How to get your license back after a DUI in Vermont
Getting a license back after a DUI is an agency process, not a court one: the steps below are the ones the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles 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
Serve the suspension period
Under 23 V.S.A. § 1206(a), on a first DUI conviction the Commissioner suspends the license for 90 days and until the operator complies with § 1209a (one year where the offense caused a fatality or serious bodily injury). Under § 1206(c), an eligible person may drive during the suspension under an ignition interlock RDL. Vermont DMV states driving privileges are not reinstated until all reinstatement requirements are satisfied and DMV has sent written notification of reinstatement.
What the source says
“The Commissioner shall immediately suspend the operator’s operating license or nonresident operating privilege or the privilege of an unlicensed operator to operate a vehicle, as applicable, for a period of 90 days and until the operator complies with section 1209a of this title.”
- 2
Submit an SR-22 (proof of insurance)
DMV lists submitting an SR-22 (proof of insurance) among common reinstatement requirements. DMV's FAQ states Vermont law makes it mandatory to file Financial Responsibility Insurance for all criminal alcohol-related offenses (effective April 29, 1998) and civil alcohol-related offenses (effective July 1, 2000); 23 V.S.A. § 1213(a)(1)(B) also requires proof of financial responsibility to obtain an ignition interlock RDL.
What the source says
“Reinstatement requirements vary depending on the offense. Common requirements may include: Submit an SR‑22 (proof of insurance) Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests Satisfy any court requirements Pay reinstatement fee(s)”
- 3
Retake and pass the driving skills and knowledge tests (where required)
DMV lists retaking and passing the driving skills and knowledge tests among common reinstatement requirements. DMV's Ignition Interlock Program FAQ states the eye, knowledge (permit) and driving (road) exams are required before obtaining an RDL if the license was revoked or has been expired three or more years.
What the source says
“If your license was revoked, or if your license has been expired 3 or more years, you will be required to take the eye, knowledge(permit), and driving (road) exams prior to obtaining an RDL.”
- 4
Satisfy any court requirements
DMV lists satisfying any court requirements among common reinstatement requirements, and 23 V.S.A. § 1209a(a)(1)(D) conditions reinstatement on having no pending criminal charges, civil citations, or unpaid fines or penalties for a violation under chapter 13. DMV states it does not accept payment of fines, which must be paid to the court.
What the source says
“if the individual has no pending criminal charges, civil citations, or unpaid fines or penalties for a violation under this chapter.”
- 5
Pay the reinstatement fee
DMV states the reinstatement fee can only be paid online, by mail, or in person at the Montpelier office; DMV's FAQ adds that the fee is not required if the only suspension on the record is for insurance purposes. Under 23 V.S.A. § 675 the fee before a Commissioner-issued suspension may be terminated or a license reinstated is $96.00 (verified in the WheelsBack state record).
What the source says
“Reinstatement of a Suspended Vermont License The reinstatement fee can only be paid online, by mail, or in person at the Montpelier office.”
- 6
Complete the alcohol program (Alcohol and Driving Education Program and assessment)
DMV lists completing alcohol courses as ordered by the courts, and states Vermont law requires anyone suspended for an alcohol-related offense to complete an alcohol treatment program even if the court did not mention it. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1209a(a)(1)(A)-(B), a first suspension is reinstated only after completion of the Alcohol and Driving Education Program followed by an assessment by a State-designated counselor and, if therapy is indicated, completion or substantial progress in a therapy program.
What the source says
“Vermont law requires that anyone suspended for an alcohol-related offense must complete an alcohol treatment program. The courts generally try to make you aware of this requirement at the time of your hearing, but if even if they fail to tell you about it you must meet this requirement.”
- 7
If an ignition interlock RDL was elected, complete the RDL period and wait for DMV's written reinstatement
Under 23 V.S.A. § 1209a(a)(1)(C), where the individual elects an ignition interlock RDL or certificate, reinstatement follows operation under it for the applicable period in § 1205(a) or § 1206 plus any extension for a § 1213 violation; DMV's FAQ states the RDL Unit sends a letter before the release date and that the driver then applies for the unrestricted license. DMV states privileges are reinstated only after written notification from DMV.
What the source says
“if the individual elects to operate under an ignition interlock RDL or ignition interlock certificate, after the individual operates under the RDL or certificate for the applicable period set forth in subsection 1205(a) or section 1206 of this title”
Official reinstatement page: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
Conditions that travel with reinstatement
| Reinstatement fee | $96 |
|---|---|
| SR-22 / financial-responsibility filing | Yes · 3 years — details |
| Ignition interlock | Vermont interlock rule |
| Required program | Alcohol and Driving Education Program and alcohol assessment screening (23 V.S.A. § 1209a) — Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP), Vermont Department of Health |
| Driving during the suspension | Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License (RDL) |
Required program: Alcohol and Driving Education Program and alcohol assessment screening (23 V.S.A. § 1209a) — Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP), Vermont Department of Health
Under 23 V.S.A. § 1209a(a)(1)(A), a first suspension is reinstated only after the individual successfully completes the Alcohol and Driving Education Program, at the individual's own expense, followed by an assessment of the need for further treatment by a State-designated counselor; § 1209a(f) assigns the Department of Health's Drinking Driver Rehabilitation Program to assess the fees (education program not to exceed $250; assessment screening not to exceed $200; combined residential program not to exceed $625). For a second suspension, § 1209a(a)(2) requires an alcohol and driving rehabilitation program and a therapy program. Vermont DMV's Suspensions page identifies the program as the Impaired Driver Rehabilitation Program (IDRP) of the Vermont Department of Health, with first-line support through VT Helplink, and states an out-of-state resident may take an alcohol treatment program in that state after contacting IDRP.
“after the individual has successfully completed the Alcohol and Driving Education Program, at the individual’s own expense, followed by an assessment of the need for further treatment by a State-designated counselor, at the individual’s own expense”
Driving during the suspension: Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License (RDL)
DMV's Ignition Interlock Program FAQ (VL-086) states the RDL is issued to eligible alcohol-related DUI and refusal offenders and allows operation of non-commercial vehicles equipped with a camera-equipped ignition interlock device; it is a conditional reinstatement before the regular eligibility date. Eligibility as stated: must be under suspension for an alcohol driving offense in Vermont; refusal cases must first serve 30 days (1st), 90 days (2nd) or one year (3rd or subsequent); not eligible if suspended only for drugs, holding a learner's permit or junior operator's license, or suspended for other reasons (other than a points suspension from negligent operation). The RDL is voluntary for all first alcohol offenses, and mandatory for second offenses on or after July 1, 2016 and for all third or subsequent offenses. Application is made through the DMV RDL Unit, which sends a packet with a personalized requirement letter, application, participant agreement, installation form and manufacturer list; the application fee under 23 V.S.A. § 1213(a)(1)(A) is $125 and the annual renewal is $125. DMV states that Vermont law does not provide for a 'hardship' or 'work license.'
“An Ignition Interlock Device Restricted Driver’s License (RDL) is a Driver’s License that has been restricted to limit the operation of motor vehicles by a person whose license or privilege to operate has been suspended for an alcohol-related driving under the influence offense”
When the interlock can be removed
Compliance-based. DMV's FAQ states the terms for license restoration are to operate under an RDL violation-free for 90 days from the date of reinstatement (1st DUI offense), 18 months (2nd offense), or 3 years followed by Total Abstinence Program approval (3rd or subsequent), plus completion of IDRP. The RDL Unit sends a release letter shortly before the actual release date advising when a corrected license without the IID restriction may be obtained; the driver then has the installer remove the device and applies for the unrestricted license (VL-040 or VL-021). Removing the device before the release letter results in manufacturer notification to DMV and a new suspension until the device is reinstalled and a reinstatement fee is paid, with the suspension time added to the release date. Extensions under 23 V.S.A. § 1213(f)(3): three consecutive-month extension for every three lockouts at 0.04 or above; three months per failed random retest at 0.04-0.079; six months per failed retest at 0.08 or above; under § 1213(g) driving without an IID, tampering/circumvention, or failing to pull over after a failed retest extends the period by six months; DMV's FAQ adds 60 days for a missed calibration visit. Under § 1213(e) the RDL holder pays removal costs (no cap stated; 50% reduction for 3SquaresVT, LIHEAP or Reach Up recipients under § 1213(l)). Under § 1209a(a)(4) the Commissioner waives the RDL requirement for a permanent medical inability or drug-only offenses.
Compliance period: 90 days violation-free from the date of reinstatement (1st DUI offense); 18 months (2nd); 3 years then Total Abstinence approval (3rd or subsequent) — per DMV FAQ VL-086
“The RDL Unit will send a letter a short time before your actual release date advising you of when you may procure a corrected license without the IID restriction.”
Questions about reinstatement in Vermont
- What does Vermont DMV list as requirements to reinstate a license after a DUI suspension?
- Vermont DMV's Suspensions page states requirements vary by offense and commonly include submitting an SR-22, retaking the driving skills and knowledge tests, satisfying court requirements, paying the reinstatement fee, and completing court-ordered alcohol courses. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1206, a first conviction carries a 90-day suspension and until the operator complies with § 1209a, which requires the Alcohol and Driving Education Program and an assessment.
- When can the ignition interlock be removed in Vermont?
- DMV's Ignition Interlock Program FAQ states a first offender must operate under an RDL violation-free for 90 days from reinstatement (18 months for a second offense; three years plus Total Abstinence approval for a third). The RDL Unit sends a release letter shortly before the release date; removing the device earlier triggers a new suspension until it is reinstalled. Under 23 V.S.A. § 1213(f)-(g), violations extend the period by three or six months.
- Does Vermont have a hardship or work license after a DUI?
- No. Vermont DMV states that Vermont law does not provide for a 'hardship' or 'work license.' The available option is the Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver's License (RDL) under 23 V.S.A. § 1213, which DMV states is voluntary for first alcohol offenses and mandatory for second offenses on or after July 1, 2016 and for third or subsequent offenses; the application fee under § 1213(a)(1)(A) is $125.
Sources
- Vermont DMV – License Suspensions, IID Program & Related Actions (reinstatement requirements, IDRP contacts, FAQ)
- Vermont DMV – Ignition Interlock Program FAQ (VL-086, 02/2024)
- Vermont DMV – Ignition Interlock Device (program page and Ignition Interlock Program Rules)
- Vermont DMV – Restricted Driver's Licenses (RDL)
- 23 V.S.A. § 1206 – Suspension of license for DUI; first conviction (Vermont Statutes Online)
- 23 V.S.A. § 1209a – Conditions of reinstatement; alcohol and driving education; screening; therapy programs
- 23 V.S.A. § 1213 – Ignition interlock restricted driver's license or certificate; extensions; costs
- 23 V.S.A. § 675 – Fee prior to termination or reinstatement of suspension
- 23 V.S.A. § 801 – Proof of financial responsibility required