SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Michigan

Checked against official Michigan sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

The Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) handles license suspensions and reinstatement. Your license comes back only when no other violations, sanctions, or holds remain on your driving record, and every fine and reinstatement fee is resolved. [1][2]

SR-22 required?
Yes (insurer certificate)
Base reinstatement fee
$125
Keep SR-22 for
3 years

Step by step

  1. Get your current driving record

    Order your most current driving record to check where you stand and what you still need to do. The Department of State also runs free Road to Restoration clinics, where staff and volunteer attorneys help you review your record and plan next steps. [2][3]

  2. Resolve fines and violations with the court

    Violations, fines, and fees not cleared under Michigan's Clean Slate to Drive laws still have to be resolved before your license can be restored. Contact the court that handled your case with questions about fines. [2]

  3. File proof of insurance if suspended for no insurance

    If a court suspended you for not having or showing insurance, the suspension lasts 30 days or until you file proof of insurance with the Secretary of State, whichever is later. You pay a $25 service fee when you file it. [4]

  4. After an unpaid crash judgment, file financial-responsibility insurance

    If you're suspended for not paying a judgment from a crash, you can drive again by filing an installment agreement plus a certificate of financial-responsibility insurance sent by your insurer. Keep it until the judgment is paid in full. Certificates can take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive, and an insurance application isn't accepted. [1][5]

  5. Pay the reinstatement fee

    Most suspensions and revocations, including drunk driving, cost $125 to reinstate; some cost $85. Depending on your case, you can pay online through Online Services (card fees apply), by mail or fax with the reinstatement form, or at a Secretary of State office. [2][6]

    License reinstatement fee ↗

  6. If revoked, request a hearing

    Some revocations require a hearing with the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO). Request one online through the Driver Appeal Integrated System, or send the hearing request form (SOS-257) by mail, fax, or email. If you have ever been arrested for an alcohol or drug offense, you also need a substance use evaluation (SOS-258) and a 12-panel lab drug screen. You are responsible for sending all required documents, which can include 3 to 6 letters of support. [3][7]

    Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight ↗

After a drunk driving arrest or conviction

  1. If you refused a test, request a hearing within 14 days

    If you don't request a hearing within 14 days after the notice, your license is suspended for 1 year, or 2 years for a second refusal within 7 years. [8]

  2. Know your suspension and restricted license options

    A first drunk driving conviction (no prior convictions within 7 years) brings a 180-day suspension, and you may get a restricted license after the first 30 days. With a BAC of .17 or more, it's 1 year, and a restricted license is possible only after 45 days and only with an ignition interlock. [9]

  3. Prepare a full hearing packet after a revocation

    Drunk driving offenses that lead to revocation require a hearing with the hearing request form, substance use evaluation, and drug screen. The hearing is held by video, and an attorney hearing officer decides your case. [3][7]

    Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight ↗

  4. Pay the $125 reinstatement fee

    Drunk driving suspensions, revocations, and restrictions carry the $125 reinstatement fee. [6]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), Driver Record Activity Unit, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918-0001; phone 517-636-6406 before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Michigan · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Michigan Department of State - FAQs: Financial responsibility restricted licenses (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. Michigan Department of State - License reinstatement fee (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  3. Michigan Department of State - Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (license restoration hearings and interlock) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  4. MCL 257.328 - Proof of insurance; failure to produce; suspension (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. Michigan Vehicle Code, Chapter V - Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future (MCL 257.511-257.528) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. MCL 257.320e - License reinstatement fee (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. Michigan Department of State - Offenses requiring a hearing (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  8. MCL 257.625f - Chemical test refusal; failure to request hearing; license sanctions (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  9. MCL 257.319 - Suspension of license; restricted license (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)

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