Having your driver’s license revoked creates all kinds of stress. When you can’t drive, it can feel almost impossible to manage work and childcare and keep up with family and friends. Adding to the stress is the fact that, if your license has been revoked (as opposed to suspended), getting it back is a complicated process.

The most common reason someone has their driver’s license revoked is multiple drinking and driving offenses. To regain your license after two or more drunk driving convictions, you must completely stop using alcohol and illegal drugs. You’ll need to schedule a hearing with the Secretary of State (SOS) to request to have your license restored.

Preparing for Your Hearing
If your license was revoked for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), you would have been provided with an ‘eligible for review’ date. Before this date, there is nothing you can do to restore your license. Once the date comes, you will need to request a hearing and provide several items that prove you are not drinking or using illegal drugs.

You will need to provide:

• A community support letter from 3-6 friends, family members, or coworkers (if you don’t plan to have witnesses at your hearing). Each letter must be notarized, dated, and include the address and phone number of the person who wrote it.
• A Substance Use Evaluation completed by a qualified evaluator (if you have been arrested for any alcohol or controlled substance-related offenses). A state-approved licensed evaluator will do the evaluation, which costs about $300.
• A laboratory report from a 12-panel urinalysis drug screen.

In some cases you will also need to provide:

• Ignition interlock report from your interlock provider that is dated within 30 days of submission
• DA-4P form from your doctor (if you are taking any medication to treat addiction, pain, or a mental or physical health condition that may impact your ability to drive safely)
• Certifications of completion or verification of participation from programs such as AA, other support groups, or individual counseling. 

At the Hearing(s)
At your hearing, you will be asked to testify, and you may be able to have witnesses speak on your behalf. While you aren’t required to bring a lawyer, you may choose to have one accompany you. An SOS hearing officer will decide your case. 

If you have had more than one OWI conviction, you may be required to have two hearings. At the first, you will either be denied or issued a restricted license. If you receive a restricted license, you will be given a date to attend a second hearing to completely restore your license.

The Right Lawyer Makes All the Difference
Getting your driver’s license back can be a stressful, complex process. On top of that, if your hearing results in a denial, you’ll need to go a full year without a license while waiting to request a new hearing. With so much on the line, it makes sense to hire a lawyer with a proven track record. 

Hayes Law specializes in restoring revoked driver’s licenses at the first hearing. In fact, our track record is one of the best in the state. We’ll help you gather all the materials you need and make your case to get you driving again. Learn more by contacting us today.