Michigan Driver’s License Restoration FAQs – Triton Legal PLC

Regain Your Driving Privileges with Triton Legal PLC – Bay City’s Trusted License Restoration Attorneys

If your Michigan driver’s license was revoked after multiple OWI or DUI convictions, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. At Triton Legal PLC, we help individuals throughout Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, and the Great Lakes Bay Region fight for their freedom behind the wheel.

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the driver’s license restoration process in Michigan.

Why Was My Driver’s License Revoked in Michigan?

If you’ve been convicted of multiple OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) or drugged driving (DUI) offenses, the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will revoke your license—not suspend it. Revocation means your driving privileges are canceled indefinitely. To get them back, you must go through Michigan’s driver’s license restoration process, proving that you are sober, compliant, and no longer a risk to public safety.

What Is the Michigan Driver’s License Restoration Process?

To begin restoring your revoked license, you must:

• Request a hearing with the Administrative Hearings Section (AHS) of the Secretary of State.

• Submit a current substance abuse evaluation from a certified professional.

• Provide 12-panel drug and alcohol test results.

• Submit at least 3–6 support letters from people familiar with your sobriety.

• Show proof of lifestyle changes and long-term recovery efforts.

You must present clear and convincing evidence of your sobriety and safe driving habits to be considered for reinstatement.

Do I Need an Attorney for a License Restoration Hearing?

Yes, and here’s why. While it’s possible to file a license restoration case on your own, working with an experienced attorney significantly improves your chances. At Triton Legal PLC, we help by:

• Ensuring all documents and evaluations meet strict SOS requirements

• Preparing you for difficult hearing questions

• Identifying and addressing past BAIID violations, gaps in sobriety, or missed requirements

We’ve helped hundreds of people successfully restore their driver’s licenses throughout Michigan.

Can I Get a Restricted License with a BAIID First?

Yes. If your license has been revoked for multiple OWI offenses, you may qualify for a restricted license that requires a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID).

A restricted license lets you drive to:

• Work

• School

• Court-ordered programs

• Medical appointments

This step is often required before receiving full license reinstatement.

How Does a BAIID Work in Michigan?

A BAIID is installed in your vehicle and requires you to pass a breath alcohol test before starting the car. It also requires random rolling retests as you drive. If you fail a test, tamper with the device, or miss a rolling test, the violation will be reported to the Secretary of State—and it could delay your full license restoration.

How Long Do I Have to Use a BAIID?

Most drivers must use a BAIID for at least one full year before applying for full restoration. During that time, you must avoid:

• Positive alcohol readings

• Missed rolling tests

• Tampering alerts

Even a single violation can result in a new hearing or extended restriction.

What Is a BAIID Violation and What Happens If I Get One?

A BAIID violation in Michigan includes:

• Registering a BAC above the allowable limit

• Missing a rolling retest

• Tampering with or removing the device

• Operating a vehicle without a BAIID

Penalties can include:

• Restarting your one-year BAIID period

• Denial of your restoration petition

• Additional sanctions or hearings

If you’ve received a BAIID violation notice, contact Triton Legal immediately.

What If My Driver’s License Restoration Appeal Is Denied?

If the Secretary of State denies your appeal, you generally must wait 12 months to reapply. However, you may be able to:

• File an appeal in Circuit Court

• Correct deficiencies in your evidence and documentation

• Rebuild a stronger case for your next hearing

We can help you review your denial letter, identify why the appeal failed, and build a new strategy moving forward.

How Important Is Sobriety in License Restoration?

Long-term sobriety is critical. To restore your license, the State of Michigan wants proof that you’ve committed to a sober lifestyle. You’ll need to show:

• Consistently clean drug and alcohol test results

• Participation in a recovery program or support group (like AA, NA, or SMART Recovery)

• Personal letters and records that show you’ve made lasting life changes

Even if you’ve relapsed in the past, we can work with you to demonstrate renewed progress and commitment.

How Can Triton Legal PLC Help With Driver’s License Restoration?

Our legal team will:

• Guide you through every phase of the SOS hearing process

• Help you gather and organize support letters and evaluations

• Prepare you for tough questions asked by the hearing officer

• Respond to BAIID violation notices quickly and effectively

• Maximize your chance of winning at your first hearing

We’ve helped countless Michigan residents get their licenses back—and their lives back on track.

Regain Your Freedom to Drive — Call Triton Legal Today

If your license was revoked for multiple DUI or OWI convictions, don’t go it alone. The driver’s license restoration process in Michigan is complex and unforgiving. One mistake could cost you another year off the road.

Call Triton Legal PLC today at (989) 439-9600

Located in Bay City | Serving Midland, Saginaw, Tri-Cities & Northeast Michigan

Schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward license reinstatement.