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Reinstate Your Driver’s License in California

A Hardship Driver’s License in the State of California, also known as a Restricted Driving Privilege, typically allows the license holder to drive to and from work. The California court system will determine whether you need to enter the administrative license suspension program, known as “Admin Per Se” (APS), and may require a certificate of financial responsibility, also known as an SR-22 insurance policy. We recommend speaking with an attorney about the length of time you will need to carry an SR-22 insurance policy. The typical term is maintaining a policy for 3 years. It could possibly call for the policy to last up to 6 to 10 years. It is mandatory to maintain the high-risk insurance coverage during the time frame that the court mandates. If the policy lapses or cancels for any reason your license will be suspended again, and typically will have to start the process all over again. The State of California may also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and complete a DUI program. Below we have included information from the State of California to assist you with this process.

California Reinstating Your Driver’s License

To reinstate your driving privilege after an APS suspension/revocation, you must:

  • Pay a $125 reissue fee to DMV (CVC §14905).
  • File proof of financial responsibility with DMV, for example, a California Insurance Proof Certificate SR-22 insurance policy, $35,000 cash deposit, surety bond, or self-insurer certificate pursuant to CVC §16430).
  • Maintain proof of financial responsibility for 3 years.

Am I Eligible for Restrictions?
Commercial DL-holders must downgrade to a noncommercial DL, except a motorcycle DL, to obtain a restricted driving privilege.
Note: If your violation occurred in a commercial motor vehicle, you will be restricted to driving only to and from the DUI program.

You may apply for the following DL restriction options:

A. Restricted to driving to, from, and during employment and/or driving to and from DUI program activities.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • This is your first offense.
  • You completed a chemical test.
  • The results showed a BAC level of 0.04% or more while operating a commercial vehicle, or 0.08% or more while operating a noncommercial vehicle.
  • You were age 21 or older.
  • Your driving privilege is not suspended or revoked for some other reason.

Restriction Requirements:

  • Serve out a 30-day suspension period from the suspension effective date.
  • Provide proof of enrollment in a first offender DUI program as described in CVC §23538(b).
  • File proof of financial responsibility, most commonly an SR 22.
  • Pay a $125 reissue fee.

B. Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Restriction – Effective January 1, 2019.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You completed a chemical test.
  • The results showed a BAC level of 0.04% or more while operating a commercial vehicle, 0.08% or more while operating a non-commercial vehicle, or 0.01% while on DUI probation.
  • You were age 21 or older.
  • Your driving privilege is not suspended or revoked for some other reason.

Restriction Requirements:

  • Provide proof of enrollment in a DUI program as described in CVC §§23538(b) or 23542(b).
  • File proof of financial responsibility, most commonly an SR 22.
  • Install an IID and provide a Verification of Installation Ignition Interlock Device (DL 920) form.
  • Pay a $125 reissue fee.

Driving Under the Influence Under 21 Years Old
Driving Under the Influence 21 and Older
Statewide Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program
Negligent Operator Treatment System Hearings

The State of California law mandates that every automobile insurance policy sold in the state must have these minimum coverages:
Any vehicle with a current California registration must:
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles
Here are the minimum liability insurance requirements (per California Insurance Code §11580.1b):

  • $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
  • $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
  • $5,000 for damage to property.

Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policy holder for personal injury or property damage.
Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements.

We recommend you fill out our contact form. Once completed, a SR-22 insurance specialist will call or email you within 24 hours.

For additional information please contact https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CADMV/

Office of the Director
Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Ave., Mail Station F101
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606
1-800-777-0133

Affordable SR-22 Insurance For The Entire State of California, including:
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