How to get your license back after a DUI in Virginia
Getting a license back after a DUI is an agency process, not a court one: the steps below are the ones the Virginia 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 required suspension or revocation period
DMV 292 lists 'Serve required suspension/revocation period' first among common reinstatement requirements and states periods vary by violation; DUI suspensions/revocations run consecutively with other DUIs and refusal suspensions. DMV 292 refers to the one-year revocation period for a first DUI and the three-year revocation period for a second or subsequent DUI within ten years.
What the source says
“If you decide not to have ignition interlock installed for restricted driving privileges, your driving privilege will remain revoked and DMV will not require ignition interlock installation at the end of the one year revocation period.”
- 2
Enroll in and complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
DMV 292 states that for DUI first and second offenses Virginia law prohibits DMV from fully reinstating driving privileges until completion of VASAP, and from issuing a restricted license unless the person has enrolled in VASAP; the local ASAP enters enrollment and completion on the DMV record.
What the source says
“For persons convicted of DUI first offense and DUI second offense, Virginia law prohibits DMV from fully reinstating driving privileges until completion of VASAP, and from issuing a restricted license unless the person has enrolled in VASAP.”
- 3
Complete an intervention interview with VASAP (where listed on the compliance summary)
DMV lists 'Complete an intervention interview with VASAP' as a separate common reinstatement requirement and directs the person to the local VASAP office; DMV states the compliance summary lists the specific requirements for each person.
What the source says
“Provide proof of enrollment in, and completion of, the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) Complete an intervention interview with VASAP”
- 4
Install the ignition interlock system
DMV 292 states a first-offense DUI conviction requires an ignition interlock on a minimum of one vehicle and any vehicles operated as a condition of restricted driving privileges and to obtain a restricted driver's license; for a second or subsequent DUI within ten years the court requires it on every vehicle owned, co-owned or operated as a condition of restricted privileges or full restoration. The Commission on VASAP notifies DMV of installations and completions.
What the source says
“If you are convicted of a DUI first offense, you will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on a minimum of one vehicle and any vehicles you operate, as a condition of restricted driving privileges and in order to obtain a restricted driver’s license.”
- 5
File proof of financial responsibility (FR-44 certificate of insurance)
DMV 292 states an FR-44 Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate is required for DUI-related convictions (§ 18.2-266, § 18.2-51.4, § 18.2-272), filed electronically by the insurer, and must be in effect to obtain and during restricted driving privileges and for three years from the suspension/revocation end date; a person who does not own a vehicle files an operator's policy.
What the source says
“A FR-44 certificate is required if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked for one of the following convictions: • Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Virginia Code § 18.2-266)”
- 6
Pay DMV reinstatement fees and any multiple order fees
DMV 292 lists paying DMV reinstatement fees and, if applicable, multiple order fees; DMV's reinstatement page states reinstatement fees range from $145 to $220 depending on the suspension or revocation, and DMV's Reinstatement Fees page lists $220 for driving under the influence (verified in the WheelsBack state record). Applicable licensing fees are additional.
What the source says
“Pay DMV reinstatement fees that can range from $145 to $220, depending on the nature of the suspension or revocation Pay any applicable licensing fees”
- 7
Provide the court order for restricted or fully restored privileges
DMV lists providing a court order granting/authorizing restricted privileges and a court order fully restoring driving privileges among reinstatement requirements; DMV states a court order allowing restricted privileges must be presented in person at a customer service center, together with proof of any court-imposed requirements and payment of the reinstatement fee, before DMV issues a restricted license.
What the source says
“You may be required to provide DMV with proof that you have met those requirements, in addition to presenting your restricted license order and paying the reinstatement fee, before DMV will issue a restricted driver's license.”
- 8
After a revocation, pass the knowledge and skills tests and pay for a new license
DMV states that once the terms of a revocation are met the person must take all applicable knowledge and skills tests and pay for a new license; DMV 292 states DMV requires a vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test before issuing a license after a revocation.
What the source says
“Once you comply with the terms of your revocation, you must take all applicable knowledge and skills tests, and pay for a new license.”
Official reinstatement page: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Conditions that travel with reinstatement
| Reinstatement fee | $220 |
|---|---|
| SR-22 / financial-responsibility filing | Yes · 3 years — Virginia SR-22 requirements |
| Ignition interlock | Virginia interlock rule |
| Required program | Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) |
| Driving during the suspension | Restricted driving privileges / restricted driver's license (court-granted under Va. Code § 18.2-271.1(E)) |
| Re-examination | Knowledge test: required in some cases · road test: required in some cases |
Required program: Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP)
Under Va. Code § 18.2-271.1(A), any person convicted of a § 18.2-266 violation is required by court order, as a condition of probation or otherwise, to enter into and successfully complete an alcohol safety action program certified by the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP); the court may decline to order participation if an ASAP assessment indicates intervention is not appropriate. Under § 18.2-271.1(B) the program fee is no less than $250 and no more than $300, which the court may reduce or waive on a finding of indigency. DMV 292 states the Commission on VASAP administers VASAP and the Ignition Interlock Program and notifies DMV of enrollments, completions and interlock installations/completions, and that a person may enroll through the local ASAP office listed at vasap.state.va.us; a person charged may enroll before trial and pre-qualify for interlock installation.
“shall be required by court order, as a condition of probation or otherwise, to enter into and successfully complete an alcohol safety action program in the judicial district in which such charge is brought or in any other judicial district upon such terms and conditions as the court may set forth.”
Driving during the suspension: Restricted driving privileges / restricted driver's license (court-granted under Va. Code § 18.2-271.1(E))
DMV states restricted driving privileges, which allow driving to and from certain places, are granted by a court or by DMV depending on the action; for DUI 1st offense the court may grant them at the time of conviction, and no court is required to issue them. For DUI 2nd offense the DMV web page states the court may grant restricted privileges after one year (second DUI within five years of the first) or after four months (within 10 years), while DMV 292 (07/01/2026) states the waiting periods for DUI 2nd offense have been removed for eligible offenders effective July 1, 2026. For DUI 3rd offense or three DUIs within 10 years, a court may grant restricted privileges after three years. Under § 18.2-271.1(E), a restricted license is conditioned on enrollment within 15 days in and completion of VASAP and installation of an ignition interlock under § 18.2-270.1; under § 18.2-270.1(C), for an adult first offense the only restriction the court imposes is the interlock requirement (not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations), and § 18.2-271.1(E) allows such a person to be issued a restricted permit for any lawful purpose. DMV 292 states the FR-44 must be in effect to obtain and during restricted driving privileges, and documentation justifying the restriction (e.g., employer letter on letterhead) must be provided.
“The court may grant you restricted driving privileges at the time of conviction if you were convicted, or found not innocent (if you are a juvenile), of the following violations: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), 1st Offense”
Full page: waiting period, conditions and hearing deadline for the Restricted Driving Privileges
When the interlock can be removed
Compliance-based, authorized by the local ASAP. Under Va. Code § 18.2-270.1(C), for an adult first § 18.2-266 offense the restricted-license interlock condition runs not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations of the interlock requirements; on the offender's motion the court may set a minimum of six consecutive months if additional restrictions are ordered. Under § 18.2-270.1(B), for a second or subsequent offense (or restoration under § 18.2-271.1(C)) the interlock must be on each vehicle owned or registered to the offender for not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations. DMV 292 (07/01/2026) states that once installed the interlock is required for a minimum of six consecutive months, violation free, and that VASAP notifies DMV of completions. The Commission on VASAP's Process and Procedure Manual (May 2024) states the ASAP verifies the client has met all conditions (and obtained court approval if required), runs a DMV record check, and sends a removal authorization to the client's chosen interlock provider through TREDS, entering a CMPL (successful completion) code in the DMV system; no removal order is sent while an interlock violation is pending in court; if a court orders removal before the period mandated by law the client must repeat the requirement; and the ASAP will not record a successful completion when the device has been installed less than six months. Under 24VAC35-60-50(C)(4) the removal charge to the offender is $0 (per the WheelsBack state record).
Compliance period: not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations (first adult offense on a restricted license; court may set six consecutive months on motion with additional restrictions); DMV 292 states a six-consecutive-month violation-free minimum
“prohibit the offender from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock system for not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations of the interlock requirements.”
Will you have to retake the test? Re-examination in Virginia
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 A suspension is reinstated without retesting once its terms and the reinstatement requirements are met, unless the license has expired. A revocation is the complete termination of driving privileges: after complying with its terms the driver takes all applicable knowledge and skills tests and pays for a new license, and the DMV's reinstatement guide names a vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test before a license is issued. A license expired more than one year is also retested at renewal. What the source says“Once you comply with the terms of your revocation, you must take all applicable knowledge and skills tests, and pay for a new license.” |
|---|---|
| Road (driving) test | Required in some cases The road skills test follows a revocation on the same footing, and the DMV lists taking any applicable knowledge and road skills tests among the reinstatement requirements that must be satisfied in person at a customer service center. It is also retaken at renewal when the license has been expired more than one year. What the source says“Once a person complies with the terms of the revocation and the specific reinstatement requirements, DMV will require successful completion of a vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test before issuing a license.” |
| Vision screening | Required in some cases Vision screening is the first part of the full retest after a revocation and after a license expired more than one year; everyone applying for a license takes it. What the source says“If your license has been expired for more than one year, then you must retake the vision screening, the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test.” |
What triggers a re-test
A revocation rather than a suspension: the DMV reinstates a suspended license without complete retesting once the terms of the suspension and the reinstatement requirements are met, unless the license has expired, while a revocation ends the license and a new one is issued only after the vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test. Separately, a license expired more than one year is retested at renewal.
“Once a person complies with the terms of the suspension, including all reinstatement requirements, DMV will be able to reinstate his or her driving privilege and issue a driver’s license without complete driver license retesting, unless the license is expired.”- Testing fee
- $32 — the fee for the new license issued after a revocation (standard eight-year license); the reinstatement fee of $145, $175 or $220 set by the order is separate
What the source says
“Driver’s license fee ($32 for a standard eight-year license)”
- Where to take it
- dmv.virginia.gov — knowledge exam and road skills test at a DMV customer service center, by appointment or walk-in; walk-in applicants must be present by 4:30 p.m., and the road skills test is taken only after the knowledge exam is passed
- Official driver manual
- Virginia DMV Driver's Manual
- The rule
- Va. Code § 46.2-325
“The Department shall examine every applicant for a driver's license before issuing any license to determine (i) his physical and mental qualifications and his ability to drive a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property”
Questions about re-testing in Virginia
- Does a Virginia DUI revocation mean retaking the tests?
- Yes. The DMV states that a revocation is the complete termination of driving privileges and that, once its terms are met, the driver takes all applicable knowledge and skills tests and pays for a new license. The DMV's reinstatement guide names a vision screening, knowledge test and road skills test before a license is issued.
- And after a suspension?
- No, unless the license has expired. The DMV reinstates a suspended license without complete retesting once the terms of the suspension and the reinstatement requirements are met. A license expired more than one year is retested at renewal: vision screening, the two-part knowledge exam and the road skills test.
- What does the new license cost?
- $32 for a standard eight-year license, paid in addition to the reinstatement fee, which is $145, $175 or $220 depending on the order, plus $5 for each additional order.
Reinstatement knowledge check: Virginia
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 Virginia
- What does Virginia DMV list as reinstatement requirements after a DUI?
- DMV's Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292) lists serving the suspension/revocation period, enrolling in and completing VASAP, completing a VASAP intervention interview, installing the ignition interlock, filing an FR-44 certificate of insurance, paying DMV reinstatement and multiple order fees, and providing court orders for restricted or restored privileges. DMV states a compliance summary lists each person's specific requirements.
- When is the ignition interlock removed in Virginia?
- Under Va. Code § 18.2-270.1(C), a first adult offender's restricted-license interlock condition lasts not less than 12 consecutive months without alcohol-related violations (six months on motion if additional restrictions are ordered). The Commission on VASAP's manual states the local ASAP verifies compliance, sends the removal authorization to the interlock provider, and records completion with DMV; DMV 292 states a minimum of six consecutive violation-free months.
- Does an FR-44 have to be in place to reinstate after a Virginia DUI?
- Yes. DMV 292 states an FR-44 Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate is required for convictions under § 18.2-266, § 18.2-51.4 and § 18.2-272, must be on file to obtain and during restricted driving privileges, and must remain in effect for three years from the suspension/revocation end date; if the policy is cancelled, DMV suspends or revokes the driving privilege until a current FR-44 is provided.
Sources
- Virginia DMV – A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292, 07/01/2026)
- Virginia DMV – Reinstate Driver's License (suspension/revocation, common reinstatement requirements)
- Virginia DMV – Restricted Driving Privileges
- Virginia DMV – Reinstatement Fees
- Va. Code § 18.2-270.1 – Ignition interlock systems; penalty (Virginia Law / LIS)
- Va. Code § 18.2-271.1 – Probation, education, and rehabilitation; VASAP; restricted permit
- Commission on VASAP – Ignition Interlock & Remote Alcohol Monitoring Process and Procedure Manual (May 1, 2024)
- 24VAC35-60-50 – Ignition Interlock Program Regulations: Fees (removal charge)