We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a DUI is incredibly stressful, and the path to recovery can feel long and confusing. We recognize the worry that surfaces when you’re figuring out how to get your license back after a DUI. While the process takes time, the costs can be heavy, and navigating the state’s requirements can seem overwhelming, know that you are not alone in this.
At Stonewall DUI Services, we walk alongside hundreds of people just like you every year. That’s why we’ve created this guide to be your roadmap to gently walk you through each requirement, clarify the timelines, and help you sidestep the common mistakes that can set you back.
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The Thing Nobody Tells You: You’re Dealing with Two Different Systems
One of the most confusing parts of a DUI is that it kicks off two separate processes at the same time. It’s like having two different trains leaving the station, one is the court case, and the other is the MVD’s action against your license. They run on parallel tracks, and what happens with one doesn’t automatically stop the other.
- Criminal Case: This happens in the courts and deals with potential fines, jail time, and other penalties.
- Administrative Action: This is handled by the Arizona MVD and deals specifically with your driving privileges.
Immediately after an arrest, the officer likely gave you a pink or yellow piece of paper called an “Admin Per Se/Implied Consent Affidavit.” This isn’t just a ticket; it acts as your temporary driving permit for 15 days.
After those 15 days, your license will be automatically suspended by the MVD. The length of this initial administrative suspension depends on the situation:
- 90 days for a first offense if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.08% or higher.
- One year if you refused the BAC test.
- One year for a second DUI offense within seven years.
Your Roadmap to Driver’s License Reinstatement: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Getting your driver’s license reinstatement is not a matter of just waiting out a suspension. It requires you to actively complete a series of tasks. Here is the exact path to follow.
Step 1: Serve Your Suspension or Revocation Period
The first step to reinstate license eligibility is simply to let the suspension or revocation period run its course. This might be the initial 90-day administrative suspension or a longer court-ordered revocation. While it may feel like a waiting game, you can use this time productively to start working on the other requirements on this list.
Step 2: Complete Your Mandatory Screening and Education
This is one of the most important steps in the entire process—not just for the MVD, but for you. Arizona law requires everyone with a DUI to complete an alcohol screening and DUI class from an MVD-approved provider like us.
- What is it? The screening is a professional assessment to determine the level of intervention you may need.
- What happens next? Based on the screening, you’ll be directed to complete an education or treatment program. These programs typically range from 16 to 36 hours and are designed to provide valuable information and support.
This step is not a punishment. It’s a constructive opportunity to reflect and gain perspective. At Stonewall DUI Services, we specialize in creating a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for you to complete your MVD-required screening and classes.
We’re here to help you satisfy this requirement with respect and understanding. Once you’re done, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which is a key document you’ll need for the MVD.
Step 3: Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
For most Arizona DUI cases, installing a certified ignition interlock device (IID) in any vehicle you drive is mandatory. An IID is essentially a breathalyzer connected to your car’s ignition. You must provide a clean breath sample for the car to start.
For a standard first-time DUI, you’ll likely be required to have the device for one year. You are responsible for the costs, which typically include:
- Installation fee
- Monthly leasing and calibration fees (around $70-$100 per month)
Step 4: Obtain an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance
The term “SR-22” sounds complicated, but it’s quite simple. It is not a type of insurance. An SR-22 is a certificate from your insurance company that proves to the MVD that you have the minimum required liability insurance.
To get one, you just need to call your auto insurance provider and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. You must keep this SR-22 on file for three years from the date your license becomes eligible for reinstatement.
Step 5: Pay All Fines and Reinstatement Fees
Before the MVD reinstates your license, you’ll need to settle all your financial obligations. This includes:
- Any fines, fees, and surcharges ordered by the court in your criminal case.
- A license reinstatement fee paid to the MVD. This is typically around $20 for an alcohol-related revocation.
- A new license application fee.
Keep receipts for every payment you make. Organization is your best friend during this process.
Step 6: Submit Your Application for Reinstatement
You’ve done the hard work: you’ve completed your classes, installed the IID, and gathered your documents. The final hurdle is submitting everything correctly to the MVD for your DMV reinstatement.
To simplify this final stage and reduce your burden, some service providers, including us at Stonewall DUI Services, can process the final reinstatement application on behalf of our clients. We help ensure your entire package is complete and submitted correctly, saving you a trip to the MVD and giving you the peace of mind that it’s been handled properly.
Arizona DUI License Reinstatement Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed? Use this checklist to track your progress. It’s a great way to visualize how to get your license back after a DUI, one step at a time.
You Can Do This. Let Us Help You Take the First Step.
Navigating this journey alone is tough. The paperwork, the deadlines, the requirements, it’s a lot to handle when you’re already under stress. Remember to keep all your documents organized in a folder, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. While consulting a DUI attorney is always a good idea for legal advice, your first proactive step toward driver’s license reinstatement is completing your mandatory screening.
That is where we come in. The path to getting your license back begins with fulfilling your obligations. Let us help you confidently check the screening and education requirements off your list in a supportive and professional setting. Taking that first step can make the rest of the journey feel much more manageable.
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