How to Reinstate a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License in Missouri

Losing your driver’s license is a problematic hardship to face. It can make it much harder to keep a job and care for your family. If your license was suspended or revoked, getting it back as quickly as possible will likely be your top priority. Losing your driver’s license in Missouri—whether due to a DWI conviction, accumulating too many points, refusing a breath test, or another reason—can create significant hardships. It can affect your ability to get to work, care for your family, and handle daily responsibilities.

At the Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, we help drivers who have lost their license for nearly any reason, including DWI, refusal of a breath test, or accumulation of points.

Common Reasons for License Suspension or Revocation

Missouri drivers can lose their license for a variety of reasons, including:

• DWI conviction
• Refusing a breath test
• Accumulating too many license points
• Failing to maintain proper insurance
• Unpaid child support
• Unresolved accidents or traffic violations

No matter the reason, our experienced attorneys can help you understand what’s required to get your driving privileges restored.

General Requirements for Reinstatement

In most cases, reinstating your license in Missouri involves several key steps:

1. Paying the Reinstatement Fee

You must pay a $45 reinstatement fee to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

2. Submitting Proof of Insurance

You’ll need to file an SR-22 form, which is a certificate of financial responsibility provided by your auto insurer. You are typically required to maintain SR-22 coverage for two years from the date of your license suspension.
Exception: If you’re under 21 and had a first-time suspension for a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you may not be required to file an SR-22.

3. Completing SATOP

You must complete the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP). This begins with an assessment by an Offender Management Unit, which determines the appropriate level of education or treatment required based on your history.

4. Installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

If your record shows more than one alcohol- or drug-related enforcement contact, you will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device for six months following reinstatement.
If you violate the IID’s terms during the last three months of that period, you must maintain the device for an additional three-month increment until you complete a violation-free three-month stretch.

5. Meeting Other Specific Conditions

Depending on your situation, you may need to fulfill additional conditions:

• Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP): If you received a 90-day RDP, you must prove there were no IID violations during that time or serve an additional 30-day RDP period.

• One-Year Revocation: If your license was revoked for a full year, you must retake and pass the full driver examination before reinstatement.

• Other Reasons: If your license was suspended or revoked for reasons unrelated to a DWI—like failure to pay child support or insurance lapses—you may face different or additional requirements.

Can You Challenge a Suspension or Revocation?

Yes. In some cases, you may be able to challenge your suspension or revocation and even avoid losing your license altogether.

Administrative Hearing

You can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, especially if you believe the suspension was issued in error or without proper cause.

Appeal to a Higher Court

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of the administrative hearing, you can file an appeal. This is often a more time-consuming process and is best navigated with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

Apply for a Hardship License

In some situations, you may qualify for a Restricted or Limited Driving Privilege (RDP), commonly called a hardship license, which allows you to drive under specific conditions (e.g., to work, school, or medical appointments).

Why Work with Benjamin Law Firm, LLC?

At Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, we’ve helped countless Missouri drivers regain their licenses—whether due to DWI, refusal of a breath test, or the accumulation of points. If you contact us early enough, we may even be able to help you prevent a suspension or reduce its duration.

Our legal team will:

• Analyze your situation
• Work with the Missouri DOR and courts
• Help you meet all reinstatement requirements
• Represent you at hearings and appeals if needed

Get Trusted Legal Help to Reinstate Your Driver’s License

Reinstating your license doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and work to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.