How to get your license back after a DUI in Missouri
Getting a license back after a DUI is an agency process, not a court one: the steps below are the ones the Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau lists, in its order, each quoted from the agency's own page. Requirements differ by offense, blood-alcohol level, refusal, and prior record; the state's wording controls.
Steps the state lists
- 1
Determine the reason(s) the driving privilege was suspended, revoked, or denied
The Department of Revenue's '3 Steps to Get your Driving Privilege Back' begins with identifying every reason from the Driver License Bureau letters or the Missouri driver record ($2.82 per record), noting all reasons under 'Department Actions', and using the chart to find the forms and fees for each reason. If it is too soon to reinstate, the DOR points to limited driving privileges.
What the source says
“Determine the reason(s) why your driving privilege was suspended, revoked, or denied.”
- 2
Pay the $45 reinstatement fee
For 'Points - Alcohol-Related Moving Violations (Examples: DWI, BAC, vehicular manslaughter)', and likewise for Administrative Alcohol suspensions/revocations and refusals, the DOR chart lists a $45 reinstatement fee. Only one SR-22 filing is needed even if required under several reasons; fees for multiple reasons are added together.
What the source says
“Points - Alcohol-Related Moving Violations (Examples: DWI, BAC, vehicular manslaughter) Pay the $45 reinstatement fee;”
- 3
File and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22) for two years
The DOR chart requires an SR-22 form filed and maintained for two years from the starting date of the suspension or revocation; the insurance company may file it. The DOR notes proof of insurance is not required for a first-time Administrative Alcohol suspension of a driver under 21.
What the source says
“File and maintain proof of liability insurance (SR-22 form) for two years from the starting date of your suspension or revocation;”
- 4
File proof of completing a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
The DOR states the SATOP agency files proof of completion with the Driver License Bureau; information on SATOP or comparable courses is available from the Department of Mental Health, Division of Behavioral Health.
What the source says
“File proof that you successfully completed a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP);”
- 5
File proof of Ignition Interlock Device installation, if required
Required if the driving record shows more than one alcohol- or drug-related enforcement contact, or for first-time offenders upon conviction if BAC is at or greater than .150 or there is personal injury or property damage. The MoDOT-certified installer notifies the DOR; the device must be maintained for a minimum of six months from the reinstatement date, with monitoring during the last three months. A court may require an IID even with one contact.
What the source says
“File proof of installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) if your driving record shows more than one alcohol- or drug-related enforcement contact, or for first time offenders, upon conviction, if BAC is at or greater than .150 or if there is personal injury or property damage”
- 6
Following a revocation, retake the complete driver exam
The DOR chart states that after a revocation (loss of driving privilege for one year) the complete driver exam must be retaken; the Driver License Bureau sends a letter allowing retesting after the fees and forms are received.
What the source says
“Following a revocation (loss of driving privilege for one year), retake the complete driver exam.”
- 7
Submit fees and forms to the Driver License Bureau in person, by mail, or pay online
The DOR states that when it is time to reinstate, the money and forms are brought in person to the Driver License Bureau in Jefferson City or mailed to its PO Box, and that the reinstatement fee may be paid online at mydmv.mo.gov (a vendor convenience fee of 2.0% + $0.25 applies).
What the source says
“You may pay your reinstatement fee online at mydmv.mo.gov using the following credit/debit cards: Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®.”
Official reinstatement page: Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau
Conditions that travel with reinstatement
| Reinstatement fee | $45 |
|---|---|
| SR-22 / financial-responsibility filing | Yes · 2 years — Missouri SR-22 requirements |
| Ignition interlock | Missouri interlock rule |
| Required program | Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) |
| Driving during the suspension | Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) (RSMo 302.309); Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for DWI/BAC and Administrative Alcohol suspensions |
| Re-examination | Knowledge test: required in some cases · road test: required in some cases |
Required program: Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
The DOR states that a driver with an alcohol offense such as an Administrative Alcohol suspension or revocation on the record is required by law to complete SATOP for reinstatement, even without a conviction. The DOR refers to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Division of Behavioral Health for SATOP course information and states the SATOP agency files proof of completion with the Driver License Bureau.
“If you have an alcohol offense, such as an Administrative Alcohol suspension or revocation on your driver record, the law requires you to complete a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) for reinstatement.”
Driving during the suspension: Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) (RSMo 302.309); Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for DWI/BAC and Administrative Alcohol suspensions
The DOR describes the LDP as available when the privilege is suspended, revoked, or denied and not yet eligible for reinstatement, for employment or other important matters; the DOR notes some people call it a 'hardship license'. Application is by Form 4595 to the Department of Revenue (reviewed in about five working days) or by petition to the circuit court where the person lives or works (required for 5- or 10-year denials). An SR-22 must be on file; proof of IID installation is required for more than one alcohol offense or an active Chemical Revocation, and the device must be maintained for the duration of the LDP (camera-equipped for 5-/10-year denials). The DOR lists ineligibility grounds including a suspension from a DWI/BAC conviction or an Administrative Alcohol suspension, for which the driver 'may be eligible for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP)'; the reinstatement page also describes an Immediate 90-Day Interlock RDP requiring installer certification of no violations.
“If your Missouri driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or denied and is not currently eligible for reinstatement—but you need to drive for employment or other important matters—you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). Some people refer to this as a “hardship license”.”
When the interlock can be removed
Compliance-based with manufacturer certification to the Department of Revenue. The DOR states the IID must be maintained for a minimum of six months from the reinstatement date and the driver is monitored during the last three months; any violation (as defined in 7 CSR 60-2.010, 'violations reset') during the monitoring period extends the requirement until a three-consecutive-month period without violation is completed. The IID FAQ states the manufacturer electronically notifies the DOR when the device has been maintained for the required period without violations, and the driver may remove the device without penalty once the DOR has received that certification; early removal may re-suspend the privilege and extend the period, and failure to maintain the device after reinstatement brings a re-suspension with a $20 reinstatement fee. For a 90-day RDP, installer certification of no violations is required or an additional 30 days of restricted driving must be served. A court may impose a longer period. No state removal fee cap; MoDOT states it keeps no pricing list.
Compliance period: final three months of the six-month period violation-free; a violation extends the requirement until a three-consecutive-month violation-free period is completed
“You will be monitored during the last three months of the six-month period. ... your requirement to maintain the device will be extended until you complete a three-consecutive-month period without violation.”
Will you have to retake the test? Re-examination in Missouri
Some states hand the license back once the conditions are met; others treat a revoked or long-withdrawn license as expired and issue a new one only after the knowledge test, the road test or a vision screening is passed again. The rules below are the licensing agency's own, one per test.
| Knowledge (written) test | Required in some cases The Driver License Bureau's reinstatement list ends the alcohol-related revocation entries — administrative alcohol, points for DWI or BAC convictions, the ignition-interlock revocation and the court-ordered Abuse & Lose revocation — with retaking the complete driver exam after the revocation; the suspension entries do not include it. Where a test is required, the Bureau sends a letter allowing retesting once the fees are paid and the forms are filed. What the source says“Following a revocation (loss of driving privilege for one year), retake the complete driver exam.” |
|---|---|
| Road (driving) test | Required in some cases The complete driver exam includes the driving test; the Bureau describes the tests that can be required as medical, written and driving tests, given by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at driver examination stations. What the source says“Pass the required tests (such as medical, written and driving tests).” |
| Vision screening | Required in some cases A vision test and a road sign recognition test are part of every renewal and of the driver examination, so they come with the complete driver exam after a revocation. What the source says“NOTE: An applicant for driver license renewal is required to take a road sign recognition test and vision test.” |
What triggers a re-test
A revocation — a loss of the driving privilege for one year or more — requires the complete driver exam; a suspension does not, unless the license expired during the suspension, revocation or denial period and has been expired for more than six months.
“You are required to retest upon reinstatement for a point revocation or upon reinstatement for a point suspension or denial if your driver license expired during the suspension, revocation, or denial period and has been expired for more than six months.”- Testing fee
- $16.50 — the Class F (passenger) license for three years, or $33 for six years, on the Bureau's fee chart, which notes that applicable fees for the written and road tests are not included; the $45 alcohol reinstatement fee is separate
What the source says
“*Applicable fees for written and road tests are not included.”
- Where to take it
- mshp.dps.missouri.gov — the written, vision, road sign recognition and driving tests are given at Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination stations; the Driver License Bureau sends a letter allowing retesting after the reinstatement fee is paid and the required forms are filed
- Official driver manual
- Missouri Driver Guide
- The rule
- RSMo § 302.304.7
“shall, upon receipt of the notice of termination of the revocation from the director, pass the complete driver examination and apply for a new license before again operating a motor vehicle upon the highways of this state.”
Questions about re-testing in Missouri
- Does a Missouri DWI revocation mean retaking the driver exam?
- Yes. The Driver License Bureau lists, for the administrative alcohol, points-alcohol and ignition-interlock revocations, retaking the complete driver exam following the revocation, after the $45 (or $20) reinstatement fee, two years of SR-22 insurance, SATOP completion and any ignition interlock proof. RSMo § 302.304.7 requires a person whose license was revoked to pass the complete driver examination and apply for a new license.
- What about a suspension?
- The suspension entries on the reinstatement list end with the fee, insurance and program items, not a test. The Bureau's FAQ states a retest is required after a point suspension or denial only if the license expired during the period and has been expired for more than six months.
- Where is the exam taken and what does it cost?
- Tests are given by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at driver examination stations; the Bureau sends a letter allowing retesting once the amount due is paid and the forms are filed. The fee chart lists $16.50 for a three-year Class F license and $33 for six years and notes that applicable fees for the written and road tests are not included.
Reinstatement knowledge check: Missouri
Ten questions on the rules this site cites for the state — the figures the licensing agency and the statute state, with a link to where each one is stated. The order changes every time.
This is not the agency's knowledge test and does not predict it; it checks the rules cited on this site.
Questions about reinstatement in Missouri
- What does the Missouri Department of Revenue require to reinstate after a DWI?
- The DOR's reinstatement chart for alcohol-related moving violations (DWI, BAC) lists: pay the $45 reinstatement fee; file and maintain an SR-22 for two years from the start of the suspension or revocation; file proof of completing a Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP); file proof of Ignition Interlock Device installation if required (more than one alcohol/drug contact, or a first conviction with BAC .150+ or injury/property damage); and retake the complete driver exam after a one-year revocation.
- Is a hardship license available in Missouri after a DWI?
- The DOR's Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) page describes the LDP, which some call a 'hardship license', for drivers not yet eligible for reinstatement who need to drive for employment or other important matters, applied for by Form 4595 or by circuit court petition, with an SR-22 on file. The DOR lists a suspension from a DWI/BAC conviction and an Administrative Alcohol suspension among the grounds that make a driver ineligible for an LDP, noting such drivers may be eligible for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) instead.
- When can the interlock be removed in Missouri?
- The DOR states the IID must be kept at least six months from the reinstatement date, with monitoring during the last three months; a violation during monitoring extends the requirement until three consecutive violation-free months are completed. The manufacturer electronically notifies the DOR when the device was maintained for the required time without violations, and the driver may remove it without penalty once the DOR receives that certification. Early removal can re-suspend the privilege.
Sources
- Missouri DOR – License Reinstatement Requirements (3 steps; Forms to File - Pay Chart; SATOP; IID; SR-22)
- Missouri DOR – Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)
- Missouri DOR – Ignition Interlock Device (IID) FAQ (violations, extensions, manufacturer certification before removal)
- Missouri DOR – Administrative Alcohol FAQs (SATOP required; SR-22 two years; RDP/LDP)
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes – RSMo § 302.440 (interlock not less than six months from reinstatement) (from the state record)