What Is Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan?

A driver’s license revoked due to multiple drunk driving convictions is not automatically reinstated after a set time. The individual must file, and subsequently win, a formal driver’s license appeal with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).

Michigan residents can seek to restore their license. Individuals residing in other states must obtain a clearance to lift Michigan’s hold on their driving record, thereby enabling them to be licensed in their state of residence.

Under Michigan law, any person whose license has been revoked for two OWI offenses within seven years, or three OWI offenses within ten years, is legally presumed to have an alcohol problem. This presumption serves as the foundational legal barrier in all driver’s license restoration and clearance appeal cases.

To succeed in your case, you must prove several elements by the legal standard of “clear and convincing evidence.” Two of these elements are mandatory in every case:

  • That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is under control.
  • That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is likely to remain under control.

In real-world terms, this means:

First, you must demonstrate complete abstinence from alcohol and all mind or mood-altering substances (including recreational cannabis) for a “legally sufficient” period of time. Our firm generally requires a minimum of 18 months of continuous sobriety before we will move forward with an appeal.

Second, you must prove that you possess the ability (tools) and commitment to maintain complete sobriety for life. This fundamentally requires establishing and evidencing a verifiable “sober lifestyle.”

A successful restoration case depends on showing:

  • Sobriety — Documented proof that you have stopped drinking and/or using drugs.
  • Stability — Evidence that you have maintained and will continue to live a sober lifestyle.
  • Safety — Proof that you can now drive responsibly and follow all traffic laws.

If you now live in another state, you must seek the “clearance” mentioned above, which will remove the Michigan hold on your driving record so you can obtain or renew your license where you now live.

Who Qualifies for Driver’s License Restoration

You may qualify for a driver’s license restoration appeal if Michigan revoked your license for two or more OWI/DUI convictions.

  • Two convictions within seven years → eligible to appeal after one year (most people must wait two to three years to have any real chance of winning).
  • Three or more convictions within 10 years → eligible to appeal after five years.

As noted, you must also demonstrate a genuine commitment to sobriety, not just a temporary break from drinking or use of other intoxicants.

The Michigan License Restoration Process

Winning back your license requires careful preparation and compliance with a number of SOS requirements. Our team will carefully manage you through each step:

  1. Substance Use Evaluation (SUE) — We first prepare you for the evaluation, gather information, and then connect you with our evaluator, who will complete the state’s SUE form. We’ll review it once complete to make sure it’s good enough to win. 
  2. 12-Panel Drug Screen — You must test negative for all substances, and this must be filed with your appeal package.
  3. Letters of Support — You’ll also need to file at least three notarized letters from friends or family attesting to your sobriety and character (our firm requires at least four). We have these letters sent to us in draft form so that we can make the necessary corrections before they are finalized.
  4. Filing Your Appeal — We check over, organize, and then file all documentation with the Michigan SOS Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight.
  5. Your Hearing — We carefully prepare you for your appeal hearing as well as the specific hearing officer assigned to decide your case. These are all held remotely. We’ll be right there with you to make sure no details are missed.
  6. Decision and Reinstatement — When approved, you’ll receive a notice that either allows you to get your license issued at a SOS branch office or, if you live outside of Michigan, a clearance that you can take to your new state’s DMV.

Our team will make sure your evidence is complete, consistent, and convincing before your case is ever filed, and we’ll make sure that you’re thoroughly prepared before your hearing ever begins. 

We GUARANTEE to win every driver’s license restoration and clearance appeal we take on. 

Do You Have to Attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

No. While AA is one way to demonstrate sobriety, it’s not the only way. We’ve helped countless clients win their cases without AA participation. What matters most is showing that you have genuinely changed your relationship with alcohol and are living a sober, stable life.

Out-of-State License Holds

If you’ve moved out of Michigan but can’t get a license in your new state because of a Michigan “hold,” we’ll get it cleared. We handle out-of-state clearance appeals for former Michigan residents. Once cleared, you can apply for a valid driver’s license where you live now.

Why Choose Jeffrey Randa and Associates

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we focus on helping people win back their Michigan driver’s licenses. With decades of experience, we’ve built an unmatched record of success in license restoration. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Results — We’ve helped thousands of clients restore their licenses and clear Michigan holds.
  • Focused Practice — With decades of experience handling license restoration cases, we know what the Michigan SOS looks for and how to win the first time around.
  • Transparent Fees — Our prices are published online, so there are no surprises.
  • Personal Approach — Every case is different, and we tailor our strategy to your exact situation.
  • Our Guarantee — If we accept your case, we’ll represent you until you win your appeal at no additional legal fee.

We combine experience, preparation, and genuine care so you can regain your independence and drive legally again.

Get Back on the Road 

Losing your license means losing your independence, but that doesn’t have to be forever. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we take cases we believe in and stand by our work until the process is complete—guaranteed.

If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll help you do that. Call today for a free consultation. Let’s get your license back so you can legally drive again.

Driver’s License Restoration

What Is Driver’s License Restoration in Michigan?

A driver’s license revoked due to multiple drunk driving convictions is not automatically reinstated after a set time. The individual must file, and subsequently win, a formal driver’s license appeal with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).

Michigan residents can seek to restore their license. Individuals residing in other states must obtain a clearance to lift Michigan’s hold on their driving record, thereby enabling them to be licensed in their state of residence.

Under Michigan law, any person whose license has been revoked for two OWI offenses within seven years, or three OWI offenses within ten years, is legally presumed to have an alcohol problem. This presumption serves as the foundational legal barrier in all driver’s license restoration and clearance appeal cases.

To succeed in your case, you must prove several elements by the legal standard of “clear and convincing evidence.” Two of these elements are mandatory in every case:

  • That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is under control.
  • That your alcohol and/or substance abuse problem is likely to remain under control.

In real-world terms, this means:

First, you must demonstrate complete abstinence from alcohol and all mind or mood-altering substances (including recreational cannabis) for a “legally sufficient” period of time. Our firm generally requires a minimum of 18 months of continuous sobriety before we will move forward with an appeal.

Second, you must prove that you possess the ability (tools) and commitment to maintain complete sobriety for life. This fundamentally requires establishing and evidencing a verifiable “sober lifestyle.”

A successful restoration case depends on showing:

  • Sobriety — Documented proof that you have stopped drinking and/or using drugs.
  • Stability — Evidence that you have maintained and will continue to live a sober lifestyle.
  • Safety — Proof that you can now drive responsibly and follow all traffic laws.

If you now live in another state, you must seek the “clearance” mentioned above, which will remove the Michigan hold on your driving record so you can obtain or renew your license where you now live.

Who Qualifies for Driver’s License Restoration

You may qualify for a driver’s license restoration appeal if Michigan revoked your license for two or more OWI/DUI convictions.

  • Two convictions within seven years → eligible to appeal after one year (most people must wait two to three years to have any real chance of winning).
  • Three or more convictions within 10 years → eligible to appeal after five years.

As noted, you must also demonstrate a genuine commitment to sobriety, not just a temporary break from drinking or use of other intoxicants.

The Michigan License Restoration Process

Winning back your license requires careful preparation and compliance with a number of SOS requirements. Our team will carefully manage you through each step:

  1. Substance Use Evaluation (SUE) — We first prepare you for the evaluation, gather information, and then connect you with our evaluator, who will complete the state’s SUE form. We’ll review it once complete to make sure it’s good enough to win. 
  2. 12-Panel Drug Screen — You must test negative for all substances, and this must be filed with your appeal package.
  3. Letters of Support — You’ll also need to file at least three notarized letters from friends or family attesting to your sobriety and character (our firm requires at least four). We have these letters sent to us in draft form so that we can make the necessary corrections before they are finalized.
  4. Filing Your Appeal — We check over, organize, and then file all documentation with the Michigan SOS Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight.
  5. Your Hearing — We carefully prepare you for your appeal hearing as well as the specific hearing officer assigned to decide your case. These are all held remotely. We’ll be right there with you to make sure no details are missed.
  6. Decision and Reinstatement — When approved, you’ll receive a notice that either allows you to get your license issued at a SOS branch office or, if you live outside of Michigan, a clearance that you can take to your new state’s DMV.

Our team will make sure your evidence is complete, consistent, and convincing before your case is ever filed, and we’ll make sure that you’re thoroughly prepared before your hearing ever begins. 

We GUARANTEE to win every driver’s license restoration and clearance appeal we take on. 

Do You Have to Attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

No. While AA is one way to demonstrate sobriety, it’s not the only way. We’ve helped countless clients win their cases without AA participation. What matters most is showing that you have genuinely changed your relationship with alcohol and are living a sober, stable life.

Out-of-State License Holds

If you’ve moved out of Michigan but can’t get a license in your new state because of a Michigan “hold,” we’ll get it cleared. We handle out-of-state clearance appeals for former Michigan residents. Once cleared, you can apply for a valid driver’s license where you live now.

Why Choose Jeffrey Randa and Associates

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we focus on helping people win back their Michigan driver’s licenses. With decades of experience, we’ve built an unmatched record of success in license restoration. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Proven Results — We’ve helped thousands of clients restore their licenses and clear Michigan holds.
  • Focused Practice — With decades of experience handling license restoration cases, we know what the Michigan SOS looks for and how to win the first time around.
  • Transparent Fees — Our prices are published online, so there are no surprises.
  • Personal Approach — Every case is different, and we tailor our strategy to your exact situation.
  • Our Guarantee — If we accept your case, we’ll represent you until you win your appeal at no additional legal fee.

We combine experience, preparation, and genuine care so you can regain your independence and drive legally again.

Get Back on the Road 

Losing your license means losing your independence, but that doesn’t have to be forever. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we take cases we believe in and stand by our work until the process is complete—guaranteed.

If you’re ready to move forward, we’ll help you do that. Call today for a free consultation. Let’s get your license back so you can legally drive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to restore my driver’s license?

Costs vary from lawyer to lawyer, but our charges are clearly listed on the fees section of our website. We’re upfront about everything, including price.

Can I appeal a denied restoration case?

Yes. You can appeal a loss to the circuit court within 63 days, but winning on appeal is difficult. Because our firm prepares every case thoroughly, very few of our cases ever require a circuit court appeal.

Does my personal need for a license affect the decision?

No. The SOS bases its decision on your evidence, not your circumstances. The process is legal, not emotional, but we’ll make sure the best possible version of your case gets presented.