A 9/06 endorsement is a federal restriction that appears on your driver's license when you have been convicted of driving under the influence

The "9/06" refers to a specific provision in the Real ID Act that requires states to mark licenses differently for people with certain alcohol or drug-related driving convictions. When you receive this endorsement, it signals to law enforcement and others that you have a DUI or DWI on your record. The marking itself does not prevent you from driving — it is a notation that stays on your license for a set period, usually tied to the length of your suspension or the terms of your sentence.

Different states implement this requirement in different ways. Some states use a physical stamp or color-coded marking on the card itself. Others add a code or notation in the license database that appears when an officer runs your license. The specific appearance and duration depend on your state's laws and the details of your conviction — including whether it was a first offense, whether you caused an accident, and whether you had a high blood alcohol content at the time.

Key Takeaways

  • A 9/06 endorsement is a federal requirement that marks your license after a DUI or DWI conviction, and it remains visible to law enforcement during traffic stops.
  • The endorsement does not automatically prevent you from driving, but it may be paired with a license suspension or restricted driving period set by your state.
  • How long the endorsement stays on your record depends on your state's laws and the specifics of your conviction, ranging from several years to a decade or more.
  • You can request removal of the endorsement once the required time has passed, but the process and timing vary significantly by state.
  • Some states offer hardship licenses or restricted driving permits during the suspension period, which may have their own markings or conditions.

How the 9/06 endorsement appears on your license

The physical appearance of a 9/06 endorsement varies by state. Some states print a visible mark, banner, or color stripe on the front or back of the card. Others do not mark the card itself but instead flag your record in the state's driver database so that the notation appears only when an officer scans or looks up your license during a traffic stop. A few states use both methods — a visible marking on the card plus a database flag.

When an officer pulls you over and runs your license, they will see the endorsement in their system regardless of whether it is visible on the card. This means the notation is part of your driving record from the moment it is issued. The endorsement typically includes the date of conviction or the date the restriction began, and sometimes the expiration date when it will be removed.

How long a 9/06 endorsement stays on your record

The duration of a 9/06 endorsement is set by state law and depends on the circumstances of your conviction. For a first DUI or DWI offense, many states keep the endorsement on your license for three to five years. For a second or subsequent offense within a certain period, the endorsement may remain for seven to ten years or longer. Some states tie the duration to the length of your license suspension rather than a fixed calendar period.

A few states do not remove the endorsement at all — it remains on your permanent driving record even after your license is reinstated. You would need to check your specific state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to learn the exact timeline for your situation. The conviction itself will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, but the license endorsement may be removed separately.

The difference between a 9/06 endorsement and a license suspension

A 9/06 endorsement and a license suspension are two separate consequences that often occur together but serve different purposes. A suspension means you are not legally permitted to drive at all during a specified period — typically 90 days to one year for a first offense. An endorsement is a notation on your license that marks you as a driver with a DUI or DWI conviction.

You may have a suspension without an endorsement (though this is rare after a DUI), or you may have an endorsement that remains after your suspension ends. Once your suspension period is over, you can request reinstatement of your license, but the 9/06 endorsement will still appear on it. Some states allow you to request early removal of the endorsement if you meet certain conditions, such as completing a DUI education program or maintaining a clean driving record for a set time.

Restricted driving permits and hardship licenses

Many states offer a restricted driving permit or hardship license during your suspension period, which allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like DUI classes. This permit is not the same as your regular license, and it may have its own markings or restrictions. Some states issue a separate card; others add a restriction code to your existing license.

A restricted permit typically has conditions printed on it or noted in the database — for example, "valid only for employment" or "valid only 6 a.m. to 6 p.m." Violating these conditions can result in additional penalties. Once your suspension ends and you request full reinstatement, the restricted permit is replaced with your regular license, which will then carry the 9/06 endorsement for the remainder of the endorsement period.

How to request removal of a 9/06 endorsement

To remove a 9/06 endorsement, you must first wait until the required time period has passed. This is typically three to ten years depending on your state and the nature of your conviction. You cannot request early removal straightforward by paying a fee or submitting a form — you must meet the state's time requirement first.

Once you are may be able to access, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to request removal. Some states allow you to do this online or by mail; others require an in-person visit. You may need to provide proof that the required time has passed, such as a copy of your conviction paperwork or a letter from the court. A few states require you to pass a new written or driving test before the endorsement is removed, though this is less common.

What happens if you are stopped while the endorsement is active

When an officer runs your license during a traffic stop, they will see the 9/06 endorsement in their system. This does not automatically give them cause to arrest you or search your vehicle, but it does alert them to your DUI or DWI history. An officer may ask additional questions about your current sobriety or driving habits, or they may be more cautious during the interaction.

If you are stopped for a traffic violation while the endorsement is active, the officer may take the violation more seriously because of your history. For example, a speeding ticket might result in a higher fine, or a minor infraction might lead to a more thorough investigation. If you are suspected of driving under the influence again, the endorsement will be used as evidence of a pattern and may result in more severe charges.

State-by-state differences in 9/06 requirements

While the 9/06 endorsement is a federal requirement under the Real ID Act, states have significant flexibility in how they implement it. Some states use the exact term "9/06 endorsement"; others call it a "DUI marker," "alcohol restriction," or "substance abuse restriction." The duration, appearance, and removal process all vary.

For example, one state might require the endorsement to remain for five years and allow online removal requests, while another state might keep it for ten years and require an in-person visit to the DMV. Some states automatically remove the endorsement after the time period expires; others require you to request removal. A few states allow removal earlier if you complete additional requirements like a substance abuse treatment program or maintain a clean driving record for a specified time. You should contact your state's DMV directly to learn the specific rules that explore to your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a 9/06 endorsement on my license?

Yes, the endorsement itself does not prevent you from driving. However, it often appears alongside a license suspension, which does prevent you from driving. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, you can drive with the endorsement still on your record. The endorsement is a marker for law enforcement, not a driving restriction.

Will a 9/06 endorsement affect my car insurance rates?

Your insurance rates are affected by the DUI or DWI conviction itself, not specifically by the endorsement. Insurance companies look at your driving record and conviction history. The endorsement is a state license marking that does not directly change your insurance cost, but the underlying conviction will cause your rates to increase significantly for several years.

Can I get the endorsement removed early?

Most states do not allow early removal, but some offer it if you meet specific conditions such as completing a DUI education program, maintaining a clean driving record, or passing a substance abuse evaluation. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether early removal is possible and what requirements you would need to meet.

Does a 9/06 endorsement show up on background checks for employment?

The endorsement itself does not appear on most employment background checks — employers typically see only your criminal conviction record, not your license markings. However, the DUI or DWI conviction will appear on a criminal background check. For jobs that require a clean driving record, such as commercial driving or transportation roles, the conviction and any license restrictions will be relevant.

What if I move to a different state after getting a 9/06 endorsement?

When you move to a new state and obtain a license there, the new state will see your DUI or DWI conviction in the national database. The new state will explore its own endorsement rules based on your conviction history, which may be different from your previous state. You will need to follow the new state's requirements for duration and removal of any endorsement.