How to Get Your License Back After a DWI in Missouri

In Missouri, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offense occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated or drugged or with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Losing your license for a DWI is a significant offense that could result in a mandatory license suspension and potential ignition-interlock requirements for repeat offenders. The Missouri Department of Revenue's (DOR) Driver Licensing Bureau is the official agency responsible for all suspensions, restricted driving privileges, and license reinstatements.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Understanding which suspension applies and the duration of the suspension is the first crucial step to reinstating your Missouri driving privileges. Per the Missouri DOR, DWI-related suspension categories include:

• First DWI Offense: The first conviction with a DWI offense gets a 90-day suspension.
• Second DWI Offense: Subsequent DWI conviction attracts a one-year revocation.
• Multiple DWI Offense: More than three convictions for DWI may result in a 10-year license suspension.
• Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test: Refusing to submit to a blood, urine, or breath test typically results in a one-year suspension of driving privilege.
• Underage DWI: Persons under 21, convicted of a DWI of BAC between 0.02% to 0.019%, get a 90-day suspension for the first offense and a year revocation for a second offense. However, if the minor's BAC is 0.08% or higher, the suspension is treated as a standard DWI offense.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

After a DWI conviction in Missouri, you must satisfy both court-ordered penalties and DMV requirements before your driving privileges may be reinstated.

A court suspension of driving privileges results from the DWI conviction. The court suspension forms part of your criminal sentence. To reinstate your driving privilege, the courts require individuals convicted of DWI to pay all fines, serve any imposed probation and community service, and complete an approved DWI education treatment course. Additionally, the courts may require the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).

The Missouri DMV/DOR requires persons convicted of a DWI offense to undergo a 90-day suspension or longer for multiple crimes. Additionally, convicted individuals may file an SR-22 and pay the reinstatement fees. The DOR license revocations are administrative actions taken when an individual fails or refuses to take a breathalyzer test.

Step 3: Complete a DWI Education or Treatment Program

After a DWI conviction in Missouri, the state requires completion of state-approved programs before you can apply to reinstate your license. These include:

• DWI Education or Treatment Program: After a DWI in Missouri, you must undergo an assessment screening to complete at least one of the Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP). The SATOP is mandated by the courts and the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) for the reinstatement of licenses. The SATOP program treatment levels include:
  • Offender Education Program (OEP): This is a 10-hour course for low-risk first-time offenders. The program aims to help persons convicted of DWI offenses understand the choices that led to their intoxication and arrest. The fee is approximately $345. The cost varies by provider and typically covers both the initial screening and class fees.
  • Weekend Intervention Program (WIP): The WIP is a 48-hour intensive education and counseling program held over the weekend. It is designed for repeat offenders and costs between $256 and $481.
  • Clinical Intervention Program (CIP): This is a 50-hour, 6-week outpatient program designed for individuals who have yet to succeed in breaking away from alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses. The program costs up to $750.
  • Youth Clinical Intervention Program (YCIP): This course is designed for individuals under 21 who have been convicted of a DWI. It entails 25 hours of individual and group counseling.

All programs must be completed through a state-approved SATOP provider. The state does not accept online classes for Missouri residents. After completing the program, a certificate of completion must be submitted to the court and the Department of Revenue (DOR) for reinstatement of driving privileges. Failure to complete SATOP will delay license reinstatement.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

SR-22 is not actual insurance but a certificate filed by your insurer to prove you carry Missouri's minimum liability coverage. SR-22 is required for drivers with a DWI conviction to reinstate their license. The SR-22 is not a separate policy but an official proof of your insurance.

To obtain an SR-22, contact an insurer that offers it and request an SR-22 on your existing liability policy. Pay the filing fees, typically ranging from $15 to $50, depending on the insurer. The insurer submits the SR-22 electronically to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Obtaining an SR-22 impacts your annual premium. Generally, the average yearly premium without an SR-22 and a clean record in Missouri is around $715. However, with an SR-22, the premium increases by over $300 for a minimum coverage of $1,025.

Missouri DWI offenders must keep continuous SR-22 coverage for 3 years from the date they become eligible to reinstate their driving privileges. Any relapse may trigger a new suspension, restarting the 3-year count.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

After you have met all treatment, SR-22, and suspension requirements, you must pay the appropriate reinstatement fee to the Missouri DOR before your license may be reinstated. The amount payable varies depending on the nature and the suspension type:

• First DWI offense: $45
• Second or subsequent DWI offenses: $45 to $65
• Chemical test refusal: $45
• Ignition interlock-related reinstatement: $20
• 5 to 10 years of denial reinstatement: $50 plus court petition fees

Reinstatement fees are payable online via the DOR MyDMV portal. There is an additional 2.0% + $0.25 per transaction charge for vendor convenience fees when making reinstatement payments online. You may also pay the reinstatement fee by mail at:

Driver License Bureau
P.O. Box 200
Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

Persons paying the reinstatement fees in person may visit:

Driver License Bureau
Harry S Truman State Building
301 West High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65105

The reinstatement fees are payable using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express for online payments. You may use a check or money order payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue when paying your reinstatement fees by mail. Alternatively, you can pay the fees in person using cash, check, card, or money order.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

After completing all requirements, including SATOP, SR-22, and payment of the reinstatement fee, drivers must submit their reinstatement application to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). You may submit your application online, in person, or by mail.

To submit your license reinstatement application online, please upload all required documents and pay the fees electronically. For in-person reinstatement requests, visit the Missouri License Office. Persons requesting reinstatement by mail may send the documents to the Missouri Driver and Vehicle Services Bureau, Room 470.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Missouri?

If your DWI reinstatement is denied, the Missouri DOR will send you a written notice explaining the reason for the refusal. Generally, the most common reasons for refusal include:

• Incomplete documentation, such as a missing SATOP certificate or SR-22 filing
• Unpaid reinstatement fees
• Applying before the mandatory waiting period ends
• Failure to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the required years

If your reinstatement request is denied, you may request a hearing with the Missouri DOR within 15 days of the denial. You will need to prove your compliance with all requirements. For a 5 to 10-year denial, file a petition in the county where the DWI conviction occurred. Provide all missing documentation and resolve other suspensions, such as insurance lapses.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

A hardship license, officially called a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP) in Missouri, allows you to drive despite an active suspension or revocation, but only under strict court or DOR-approved conditions. However, not all Missouri drivers qualify for an LDP. Generally, eligibility depends on:

• Type of suspension or revocation
• Completion of requirements, including installing IID, SATOP program completion, or SR-22 filing
• Provide proof of legitimate need, such as employment, school, or medical care.

To apply for LDP, complete the Application for Limited Driving Privilege form. Submit it with the $45 processing fee, SR-22, and IID installation document if required. You may also petition the Circuit Court where your license was revoked if you have a five or 10-year denial.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DWI?

The timeline to reinstate your driver's license after a DWI in Missouri depends on the offense, BAC level, and compliance with court-ordered and DMV requirements. Below is a realistic timeline of how long it takes to get your driver's license reinstated after a DWI.