Losing your license in Michigan falls into two categories: Suspension (a “Time-Out”) or Revocation (a “Life Ban”).
Knowing the difference is critical.
- Suspended? You usually just wait for the date to pass and pay a fee.
- Revoked? Your license is gone forever unless you win a formal appeal hearing against the Secretary of State.
This guide explains how to fix both, how to use the “Clean Slate” laws to your advantage, and the exact forms you need to file.
Step 1: Check Your Michigan License Status (Suspended vs Revoked vs Indefinite Holds)
Before you pay a dime, you must know exactly what holds are on your record.
How to Check: You should purchase your driving record to see the specific “Action Type.”
- If you aren’t sure why you lost it, read our guide on how to check points on license Michigan to identify the specific tickets or court judgments blocking you.
How to Reinstate a Suspended Michigan License ($125 State Fee and $45 FAC/FCJ Court Fees)
A suspension has a “From” date and a “Through” date. Once the “Through” date passes, you are eligible to drive again—but only after you pay.
The Process:
- Wait: You cannot shorten a definite suspension (e.g., 90 days for a DUI). You must wait it out.
- Pay the Fee: The standard reinstatement fee is $125.00.
- Minor offenses: Some suspensions (like failure to appear) may only cost $45.00.
- Book an Appointment: You cannot pay this online in many cases. You must visit a branch.
- Action: Schedule a DMV Michigan appointment and select “Reinstatement Fee” as your service.
Clean Slate Note: If your license was suspended years ago for unpaid parking tickets or non-moving violations, the 2021 “Clean Slate” laws may have automatically cleared it. Check your status online before paying anything!
How to Get a Revoked Michigan License Back (Forms SOS-257, SOS-258, and OHAO Hearings)
If you are classified as a “Habitual Offender” (e.g., 2 DUIs in 7 years, or 3 in 10 years), your license is Revoked.
- There is no “End Date.”
- There is no “Automatic” return.
- You must prove you are safe to drive at a hearing.
The Hearing Process:
- Wait for Eligibility: You must wait 1 or 5 years (depending on severity) before you can even apply.
- Submit Evidence: You must file a “Petitioner’s Evidence Packet” to the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO). This includes:
- Form SOS-257 (Request for Hearing): The formal application.
- Form SOS-258 (Substance Use Evaluation): Completed by a certified counselor.
- 10-Panel Drug Screen: You must pass a urinalysis test.
- Community Support Letters: 3-6 notarized letters from friends/family attesting to your sobriety.
- Win the Hearing: If you win, you don’t get a full license immediately. You usually get a Restricted License with an Ignition Interlock device for 1 year.
Reinstatement Fees
The cost to get back on the road depends on why you were taken off it.
| Violation Type | Reinstatement Fee |
| Standard Suspension (Points/DUI) | $125.00 |
| Failure to Appear/Comply | $45.00 |
| Drug Crime Suspension | $125.00 |
| Revocation Appeal | Varies (Legal & Drug Test fees) |
Note: If your license has been expired for 4+ years during your suspension, you will also have to retake the written and road tests.
Indefinite Suspensions in Michigan: FAC/FCJ Ticket Problems and Clearance Card Fixes
Sometimes your license is suspended “Indefinitely” until you fix a specific problem.
- FAC (Failure to Appear in Court): You missed a court date.
- Fix: Go to the specific court, resolve the case, and get a “Clearance Card” (Form MC-416). Take this card to the SOS.
- FCJ (Failure to Comply with Judgment): You didn’t pay a ticket.
- Fix: Pay the fine at the court. The court will notify the SOS electronically (usually takes 1-3 days).
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no. Reinstatement fees usually require an in-person visit because the clerk must verify that all “holds” (from courts, other states, etc.) are cleared before accepting payment.
Yes. If you are suspended in Michigan, the National Driver Register (NDR) will block you from getting a license in Florida, Texas, or anywhere else. You must clear the Michigan hold first.
It is highly recommended. The revocation appeal process is legal and strict. One mistake on Form SOS-257 or a vague support letter can cause an automatic denial, forcing you to wait another full year to try again.
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