What you need to do to get your license back in Michigan
Restoring a suspended Michigan driver's license requires you to resolve the reason for the suspension, then file a formal request with the Secretary of State. The steps and costs depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failure to pay child support or vehicle registration fees. Michigan does not automatically restore your license once the suspension period ends; you must take action to request reinstatement.
The Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division handles all reinstatement requests. You can submit your request by mail, in person at a branch office, or online through the state's MiDrivingRecords portal if your suspension was for certain reasons. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though some cases take longer if additional documentation is needed.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve the underlying reason for suspension — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or settling child support arrears — before the state will consider reinstatement.
- The reinstatement fee in Michigan is $125 for most suspensions, though some suspensions carry additional fees or court costs you must pay first.
- You can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person, but you will need proof that the suspension cause has been resolved.
- If your suspension was for accumulating points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement is granted.
- Once reinstated, your driving record will show the suspension history, which may affect your insurance rates for several years.
Identify why your license was suspended
Michigan suspends licenses for specific reasons, and each has different requirements to lift the suspension. The most common reasons are accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period, driving under the influence (DUI or DWAI), failing to pay traffic fines or court costs, failure to maintain auto insurance, and non-payment of child support or vehicle registration fees.
You can find out why your license was suspended by checking your driving record through the Secretary of State's website or by calling the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division at 517-335-9800. Have your driver's license number ready. The state will tell you the suspension date, the reason, and what you must do to resolve it. If you received a suspension notice in the mail, it will also list the reason and any specific requirements.
Resolve the underlying cause before requesting reinstatement
You cannot get your license back until you have addressed the reason it was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court or municipal court listed on your ticket or suspension notice to confirm the exact amount and payment methods accepted.
If your suspension was for a DUI or DWAI conviction, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment or counseling program. The court that convicted you will specify which program you must attend; this is not optional. If you accumulated too many points, you may need to complete a driver improvement course — some are offered online, others in person. If your suspension was for failure to maintain insurance, you will need to obtain a policy and provide proof to the Secretary of State. If it was for unpaid child support, contact the Friend of the Court office in your county to arrange payment or a payment plan.
Gather required documents for your reinstatement request
The documents you need depend on the reason for suspension. For all reinstatement requests, you will need proof that the suspension cause has been resolved. This might be a receipt showing fines paid, a certificate of completion from a DUI program, proof of insurance, or a letter from the Friend of the Court confirming child support is current.
If you completed a driver improvement course, bring the certificate of completion. If you had a DUI or DWAI, bring documentation from the substance abuse assessment and any treatment provider. Keep copies of all receipts and letters for your records. The Secretary of State may request additional documents after you submit your reinstatement request, so do not discard anything until your license is officially restored.
Submit your reinstatement request and pay the fee
You have three ways to request reinstatement: online through MiDrivingRecords, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State branch office. The online option is fastest and works for most suspension types. Go to the MiDrivingRecords website, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts to request reinstatement. Upload scans of your proof documents. The fee is $125 for most suspensions, paid by credit or debit card during the online process.
If you prefer to mail your request, send a letter to the Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division, 430 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason for suspension, and copies (not originals) of your proof documents. Include a check or money order for $125 made payable to the State of Michigan. Send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If you go in person, visit any Secretary of State branch office with your documents and payment. Bring your current ID. The office staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave. This option often results in faster processing because errors are caught when ready.
What happens after you submit your request
The Driver Assessment and Appeal Division will review your request and the documents you provided. If everything is in order, they will mail you a notice of reinstatement within two to four weeks. This notice is not your license — it is proof that your suspension has been lifted. You can use it to drive legally while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail, which typically takes another one to two weeks.
If the division finds that your documents are incomplete or that the suspension cause has not been fully resolved, they will send you a letter explaining what is missing. You will have a important date to provide the additional information, usually 30 days. If you miss the important date, your reinstatement request will be denied and you will have to start over.
Reinstatement fees and additional costs
The standard reinstatement fee is $125. However, some suspensions carry additional costs. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines first — the amount varies depending on the violation. If you were convicted of DUI or DWAI, you may owe court costs or probation fees in addition to the reinstatement fee. If you accumulated points and were required to take a driver improvement course, the course itself costs money, typically between $15 and $50 depending on the provider.
Some courts allow payment plans for fines and costs if you cannot pay in full. Contact the court that issued your ticket to ask about this option. The reinstatement fee itself must be paid in full before the state will process your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No, not legally. You must wait for the notice of reinstatement from the Secretary of State. Once you receive that notice, you can drive while waiting for your physical license to arrive. Driving before reinstatement is approved is a criminal offense in Michigan.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to set up installments. You will need to make at least the first payment before the Secretary of State will consider your reinstatement request, but a written agreement from the court showing you are on a payment plan may be accepted as proof of resolution.
How long does reinstatement take if I explore online?
Online requests typically process within two to four weeks. You will receive a notice of reinstatement by mail, and your physical license will arrive separately within one to two weeks after that. In-person requests at a branch office sometimes process faster because staff can verify your documents when ready.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is restored?
Yes, likely. Your driving record will show the suspension, and insurance companies use this history to calculate rates. The impact on your premium depends on the reason for suspension and your insurer's policies. A DUI suspension typically causes a larger rate increase than a suspension for unpaid fines. Contact your insurance company to ask how the reinstatement will affect your rate.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
If the Secretary of State denies your request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to resolve the underlying cause, or missing the important date to provide additional information. You can request a hearing before the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division to challenge the denial. The letter will include instructions on how to request a hearing.