What causes a license suspension in Michigan and how to fix it
A suspended license in Michigan means the Secretary of State has temporarily taken away your driving privileges, but you can get it back once you address the reason for the suspension. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, too many points on your driving record, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, failure to maintain car insurance, or unpaid child support. Each reason has a different path to restoration, and you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted.
The first step is finding out exactly why your license was suspended. You can check your driving record through the Michigan Secretary of State website or by calling their Customer Service Center at 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). Once you know the reason, you can take the specific action needed to clear it — whether that is paying fines, completing a program, or providing proof of insurance.
Key Takeaways
- You can find out why your license is suspended by checking your driving record online through the Michigan Secretary of State or by calling 888-767-6424.
- Unpaid traffic fines, insurance lapses, and accumulated points are the most common suspension reasons, and each requires a different action to restore your license.
- After you resolve the underlying issue, you must request reinstatement through the Secretary of State, which usually takes one to two weeks.
- Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $125 for most suspensions) before your license becomes active again.
- If your suspension is related to a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
Checking your driving record and suspension status
The Michigan Secretary of State maintains your driving record and suspension status. You can view it online through the Secretary of State's official website by creating an account or logging in if you already have one. The online system shows your current license status, any active suspensions, and the reason for each one.
If you prefer not to check online, you can call the Customer Service Center at 888-SOS-MICH. A representative can tell you the suspension reason over the phone and explain what you need to do to restore your license. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call. You can also visit a Secretary of State branch office in person, though calling or checking online is usually faster.
Resolving unpaid traffic fines and court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount due and your payment options. Most courts accept payment by phone, online, by mail, or in person.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation. Keep this receipt or letter — you will need to show it when you request reinstatement from the Secretary of State. Some courts automatically notify the Secretary of State when payment is received, but it can take several days for that information to reach their system, so having your own proof speeds up the process.
Handling suspensions from insurance lapses
Michigan requires all drivers to maintain continuous auto insurance. If your coverage lapsed, your license is suspended under the state's No-Fault Act. To restore it, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof to the Secretary of State.
Contact an insurance company and purchase a policy that covers the vehicle you drive. Once you have an active policy, you can request reinstatement online through the Secretary of State's website or by calling 888-SOS-MICH. The Secretary of State can verify your insurance directly with the insurance company, so you may not need to submit a paper form. However, some older suspensions may require you to mail in a copy of your insurance card or policy declaration page.
Clearing suspensions from accumulated points
Michigan's point system assigns points to your record for traffic violations. If you accumulate too many points within a certain time period, your license is suspended. The threshold depends on your age and driving history: drivers under 19 are suspended at 12 points, drivers 19 and older at 15 points.
Unlike fines or insurance issues, you cannot straightforward pay to remove points. Instead, you must wait for points to age off your record. Points stay on your record for two years from the violation date. Once enough points have aged off to bring you below the suspension threshold, you can request reinstatement. The Secretary of State can tell you the exact date when you will become may be able to access. Some people choose to take a defensive driving course, which can remove up to four points from their record, though this does not happen automatically — you must complete an approved course and submit proof to the Secretary of State.
DUI suspensions and reinstatement requirements
A DUI conviction in Michigan results in a mandatory license suspension. The length depends on whether it is your first offense and the circumstances of the arrest. A first-offense DUI suspension typically lasts 6 months to 1 year, but you may be able to request a restricted license after 30 days that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments.
Before you can fully reinstate your license after a DUI, you must complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment program. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The court or Secretary of State will tell you which programs are approved in Michigan. Once you have completed the assessment and any required treatment, and if an interlock is required, once it has been installed and monitored for the required period, you can request full reinstatement.
Requesting reinstatement from the Secretary of State
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension, you must formally request reinstatement. You can do this online through the Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at a branch office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and receive confirmation within minutes.
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee of $125, though some older suspensions or specific circumstances may have different fees. You can pay this fee online when you submit your reinstatement request, or by check or money order if you mail your request. After the Secretary of State processes your request and confirms that the underlying issue is resolved, your license status will change to active. This usually takes one to two weeks if you submit online, and longer if you mail your request.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If the Secretary of State denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, an issue that was not fully resolved, or a mistake in your record. Read the letter carefully to understand what is missing or what still needs to be addressed.
If you believe the denial is incorrect, you can request a hearing before the Secretary of State's Administrative Hearing Section. The letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing and the important date to do so. You can also contact the Secretary of State's Customer Service Center to ask for clarification about what you need to do next. If the issue is a court fine, contact the court directly. If it is an insurance matter, contact your insurance company to confirm they have reported your coverage to the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a reinstatement request pending?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Michigan and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the Secretary of State confirms your license is active again before you drive. If you need to drive before reinstatement is complete, you may be able to request a temporary restricted license for essential trips like work or medical appointments.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Online reinstatement requests typically process within one to two weeks. Mail requests take longer, usually two to four weeks. If your suspension has multiple causes or requires verification from a court or insurance company, it may take additional time. You can check the status of your request by logging into your Secretary of State account online.
What if I have multiple reasons for suspension?
You must resolve all of them before your license can be reinstated. For example, if you have unpaid fines and an insurance lapse, you need to pay the fines and obtain insurance. The Secretary of State will tell you all the issues on your record when you check your status, so you know exactly what needs to be addressed.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license reinstated?
For most suspensions caused by fines, insurance, or points, you do not need a lawyer. You can handle reinstatement yourself by contacting the court, obtaining insurance, or submitting your request to the Secretary of State. For DUI-related suspensions, a lawyer can help you understand your options and navigate the substance abuse assessment and interlock requirements, though it is not required for reinstatement itself.
What happens if I ignore a suspension and keep driving?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Michigan. You can be arrested, fined up to $500 for a first offense, and face jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your suspension will be extended. It is much faster and cheaper to resolve the suspension than to face these penalties.