DUI License Recovery by State (2026) — Get Your License Back
Got a DUI or DWI? This guide is for anyonewho needs to get their driver's license back — not just people with felony records. Below you'll find state-by-state data on license suspension periods, ignition interlock device (IID) requirements, SR-22 insurance, reinstatement fees, and the step-by-step process to get back on the road. Click any state on the map or in the table for full details.
Last updated: 2026-03-22. Sources: NCSL State Ignition Interlock Laws & DUI.org & DUI.org. This is informational only, not legal advice.
Ignition Interlock (IID) Requirements Map
Full Data: DUI License Recovery (All 51 Jurisdictions)
| State | Suspension | IID Required | SR-22 | Fee | Reinstatement Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 90 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months (BAC .08–.14); 1 year if BAC >= .15, child present, or injury | Yes (3 years) | $275 | Complete suspension, install IID, obtain SR-22, pay reinstatement fee, apply at DMV |
| Alaska | 90 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months minimum (first offense); 12 months (second); 18 months (third+) | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete suspension, install IID, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Arizona | 90 days (first offense; 30 days restricted) | IID required — all offensesYes — 12 months post-suspension (all offenses) | Yes (3 years) | $250 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol screening/treatment, install IID, file SR-22, pay fees, apply at MVD |
| Arkansas | 6 months (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — up to 1 year on restricted license (first offense); longer for repeat | Yes (3 years) | $150 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol education, install IID for restricted license, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DFA |
| Colorado | 9 months (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 8 months with IID for early reinstatement (first offense); 2 years (second+) | Yes (3 years) | $95 | Complete 1-month wait, install IID for early reinstatement, complete alcohol education, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Connecticut | 45 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 1 year after 45-day suspension (first offense); 3 years (second within 10 years) | Yes (3 years) | $175 | Complete 45-day suspension, install IID, complete alcohol education program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| District of Columbia | 6 months (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months (first offense); 1 year (second); 2 years (third+) | Yes (3 years) | $98 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete alcohol treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DC DMV |
| Delaware | 12 months (first offense; conditional license after 1 month) | IID required — all offensesYes — 14 months program; conditional license after 1 month with IID (first offense); 20 months (second) | Yes (3 years) | $143 | Complete 1-month hard suspension, install IID for conditional license, complete ADEP program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Hawaii | 1 year revocation (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — IID required during revocation period (first offense); 2 years (second within 5 years) | Yes (3 years) | $40 | Complete revocation, install IID, complete substance abuse program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at county DMV |
| Idaho | 90 days (first offense; restricted permit after 30 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — mandatory if BAC > .20 (first offense) or any prior within 10 years; 1 year minimum | Yes (3 years) | $285 | Complete suspension, install IID if required, complete alcohol evaluation/treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at ITD |
| Illinois | 6 months (first offense, failed test); 1 year (refused test) | IID required — all offensesYes — during statutory suspension period; BAIID required for driving relief | Yes (3 years) | $250 | Complete suspension, install BAIID for MDDP, complete risk education, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at Secretary of State |
| Iowa | 180 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — required for restricted license; 1 year for BAC >= .10 (first offense); 1 year+ (second+) | Yes (2 years) | $20 | Complete suspension or obtain temporary restricted license with IID, complete substance abuse evaluation, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DOT |
| Kansas | 30 days suspension + 330 days restricted (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months (clear record, first offense); 12 months (prior violations); up to 10 years for repeat | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete suspension, install IID for restricted license, complete alcohol program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Kentucky | 30–120 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months after revocation (first offense); 12 months (second); 30 months (third+) within 5 years | Yes (3 years) | $40 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol education (ADE), install IID, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at circuit court clerk |
| Louisiana | 90 days (first offense; hardship license after 30 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — required for restricted/hardship license (first offense); longer for repeat offenders | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete suspension or obtain hardship license with IID, complete substance abuse program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at OMV |
| Maryland | 45 days (first offense DUI); 6 months (per se with BAC >= .08) | IID required — all offensesYes — 1–3 years if BAC >= .15 (first offense); required for all participation in IIP; 24 months minimum (fourth+) | Yes (3 years) | $150 | Complete suspension, enroll in IIP with IID, complete alcohol education, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at MVA |
| Mississippi | 90 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 90 days on restricted license (first offense, discretionary); 1 year (second); 3 years (third) | Yes (3 years) | $175 | Complete suspension, install IID for restricted license, complete MASEP program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DPS |
| Montana | 6 months (first offense; probationary license after 45 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — required for probationary license (first offense); 1 year minimum; longer for repeat offenders | Yes (3 years) | $200 | Complete 45-day hard suspension, install IID for probationary license, complete ACT program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at MVD |
| Nebraska | 6 months (first offense; IID permit after 30 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — eligible for IID permit after 30 days revocation (first offense); required after 1-year revocation (second+) | Yes (3 years) | $125 | Complete 30-day hard revocation, obtain IID permit, complete alcohol education, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| New Hampshire | 9 months (first offense; conditional license after 45 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — required on all registered vehicles during conditional license period | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete 45-day hard suspension, install IID for conditional license, complete IDCMP program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| New Jersey | Until IID installed (BAC .08–.10); 4–6 months (BAC .10–.15); 8 months (BAC > .15) | IID required — all offensesYes — 3 months (BAC .08–.10); 6 months–1 year (BAC .10–.15); 9–15 months (BAC > .15). Mandatory 1 year minimum (second+) | Yes (3 years) | $200 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete IDRC program, file SR-22, pay fee + surcharges, apply at MVC |
| New Mexico | 6 months (first offense; IID license available immediately) | IID required — all offensesYes — 1 year as probation condition (first offense); 2 years (second); 3 years (third); life (fourth+) | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Obtain IID license immediately, complete DWI school, install IID, complete community service, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at MVD |
| New York | 6 months (first offense DWAI); 1 year (first DWI) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6 months minimum during revocation period; court determines length for repeat offenses | Yes (3 years) | $50 | Complete revocation, install IID, complete DDP (Drinking Driver Program), file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Oklahoma | 180 days (first offense; modified license after 30 days with IID) | IID required — all offensesYes — required for modified license (all offenses); 18 months (first); 4 years (second); 5 years (third+) | Yes (3 years) | $225 | Complete 30-day hard suspension, install IID for modified license, complete DUI school, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DPS |
| Oregon | 1 year (first offense; hardship permit after 30 days) | IID required — all offensesYes — 1 year after suspension/revocation (first offense); 2 years (second+); 5 years (with violent crimes) | Yes (3 years) | $75 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete alcohol treatment program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Tennessee | 1 year (first offense; restricted license available) | IID required — all offensesYes — required on restricted license (all offenses); minimum 1 year | Yes (3 years) | $75 | Complete mandatory jail time, install IID for restricted license, complete alcohol treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DDS |
| Texas | 90 days–1 year (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — required during suspension for occupational license; mandatory for all second+ offenses | Yes (2 years) | $125 | Complete suspension, install IID if ordered, complete DWI education program, file SR-22, pay reinstatement fee + surcharges, apply at DPS |
| Utah | 120 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — required as probation condition (all offenses); typically 18 months (first); 3 years (second+) | Yes (3 years) | $40 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete alcohol screening/treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DLD |
| Vermont | 90 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — varies: 30 days minimum (first refusal); 18 months (second+); required for reinstatement | Yes (3 years) | $90 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete alcohol program (CRASH), file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Virginia | 1 year (first offense; restricted license available) | IID required — all offensesYes — 6+ months without violations on restricted license (all offenses); mandatory for all convictions | Yes (3 years) | $145 | Complete suspension, install IID for restricted license, complete VASAP program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Washington | 90 days (first offense) | IID required — all offensesYes — 1 year (first offense); 5 years (second); 10 years (third+) | Yes (3 years) | $150 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete alcohol evaluation/treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DOL |
| West Virginia | 15 days–6 months (first offense, depends on BAC) | IID required — all offensesYes — 125–270 days depending on BAC/circumstances (first offense); 2 years (second+) | Yes (3 years) | $50 | Complete suspension, install IID, complete safety and treatment program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Georgia | 1 year (first offense; limited permit after 120 days) | IID required — repeat onlyNo IID for first offense; 12 months minimum for second+ offenders on probation | Yes (3 years) | $210 | Complete 120-day hard suspension, complete Risk Reduction Program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DDS for limited permit |
| Maine | 150 days (first offense) | IID required — repeat onlyNo IID for first offense; 9 months IID after 2-year reinstatement for 2+ OUI offenses | Yes (3 years) | $50 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol evaluation/treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at BMV |
| Massachusetts | 1 year (first offense; hardship license after 3–6 months) | IID required — repeat onlyNo IID for first offense; 2 years IID for 2+ OUI convictions | Yes (3 years) | $500 | Complete suspension, complete 16-week alcohol education program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at RMV |
| Missouri | 90 days (first offense; 30-day hard suspension + 60 days restricted) | IID required — repeat onlyDiscretionary for first offense; mandatory 6+ months for second+ offense post-reinstatement | Yes (2 years) | $45 | Complete suspension, complete SATOP program, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DOR |
| Ohio | 1–3 years (first offense; limited driving privileges after 15 days) | IID required — repeat onlyNo IID for first offense; mandatory for third+ offense on occupational license | Yes (3 years) | $475 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at BMV for reinstatement |
| California | 4 months (first offense; restricted license after 30 days) | IID at judicial discretionCourt may require IID; heightened consideration for BAC >= .15 or prior violations. Required statewide pilot since 2019 | Yes (3 years) | $125 | Complete suspension, install IID if ordered, complete DUI program (3–9 months), file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Indiana | 90 days–2 years (first offense; probationary license available) | IID at judicial discretionCourt may condition probationary driving privileges on IID use; not mandated for first offense | Yes (3 years) | $225 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol assessment, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at BMV |
| Nevada | 185 days (first offense; restricted license after 45 days) | IID at judicial discretionCourt shall require IID based on BAC/offense level; typically 3–6 months (first offense) | Yes (3 years) | $121 | Complete suspension, install IID if ordered, complete DUI school, complete victim impact panel, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| North Dakota | 91 days (first offense) | IID at judicial discretionCourt or licensing agency may order IID for temporary restricted privileges; not mandatory for first offense | Yes (3 years) | $50 | Complete suspension, complete addiction evaluation, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DOT |
| South Carolina | 6 months (first offense) | IID at judicial discretionIID enrollment required for all convictions per IIDR program; effectively mandatory through enrollment requirement | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete suspension, enroll in IID program, complete ADSAP program, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| South Dakota | 30 days (first offense; restricted license available) | IID at judicial discretionDiscretionary; attorney general establishes IID procedures. Court may order but no statewide mandate for first offense | Yes (3 years) | $200 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol evaluation, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DPS |
| Florida | 180 days–1 year (first offense; hardship license available) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense; mandatory for second conviction (1+ year), first with minor in vehicle (6 months), or second with minor (2 years) | Yes (3 years) | $225 | Complete suspension, complete DUI school, complete substance abuse treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at FLHSMV |
| Michigan | 30 days suspension + 150 days restricted (first offense) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense; required for BAC >= .17 (Super Drunk, first offense); 1 year on restricted license for repeat offenders | Yes (3 years) | $125 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol treatment, install IID if required, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at SOS |
| Minnesota | 90 days (first offense; limited license after 15 days) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense; discretionary as probation condition; required for high BAC or repeat offenses | Yes (3 years) | $680 | Complete suspension, complete chemical assessment, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DVS |
| North Carolina | 1 year (first offense; limited privilege after 10 days) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense; mandatory if BAC > .16 or second+ offense within 7 years | Yes (3 years) | $100 | Complete suspension, complete substance abuse assessment/treatment, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Pennsylvania | 12 months (first offense with BAC >= .10); no suspension (BAC .08–.099, first offense) | No IID mandate (first offense)May require IID for first offense; mandatory for second+ offense (1 year post-reinstatement) | Yes (3 years) | $76 | Complete suspension, complete CRN evaluation and treatment, install IID if required, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at PennDOT |
| Rhode Island | 30–180 days (first offense) | No IID mandate (first offense)Discretionary for first offense; mandatory for high BAC scenarios; required for second+ offense | Yes (3 years) | $350 | Complete suspension, complete DUI school and community service, install IID if ordered, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Wisconsin | 6–9 months (first offense; occupational license available) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense (civil violation); mandatory for test refusal or BAC >= .15; 1 year minimum for second+ within 5 years | Yes (3 years) | $200 | Complete suspension, complete OWI assessment, install IID if required, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at DMV |
| Wyoming | 90 days (first offense) | No IID mandate (first offense)No IID for standard first offense; required if BAC >= .15 (6 months); mandatory for second+ offense | Yes (3 years) | $50 | Complete suspension, complete alcohol assessment, install IID if required, file SR-22, pay fee, apply at WYDOT |
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility — not a type of insurance itself. After a DUI conviction, your state's DMV requires your auto insurance company to file an SR-22 form proving you carry at least the state-minimum liability coverage. If your policy lapses or is canceled, your insurer is required to notify the state immediately, and your license will be re-suspended.
- Duration: Most states require SR-22 for 3 years; some states (Iowa, Missouri, Texas) require 2 years.
- Cost: The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50, but your insurance premiums will increase significantly — expect to pay $300-$800+ more per year.
- FR-44: Florida and Virginia use FR-44 instead of SR-22, which requires higher liability coverage limits.
- Key tip: Never let your SR-22 coverage lapse. Even a 1-day gap can restart your suspension period.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You blow into the device before starting the car, and the device also requires random "rolling retests" while driving.
- Cost: Installation runs $70-$150. Monthly monitoring and calibration fees are $60-$80/month. Total cost for a 1-year requirement: $800-$1,100.
- Who requires it: 32 states + DC require IID for all DUI offenses (including first offense). 5 states require it for repeat offenders only. 6 states leave it to judicial discretion.
- Violations: Failed breath tests or tampering attempts are reported and can extend your IID period or result in additional penalties.
- Benefit: Many states allow you to get a restricted license with IID sooner than waiting out the full suspension period.
General License Reinstatement Process
While each state has its own process, most follow these general steps:
- Wait out the suspension period — serve the mandatory hard suspension before applying. Some states allow a restricted license with IID after a shorter waiting period.
- Complete court-ordered requirements — DUI education classes, substance abuse evaluation/treatment, victim impact panels, community service.
- Install IID if required — schedule installation with a state-approved provider. Keep the device calibrated on schedule.
- Obtain SR-22 insurance— contact your insurer or find a new one that files SR-22. The insurer files the certificate directly with your state's DMV.
- Pay all fees and fines — reinstatement fee, outstanding court fines, and any surcharges. Some states require all financial obligations to be cleared.
- Apply at your state DMV — bring proof of program completion, SR-22 certification, IID installation (if applicable), and payment receipts. Some states allow online applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my license suspended after a DUI?
It depends on your state and whether it is your first offense. First-offense suspensions range from 30 days (South Dakota) to 1 year (several states). Most states impose a 90-day to 6-month suspension for a first DUI. Repeat offenses carry significantly longer suspensions, often 1-5 years or permanent revocation.
What is an ignition interlock device (IID)?
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breathalyzer wired into your vehicle's ignition system. You must blow into it before starting the car, and periodically while driving. If alcohol is detected (typically above 0.02-0.025% BAC), the vehicle will not start. Most states require IID installation after a DUI conviction. The device costs $70-$150 for installation plus $60-$80/month for monitoring and calibration.
What is SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it is a certificate that your auto insurance company files with your state's DMV to prove you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Most states require SR-22 filing for 2-3 years after a DUI conviction. SR-22 insurance typically costs $300-$800 more per year than standard coverage. A few states (Florida, Virginia) use an FR-44 form instead, which requires higher coverage limits.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license after a DUI?
Reinstatement fees range from $20 (Iowa) to $680 (Minnesota), with most states charging $50-$250. However, the total cost of license recovery is much higher when you factor in IID installation ($70-$150), monthly IID monitoring ($60-$80/month), SR-22 insurance surcharges ($300-$800/year), DUI education programs ($200-$500), and court fines. Total first-year costs commonly range from $3,000 to $10,000+.
Can I get a hardship or restricted license during my suspension?
Most states offer some form of restricted, hardship, or occupational license that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs during your suspension. Many states require IID installation as a condition of the restricted license. Some states have a hard suspension period (typically 15-45 days) before a restricted license is available.
Do I need SR-22 insurance in every state?
Almost every state requires SR-22 filing after a DUI conviction. The typical requirement is 3 years of continuous SR-22 coverage, though some states require only 2 years. If your SR-22 policy lapses — even for a day — your insurer must notify the state, and your license will be re-suspended. Virginia and Florida use FR-44 instead of SR-22.
What is the BAC limit for a DUI?
The legal limit is 0.08% BAC in all 50 states and DC, except Utah which lowered its limit to 0.05% in 2018. For drivers under 21, most states have zero-tolerance laws (0.00-0.02% BAC). Commercial drivers (CDL holders) are held to a 0.04% BAC limit nationwide. Some states have enhanced penalty thresholds at 0.15% or 0.17% BAC.
How long does a DUI stay on my record?
DUI lookback periods (how long a prior DUI counts as a previous offense for sentencing) vary widely: some states use 5-year windows (Alabama, Mississippi), many use 7-10 years, and several states (Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Indiana, Florida, Massachusetts, Wisconsin) count DUIs for your entire lifetime. A DUI conviction typically stays on your criminal record permanently unless expunged. It stays on your driving record for 5-10 years in most states.
Resources
- NHTSA — Drunk Driving — federal statistics, campaigns, and research
- NCSL — State Ignition Interlock Laws — detailed IID legislation by state
- SAMHSA National Helpline — free substance abuse treatment referrals (1-800-662-4357)
- MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) — victim impact panels and support
- Your state DMV website — search "[your state] DMV license reinstatement after DUI"