Reinstating License

Contrary to popular opinion, American citizens are not entitled to any so-called “driving rights.” Rather, driving is a privilege that the state grants to individuals who are deemed responsible in the eyes of law. As a result, if you are convicted of certain traffic offenses, the state may temporarily revoke your driving privileges. Known as a license suspension, this punishment is typically reserved for serious traffic violations, such as drunk driving, vehicular homicide, hit and run, or reckless driving. Fortunately, once your suspension period is over, your driving privileges may be restored through a reinstating license process. 

An automotive agency will use the eligibility requirements in your state to determine whether you qualify for license reinstatement. The good news is the agency does not consider any criminal charges related to your case, which means if you have any convictions on your record, they cannot be used against you. On the other hand, this also means that the agency can deny your reinstatement request if you were not convicted of any crime.

If the automotive agency denies your reinstatement request, they must provide a valid reason for doing so. You also have the right to appeal the decision, although it can be a difficult process. 

If the agency decides to reinstate your driver’s license, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee. Some states charge a flat rate for this fee, while others use your previous driving history to determine an appropriate amount. As a result, your reinstatement fee can be as little as $20 or as much as $1,000, depending on the state.

You will also need to obtain an SR-22 form from your insurance company before your driver’s license can be reinstated. Reserved for high-risk drivers, the SR-22 form is a state-mandated document that proves you have auto insurance liability coverage. It is important to know that once you have been ordered to obtain an SR-22 form, your insurance rates will skyrocket. Moreover, since most states require high-risk drivers to keep SR-22 insurance for five years or more, you should be prepared to pay inflated insurance premiums for the next several years.

It is important to obtain legal representation before you begin the reinstating license process. The right attorney can navigate you through the stressful application process, and use his or her legal knowledge to improve your chances of success. When you’re ready to get your license back, make sure you discuss your case with an experienced attorney in your area.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC