The procedures for having your driver's license and driving privileges reinstated will depend on whether your license was suspended or revoked.

 

Suspension vs. Revocation: For a first-time offense, or if your BAC was relatively low, your driver’s license might only have been suspended. But, if your BAC was excessively above .08, you’ve been convicted of DUI before, or if there were other aggravating circumstances – such as injuring another person – your license was likely revoked.

 

How to get your driver’s license back: Once your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, it won’t automatically be reinstated upon the lapsing of the time stated. Depending on whether your driver’s license was suspended or revoked, there will be slightly different steps you have to take depending on whether your license was suspended or revoked.

 

If Suspended: You’ll have to apply to have your license reinstated, pay an application fee, plus a reinstatement fee. You’ll also need to show proof of your ability to compensate and cover for future accidents (i.e., that you have car insurance), which you can do with an SR-22 form you can get from your insurance company.

 

If Revoked: The process is similar. You request an investigation packet from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Once the investigation has been completed, you’ll receive a Permission to Apply form, which you’ll fill out along with paying the fees and providing the SR-22 form.