CAN I GET MY LICENSE BACK AFTER A MISSOURI DUI/DWI?

DUI/DWI

A DUI or DWI arrest in Missouri can leave you without one of the most important things in your daily life…your driver’s license. Whether you rely on your car to get to work, pick up your kids, or simply run errands, losing your license can be devastating.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI in Missouri, call KC Defense Counsel. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers know that getting your license reinstated is often your top priority after a DUI arrest. Don’t wait. We can help.

FIRST, UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED

In Missouri, your license can be suspended or revoked after a DUI arrest for two separate reasons:

  • Administrative Suspension: Handled by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) if you fail or refuse a breath or blood test.
  • Criminal Conviction Suspension: Ordered by the court if you plead guilty to or are convicted of DUI/DWI.

These are separate processes, which means you could face a suspension even if your criminal case isn’t resolved yet.

Act Quickly: You Have Limited Time to Challenge the Suspension

If you fail a BAC test, you have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative Hearing to challenge the suspension. If you refuse the test, you have 30 days to request a refusal hearing. Miss those deadlines, and your suspension will automatically go into effect.

KNOW THE SUSPENSION PERIODS

For most first-time offenders:

  • Failed BAC Test (? 0.08): 90-day suspension
  • Refusal to Test: 1-year revocation
  • Repeat Offenders: Longer suspension periods and harsher penalties

Explore Limited Driving Privileges

You may be eligible for Limited Driving Privileges (LDP)—also known as a “hardship license” — that allows you to drive for essential purposes, such as:

  • Work or school
  • Medical appointments
  • Childcare responsibilities

To get an LDP, you may need to:

  • Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle
  • Maintain SR-22 insurance for a set period
  • Complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)

COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL REINSTATMENT

To get your license back after a DUI in Missouri, you’ll need to:

  1. Serve your full suspension/revocation period
  2. Complete SATOP (mandatory for all DUI-related suspensions)
  3. File proof of SR-22 insurance with the DOR
  4. Pay a reinstatement fee (usually $45)
  5. Comply with any court-ordered conditions

For refusal cases, the IID requirement can last up to 6 months or longer.

HOW AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY DUI LAWYER CAN HELP YOUR CASE

At KC Defense Counsel, we can:

  • Fight the suspension at your administrative hearing
  • Negotiate for reduced penalties in your criminal case
  • Help you apply for limited driving privileges as soon as possible
  • Make sure you meet all reinstatement requirements without costly mistakes
  • Work to get your record cleared through expungement if eligible

The sooner we get involved, the better your chances of avoiding long-term loss of your license.

DON’T WAIT — CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

Missouri’s deadlines for challenging a DUI suspension are short and strict. If you want to keep driving or get back behind the wheel — call us immediately.

Criminal charges can turn your life upside down, but a skilled defense can set things right. At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City criminal defense attorneys are known for aggressive courtroom tactics and smart legal strategies. We don’t back down and we don’t give up.

If you’re facing DUI/DWI charges in Missouri, contact us now and get the powerful defense you deserve.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.

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