Yes, your license will be suspended after a drunk driving conviction

A drunk driving conviction triggers an automatic license suspension in every state. The suspension happens separately from any jail sentence or fine — it is a direct consequence of the conviction itself, not a penalty a judge decides. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent licensing body) suspends your driving privileges based on the conviction record, usually within days of the court decision.

The length of suspension depends on how many drunk driving convictions you have on your record. A first conviction typically suspends your license for three months to one year. A second conviction within a set timeframe (usually five to ten years, depending on your state) suspends it for one to five years. A third or subsequent conviction can result in a suspension of five years or longer, sometimes permanently.

Some states also impose an administrative suspension that happens before your trial even begins — this is separate from the conviction suspension and starts when you are arrested or fail a breath test. That administrative suspension can last 30 to 180 days while your case is still pending.

Key Takeaways

  • License suspension is automatic after a drunk driving conviction and is handled by your state's motor vehicle department, not by the court.
  • A first conviction typically suspends your license for three months to one year; a second conviction usually suspends it for one to five years.
  • Many states impose an additional administrative suspension that begins when ready after arrest, before your trial concludes.
  • You may be able to request a restricted license (for work or medical appointments) after a waiting period, but this requires a separate petition to the court.
  • Suspension length varies significantly by state, so you need to contact your state's DMV or licensing authority to learn your specific timeline.

How the suspension timeline works

The suspension does not start on the day you are convicted. It starts on the date your state's DMV receives the conviction record from the court — usually within one to three weeks after sentencing. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the suspension start date and how long it will last. That notice is your official record that the suspension is in effect.

During the suspension period, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, your license will show as suspended in their system.

The suspension ends automatically on the date specified in your notice. You do not need to reapply or take any action to restore your license — it becomes valid again on its own. However, some states require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $500) before you can drive again, even though the suspension period has ended.

Restricted licenses and work permits

Many states allow you to request a restricted license or hardship license after you have served part of the suspension period. This limited license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like alcohol treatment classes. You cannot use it for any other purpose.

To get a restricted license, you must petition the court (not the DMV) in the county where you were convicted. The court decides whether to grant it based on factors like whether you have a job that requires driving, whether public transportation is available, and your driving record before the conviction. Some states require you to wait 30 to 90 days into the suspension before you can even request one.

You will also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle — a breathalyzer that prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring typically falls on you and ranges from $60 to $150 per month. Some states require the device for all restricted licenses; others only for repeat offenders.

What happens if you drive during suspension

Driving with a suspended license after a drunk driving conviction is a separate criminal charge in every state. It is usually charged as a misdemeanor and can result in fines of $500 to $2,000, additional jail time (often 10 days to six months), and an extension of your suspension period.

If you are stopped and your license shows as suspended for drunk driving, police will likely arrest you on the spot. Your vehicle may be impounded, which adds towing and storage fees on top of the criminal charges. A second driving-while-suspended charge can be elevated to a felony in some states, especially if you cause an accident.

The suspension extension is automatic — you do not have to be convicted of the new charge for your original suspension to be extended. Many states add one to three years to your suspension straightforward for being caught driving during the period.

Suspension versus revocation

A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, then returned. A revocation is permanent or semi-permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period (often five to ten years). Most first drunk driving convictions result in suspension. Revocation typically happens after multiple convictions, a conviction involving an accident with injury or death, or a conviction of felony drunk driving.

If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward wait out the period and drive again. After the waiting period ends, you must explore for a new license, pay reinstatement fees, and in many states pass a written test and driving test again. Some states also require proof of completion of a substance abuse program before they will consider your process.

How to find your state's specific suspension rules

Suspension lengths and procedures vary significantly by state. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the exact suspension period for first, second, and subsequent convictions in your state. You can also call the DMV directly — they can tell you the suspension start date, end date, and whether you are may be able to access for a restricted license.

If you have not yet been convicted and are facing charges, an attorney in your state can explain how the suspension will affect you and whether there are any options to reduce it. Some states allow plea agreements that reduce the charge to a lesser offense, which may result in a shorter suspension or no suspension at all.

Keep the suspension notice the DMV sends you. You will need it to prove your suspension status to employers, insurance companies, or if you are stopped by police. Do not assume the suspension has ended based on your memory of the date — check with the DMV to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back early if I complete a treatment program?

Some states allow early reinstatement if you complete a court-ordered alcohol education or treatment program, but this is not automatic. You must petition the court and show proof of completion. The court decides whether to grant early reinstatement; the DMV does not have authority to shorten the suspension on its own.

Will my insurance company know about the suspension?

Yes. Your state's DMV reports the conviction to insurance companies, and your insurer will see the suspension on your driving record. Your insurance rates will increase significantly, and some insurers will cancel your policy. You may need to switch to a high-risk insurer, which charges much higher premiums.

What if I move to another state while my license is suspended?

Your suspension follows you. Every state's DMV can see convictions from other states through the National Driver Register, a shared database. If you move and try to get a new license in your new state, the suspension will show up, and you will not be issued a license until the suspension period ends. Some states will not issue a new license until you have completed the suspension in your original state.

Does the suspension start when ready after arrest, or only after conviction?

It depends on your state. Many states impose an administrative suspension when ready after a failed breath test or arrest, which lasts 30 to 180 days. This suspension ends when your case is resolved. Then, if you are convicted, a separate conviction suspension begins. You could face two suspensions — one before trial and one after conviction.

Can I get a hardship license if I have a job that requires driving?

You can request one, but the court is not required to grant it. Having a job that requires driving is one factor the court considers, but it is not automatic. You must show that no alternative transportation is available and that losing your job would cause genuine hardship. The court weighs this against public safety concerns.