If your Michigan license was revoked after multiple drunk driving convictions, you can request a hearing with the Secretary of State once your minimum revocation period ends. You must prove by clear and convincing evidence that your alcohol or drug problem is under control and likely to stay that way. A first win typically brings a restricted license with an ignition interlock.
Losing your license after multiple drunk driving convictions affects everything: getting to work, taking kids to school, medical appointments. In Michigan, a revocation doesn’t end on its own. You have to win your license back at a hearing, and the burden is on you.
Who needs a license restoration hearing
- Drivers revoked after two drunk driving convictions within seven years (minimum revocation generally one year).
- Drivers revoked after three drunk driving convictions within ten years (minimum revocation generally five years).
- Other revocations that require a hearing to reinstate. Your Secretary of State driving record lists the reason and your eligibility date.
What you must prove
At the hearing, you must show by clear and convincing evidence, a demanding standard, that:
- your alcohol or drug problem is under control,
- it is likely to remain under control, and
- you are motivated to drive safely and within the law.
In practice, that usually means showing a meaningful period of sobriety and a strong support system.
What goes into a winning request
- A substance use evaluation from a qualified evaluator that is complete, accurate and consistent with your history.
- A drug screen showing no alcohol or drug use.
- Letters of support from people who know you well and can describe your sobriety in specific, consistent detail.
- Your testimony at the hearing, which must line up with the evaluation and the letters.
Inconsistencies between these pieces are one of the most common reasons for a denial. We review every document before it is filed, prepare you for the questions you will be asked, and present your case at the hearing.
What happens if you win
A successful first hearing usually results in a restricted license with an ignition interlock device, commonly for at least a year. After completing that period without problems, you can request a full, unrestricted license.
Experience with Michigan drunk driving law. David Goukassian is a contributor to ICLE’s Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice and has helped clients with OWI charges, suspended and revoked licenses, and restoration hearings. Learn about OWI defense.
Revocation rules and hearing procedures are set by the Michigan Secretary of State and can change. Call (248) 212-7263 for a free review of your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply to get my license back after a revocation?
After the minimum revocation period ends, generally one year after a second drunk driving conviction within seven years, or five years after a third within ten. Your Secretary of State record shows your eligibility date.
Will I get my full license back right away?
Usually not. When a first hearing is successful, the typical result is a restricted license with an ignition interlock device for at least a year. After that period, you can request a full license.
What if I lose my hearing?
You can generally request another hearing after a waiting period, and in some cases appeal to the circuit court. Because a denial costs you so much time, it pays to prepare thoroughly the first time.
Do I need a lawyer for a license restoration hearing?
You aren’t required to have one, but the burden is on you to prove your case by clear and convincing evidence, and small mistakes in the evaluation or letters can lead to a denial. Most denials come from preparation problems that a lawyer can help you avoid.