The last step in getting your driver's license back is to pay the required reinstatement fee. If you have not paid the fee your drivers license will not be reinstated even if the suspension period is over. Click here to find out more about reinstatement fees.

The process of actually getting your driver's license back in Michigan or understanding why it was suspended or revoked can be confusing, and it depends partly on your particular situation. This guide will attempt to put together some of the information provided by the Michigan Secretary of State to assist you in knowing how to restore your driving privileges or understand why they have been revoked.

• Request a Driver's License Appeal Hearing
• Preparing for you Driver's License Appeal Hearing

Request a Driver's License Appeal Hearing

A denial/revocation as a result of multiple substance abuse convictions: It is necessary to submit documentation of sobriety along with this request . Documentation includes, but is not limited to the following:

• A current substance abuse evaluation that is dated no later than 3 months prior to submission.
• Three to five community support letters.
• Documentary evidence of attendance at support meetings.
• Ignition Interlock final report if granted restrictions at previous DAAD hearing and ordered to install device (obtain this from the company).
  

An out-of-state substance abuse conviction from an arrest prior to 10/1/99 which resulted in a Michigan suspension, or any out-of-state conviction with an arrest date after 10/1/99:

If you have previously served a suspension/restriction of similar duration in the state where the conviction occurred, you may request a driver license appeal hearing to waive all or part of the Michigan suspension/restriction.

If you believe you are eligible to have your suspension/restriction waived, fill out the out-of-state request for hearing (available below) and send the following:

• Proof of out-of-state suspension/restriction (from and through dates).
• Proof of living in that state during the period of suspension/restriction. This may include rent receipts, employment records, utility bills, military records, etc.
• Proof of out-of-state license at the time of the conviction in question.
• Proof that you did not have a Michigan license during the suspension period.

If you were convicted of a single out-of-state alcohol driving-related crime and received a Michigan order of suspension, you may be eligible for 30-90 days of restrictions in Michigan. If you are seeking restrictions, you may submit a substance abuse evaluation for the hearing officer to consider when this decision is made.

A Driver Assessment action or branch office denial:

Driver Assessment actions and branch office denials are appealable to DAAD in 14 days. 

You may request an appeal immediately for any suspension, revocation or denial resulting from a conviction on a legal issue only. If you have a legal issue, please describe this in detail on your request for hearing.

Mail Requests For Hearing To:

Driver Assessment and Appeal Division
P.O. Box 30196
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7696
Or Fax: (517) 335-2190 or (517) 335-2189

All requests for hearings must be in writing and mailed or faxed to the address or fax number listed above. If you have questions regarding your appeal rights, contact our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH  (1-888-767-6424).

Note: TeleVideo hearings are conducted at various locations throughout the State. If you are scheduled for a televideo hearing, all documentation must be submitted in advance.

Preparing for your Driver's License Appeal Hearing 

If you are in-state, and are appealing to the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD), please send a completed Request for Hearing and Substance Abuse Evaluation form to DAAD at the address below.

If you are out-of-state, and are appealing to the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD), please send a completed Request for Outstate Review/Hearing form to DAAD at the address below.

Please submit your request for a hearing with a current substance abuse evaluation, dated not more than 3 months before the date it will be received by the Department. If you do not already have a substance abuse counselor, please check your local yellow page listings for a counselor in your area. The substance abuse counselor will prepare the evaluation and provide you with the completed form for your appeal hearing. Your substance abuse evaluation should be current.

You may be represented by legal counsel if you wish. Please advise the Department of your attorney's name, address, and telephone number. A recorded message regarding the appeal/reinstatement process in DAAD is available by calling our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424).

Michigan Department of State
Driver Assessment and Appeal Division
P.O. Box 30196
Lansing, MI 48090-7696

Additional Documentation of Petitioner's Past and Current Substance Abuse History:

You must obtain documentation of your drinking and drug use habits in the form of letters from people in your community who have frequent contact with you and may know something about your drinking habits and/or use of controlled substances. These would include immediate family members, other relatives, employers, friends, pastors, local police, a recognized support group such as 12 step meetings or Women for Sobriety, neighbors or others with whom you associate. It is required you submit at least 3 letters, but not more than six. These letters should be signed and dated and include the complete mailing address and daytime telephone number of the writer, and contain at least the following information about you. Please do not use form letters.

• What their relationship is to you.
• How long they have known you.
• How often they see you.
• Have them describe their knowledge of your past and current use of alcohol and/or drugs including frequency of use, amount used, beverage and/or drug of choice, etc.
• When the last time was they saw or had knowledge that you had used any alcohol and/or drugs.
• What their knowledge is of your past and current involvement in treatment and/or a support group.
• Have them include other information they believe is important.

Note: Please keep copies of your letters documenting your substance abuse history and evaluation and submit the originals. Copies will not be made for you at the hearing or reexamination.

If you were issued restrictions which included an Ignition Interlock requirement you should submit the ignition interlock Final Report along with your other documentation.

Unprepared petitioners should request the hearing be adjourned rather than fail to appear, as they are not eligible for another hearing for up to one year from the date of the scheduled hearing.