Drivers in Michigan can lose their licenses when certain DUI offenses, legally known as OWI (Operating While Intoxicated), trigger automatic revocation, including repeat OWI convictions and any impaired driving that causes injury or death. These revocations are not temporary suspensions; they fully terminate your driving privileges until you win a restoration hearing. If you are trying to understand why the state revoked your license, how long the revocation lasts, or what comes next in the restoration process, this guide breaks everything down so you know what to expect and what steps you can take to move forward.
Why Do Certain DUI Offenses Lead to Automatic License Revocation?
Michigan law requires the Secretary of State to revoke your license when certain alcohol or drug-related offenses occur. This is not a suspension. It is a full termination of your driving privileges, and it remains in place until you win a restoration hearing.
Revocation typically happens when the state determines that your driving behavior shows a pattern of risk. The focus is on repeated alcohol or drug-related conduct, serious injuries, and impaired driving behaviors that indicate a threat to public safety.
What DUI Offenses Trigger Mandatory License Revocation in Michigan?
Michigan has a clear set of DUI-related offenses that require automatic revocation. These include:
Two OWI Convictions Within Seven Years
If you are convicted of Operating While Intoxicated twice within seven years, the state labels you a “habitual offender.” This results in a minimum one-year revocation. If both convictions involved high BAC levels or accident-related circumstances, the revocation period may extend beyond the minimum.
Three OWI Convictions Within Ten Years
Three alcohol-related driving convictions within a decade lead to a five-year minimum revocation. This often affects people with long-term alcohol struggles, and it triggers a more intensive evaluation during the restoration process.
OWI Causing Serious Injury or Death
Any OWI offense involving serious injury or death results in immediate revocation. Michigan treats these cases as indicators of high-risk behavior, so revocation is mandatory even if it is your first DUI-related offense.
Driving While Your License Is Already Revoked
If the Secretary of State learns that you were driving after your license has already been revoked, it must impose an additional mandatory revocation period. Each attempt to drive during revocation can restart the clock.
How Long Does License Revocation Last for DUI Offenses?
Michigan sets minimum revocation periods, but “minimum” does not mean automatic reinstatement. Instead, you must prove you are safe to return to the road.
Typical revocation periods include:
- 1-year minimum for two DUI convictions in seven years
- 5-year minimum for three DUI convictions in ten years
- Minimum revocation for DUI causing injury or death varies based on the offense, but reinstatement is never automatic
After the revocation period ends, you must request a hearing and present evidence demonstrating abstinence, stability, and a commitment to sober driving.
What Does the Secretary of State Look for in a Restoration Hearing?
In order to get your license back after a DUI-based revocation, Michigan requires you to meet a strict burden of proof. You must show that:
- You have stopped using alcohol or drugs.
- You have the tools, structure, and support to maintain sobriety.
- You are not likely to reoffend.
- You understand the role substance use played in your past driving offenses.
Most people prepare months in advance, gathering letters of support, any documented treatment history, and evidence of lifestyle changes. A single gap or inconsistency in your materials can lead to a denial.
What Should You Do If You Are Facing a DUI-Based License Revocation?
Many drivers do not fully understand the difference between suspension and revocation until their case has already moved forward. If you are at risk of losing your license, the steps you take now can shape your long-term ability to drive again.
Consider:
- Documenting sobriety as early as possible.
- Staying consistent with treatment or support programs.
- Establishing a sober lifestyle.
- Avoiding driving while your license is revoked, since it resets the revocation period.
- Gathering records that show stability at home, at work, and in your daily life.
The more proactive you are, the stronger your restoration petition will be when your eligibility date arrives.
Ready to Talk About Your License Revocation?
A license revocation can disrupt your life, but you can take steps now to start building your case. If you need support preparing for a Michigan license restoration appeal, contact Jeffrey Randa and Associates today so we can help you work toward getting back on the road.
Our firm guarantees to win every driver’s license restoration and out-of-state clearance appeal case we take. All of our consultations are free, confidential, and done over the phone. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain how all this works.
