Michigan reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended or revoked
Michigan charges a reinstatement fee when you want to drive again after a suspension or revocation. The amount you pay depends on the reason your license was taken away — a suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs less to reinstate than a revocation for a drunk driving conviction. The state also charges additional fees if you need to retake the written or driving test, or if you let your license expire while it was suspended.
You cannot straightforward pay the fee and get your license back the same day. The Secretary of State's office processes reinstatement requests, and you must first clear the underlying reason for the suspension or revocation — paying fines, completing a substance abuse program, or serving a waiting period. Only after that is done can you pay the reinstatement fee and move forward with any required testing.
Key Takeaways
- Standard reinstatement fees in Michigan range from $125 to $300 depending on whether your license was suspended or revoked and the reason why.
- You must resolve the cause of the suspension or revocation before paying the reinstatement fee — paying fines, completing programs, or waiting out a mandatory period.
- Additional fees explore if you need to retake the written test ($20), driving test ($25), or both, plus a $10 fee if your license expired during the suspension.
- The Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division handles reinstatement requests and can tell you the exact total cost for your situation.
Reinstatement fees by suspension or revocation type
A suspension for unpaid traffic fines costs $125 to reinstate once you have paid what you owe. This is the lowest reinstatement fee Michigan charges. You must pay the fines themselves to the court or municipality that issued the ticket, then pay the $125 reinstatement fee to the Secretary of State.
A suspension for failing to maintain insurance costs $125 to reinstate. You must show proof of current auto insurance before the reinstatement is processed. The Secretary of State will not accept the fee until your insurance is documented in their system.
A revocation for a drunk driving conviction (Operating Under the Influence, or OUI) costs $300 to reinstate. This is the highest standard reinstatement fee. Before you can pay it, you must complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, serve a mandatory waiting period (which varies by the number of prior convictions), and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if the court ordered one.
A suspension for accumulating too many points costs $125 to reinstate. Points accumulate when you receive traffic violations. Once you reach a certain threshold, your license is suspended automatically. The reinstatement fee is the same as for other suspensions, but you may also need to retake the written test if the suspension lasted more than one year.
Additional fees you may owe on top of reinstatement
If you need to retake the written knowledge test, add $20 to your total cost. This is required if your suspension lasted more than one year, or if the Secretary of State determines you need to demonstrate knowledge of current traffic laws. You take the test at a Secretary of State office.
If you need to retake the driving skills test, add $25. This is less common than the written test but may be required after a revocation for drunk driving or if you have been out of driving for an extended period. You must schedule this test at a Secretary of State office and bring a vehicle that passes inspection.
If your license expired while suspended, add $10 to cover the expiration fee. This happens when your suspension lasts longer than your license's renewal cycle. You will need to renew your license as part of the reinstatement process.
If you need a replacement license card because yours was lost or damaged, add $25. This is separate from the reinstatement fee and is charged if you do not already have a valid card to present.
How to find out your exact reinstatement cost
The Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division maintains a record of why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do before reinstatement. You can contact them by phone at 517-335-9800 or visit a Secretary of State office in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
When you contact them, ask for a written summary of what you owe and what you must complete before you can reinstate. This summary will list the reinstatement fee, any additional test fees, and the steps you must take first — such as paying fines or completing a program. Some offices will mail this to you; others will provide it over the phone.
You can also check your driving record online through the Secretary of State's website by creating an account and logging in. Your record will show the suspension or revocation reason and the date it took effect, though it may not show the exact reinstatement fee. The phone call or office visit is more reliable for getting a complete cost breakdown.
Payment methods and where to pay
You can pay reinstatement fees in person at any Secretary of State office, by mail, or online through the Secretary of State's website. Payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check is accepted online and at most offices. Cash and check are accepted in person.
If you pay by mail, send your payment to the address provided in your reinstatement notice or on the Secretary of State's website. Include your driver's license number and a note explaining what the payment is for. Mail payments take longer to process — typically two to three weeks — so plan accordingly if you need your license quickly.
Online payment through the Secretary of State's website is the fastest method. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your reinstatement request will be processed within a few business days if all other requirements are met.
What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee
Once the Secretary of State receives your payment and confirms that you have met all other requirements, your license is reinstated. You will receive a new license card in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at a Secretary of State office.
If you were required to install an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed before your license is fully reinstated. The court order will specify the duration — typically six months to three years depending on the conviction. You pay the installation and monthly monitoring fees to the device provider, not to the state.
If you failed to meet a requirement — such as not completing a required substance abuse program — your reinstatement request will be denied. The Secretary of State will send you a letter explaining what is still needed. You cannot reapply until that requirement is satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended or revoked until the Secretary of State officially reinstates it. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in additional charges. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a restricted license, but this requires a separate petition to the Secretary of State.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Michigan does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, you can contact the Secretary of State's office to discuss your situation. Some offices may be able to provide information about local resources or alternative options, though the fee itself cannot be waived or reduced.
Do I have to retake the written test if my suspension was only a few months?
No. The written test is required only if your suspension lasted more than one year, or if the Secretary of State determines you need to demonstrate current knowledge of traffic laws. For shorter suspensions, you typically only pay the reinstatement fee.
Will my insurance rates go up after I reinstate my license?
Your insurance company will see the suspension or revocation on your driving record, and rates may increase. This is determined by your insurance company, not by the state. Contact your insurer to ask how the reinstatement will affect your policy.
What if the reason for my suspension was a mistake?
You can file an appeal with the Secretary of State's Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. You must submit written documentation supporting your claim — such as proof that you paid a fine, or evidence that the suspension was issued in error. Appeals are reviewed by the state, and the process can take several weeks.