to pay the appropriate licensing and reinstatement fees.