A DUI can turn your life upside down fast — especially when you lose your ability to drive. The good news? You can get your license back after a suspension in Missouri, but the process can be confusing and full of deadlines.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Kansas City DUI attorneys want you to be prepared for what comes next. Here’s what you need to know about reinstating your license after a DUI and how a Kansas City traffic lawyer can help speed things up.

1. How long will my license be suspended after a DUI?

For a first DUI, Missouri imposes a 90-day license suspension. However, you may qualify for limited driving privileges after the first 30 days.

If you refused a breath test, you’ll face a one-year revocation under Missouri’s “implied consent” law. Repeat offenders can face longer suspensions or full revocation.

The clock starts the day the Department of Revenue (DOR) processes your suspension — and the sooner you act, the faster you can regain driving privileges.

2. Can I drive during my suspension period?

Yes, but only if you qualify for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP), often called a “hardship license.” You may be eligible after serving the first 30 days of a 90-day suspension. To qualify, you must:

Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle,
Maintain SR-22 insurance, and
Pay all required fees.

A Kansas City DUI attorney can help determine your eligibility and handle the paperwork to get you back on the road legally.

3. What is SR-22 insurance, and why do I need it?

SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance — it’s a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Missouri DOR. It proves you carry the minimum liability coverage required by law.

You must keep SR-22 insurance for two years following a DUI suspension. If your policy lapses, your license will be suspended again, restarting the process.

Your traffic lawyer can help you find an insurer familiar with Missouri SR-22 requirements to keep you compliant.

4. What fees or forms do I need to submit to the Missouri DOR?

To reinstate your license after a DUI, you’ll generally need to:

Serve the full suspension period (or qualify early for RDP).
File proof of SR-22 insurance with the DOR.
Pay a $45 reinstatement fee (via check or money order).
Provide proof of IID installation if required.
Submit a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) completion certificate.

Once all documentation is received, the Missouri DOR will review and issue your reinstated license.

5. What is SATOP, and how do I complete it?

SATOP stands for Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program, a mandatory course for anyone convicted or suspended for DUI in Missouri. It includes:

An initial assessment screening, and
A course or counseling program based on your risk level.

Completion is required for license reinstatement. Programs vary in length and cost depending on your assessment, but your traffic lawyer in Kansas City can refer you to approved providers to meet the requirement quickly.

6. What happens if I was convicted in court versus administratively suspended?

Missouri runs two separate processes:

Administrative suspension (handled by the DOR)
Criminal conviction (handled by the courts)

If both apply, you must satisfy each system’s reinstatement requirements. That means clearing court fines, probation conditions, and DOR requirements.

An attorney can track both sides of your case to ensure no detail is missed — a common reason reinstatement gets delayed.

7. Can a Kansas City DUI lawyer speed up the process?

Absolutely. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can:

File your restricted license request immediately,
Guide you through the SR-22 and SATOP requirements,
Confirm all paperwork is received by the DOR, and
Help reinstate your full driving privileges the moment you’re eligible.

Many drivers try to handle reinstatement alone, only to face months of frustration and rejected paperwork. Having a lawyer ensures every step is done correctly the first time.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE. CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY

Losing your license after a DUI doesn’t have to mean losing your freedom. The team at KC Defense Counsel has helped thousands of Missouri drivers restore their driving privileges quickly and legally. We know the system, we know the courts, and we’ll walk you through every form, deadline, and requirement.

Call KC Defense Counsel today for a free case evaluation on how to get your license back after a DUI suspension.

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.