License suspensions can occur for any number of reasons, and not all of them are related to DUI offenses. Some drivers might not even be certain that their licenses are currently invalid. If this describes you, you may be wondering, “How do I check if my license is suspended in Michigan? Where do I even start?”
Fortunately, it’s typically not that difficult.
Checking if Your License is Suspended in Michigan
There are two ways to check if your license is suspended.
- You can submit the request online and have the document mailed to you or another location. If this is your preference, you may purchase a copy of your driving record from the Record Lookup Unit through the Michigan Secretary of State.
In order to request the record, you must complete a “Record Request for Account Holders” form and send it to the Michigan Department of State’s Record Sales Unit. The address is 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918-1502.
To obtain the driving record, you must provide your Michigan driver’s license number, full name, and date of birth, as well as some other details.
It may take up to two weeks for you to receive the record. If you would like your information to be mailed to an address other than yours, you can indicate this in the designated section of the form.
The cost for each record is $11, and a certified record is available for an additional dollar.
- You may request the record in person. For $12, you can purchase your own certified driving record at any branch office by presenting your current driver’s license. In this case, the form is not required.
Next Steps
Your next steps will depend on whether your license is suspended or revoked.
If your license is temporarily suspended in Michigan, you can apply to have it reinstated at the Secretary of State’s office as long as you corrected the issues that caused the suspension. The standard reinstatement fee is $125, but there may be other fees as well.
However, if your license was revoked indefinitely, getting your license back is more complicated.
In the case of a revocation, the first issue is how long you will have to wait before you can try to get your license back.
- The waiting period for a second DUI is one year.
- The waiting period for a third drunken driving conviction or more is five years (if the convictions all occurred within a 10-year period).
Once that time period is over, you can apply to have your license restored. Typically, you will be placed on a restricted license first. The restricted license generally limits where you can drive and requires the use of an ignition interlock device, among other rules.
After the restricted license period, which is one year, you can apply to have your full driving privileges restored.
License Restoration Process
Now that you understand the basics about how to check if your license is suspended in Michigan and how to try to get it back, you may be wondering about the details of the license restoration process.
The process can be very involved, but it’s important to get your license restoration request right the first time. If you don’t, you won’t be able to apply to get your license back for another year. For these reasons, we highly recommend that you contact a license restoration attorney in Michigan to help you.
You and your attorney will apply for a hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State’s hearings board. During this hearing, you will be expected to submit the following:
- A favorable drug screening
- Proof that you attended sobriety classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, or other therapy as required
- Proof that you used the ignition interlock device as directed
- Three to six letters from individuals in your life who can attest to your sobriety (with one being from a substance abuse counselor)
At this time, you can testify on your own behalf and have witnesses testify for you as well. Your attorney will also discuss why you should get your driving privileges back.
If you need help checking if your license is suspended in Michigan, understanding why it was suspended or revoked, or are ready to get your license back, contact me. I can answer your questions and help you through your license restoration process.