Frequently Asked Questions - Administrative Alcohol
- What is Missouri's Administrative Alcohol law?
- How can I get my driver license back when it is suspended/revoked under the Administrative Alcohol law?
- When will I get my driver license back?
- Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am suspended/revoked?
- How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?
- Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
- Will I have to retake my test?
- How do I request a hearing?
- What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
- Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)? I was not convicted.
- When will the administrative suspension or revocation come off my driver record?
Information 24/7 – If you have questions about a ticket, suspension, or revocation on your Missouri driver record, you may now call our new interactive voice response system at (573) 526-2407 - available 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
What is Missouri's Administrative Alcohol law?
When a police officer stops you while driving and suspects you have been drinking, the officer may ask you to take some tests like walking heel to toe or standing on one leg. These tests will help the officer decide if you should be arrested and have a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. The result of this test is known as your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level.
If your BAC level is .08% or more (or for minors a BAC level of .020% or more), a police officer will take your license and give you a Notice of Suspension/Revocation. This notice tells you that you will not be able to legally drive (your license will be suspended or revoked) after 15 days. The notice includes a 15-day driving permit that you can get if the officer indicates this on the notice. The notice also includes a form that allows you to request a hearing. If you are given a hearing, you may continue to legally drive until 15 days after a decision is mailed to you.
How can I get my driver license back when it is suspended/revoked under the Administrative Alcohol law?
Send the following items to the Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200 before your suspension/revocation period ends.
- Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) completion form or a comparable program completion form. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will send this form directly to us after you complete the program. Any questions regarding SATOP comparable programs should be directed to a certified SATOP Offender Management Unit or the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse at (573) 522-4020.
- $45 reinstatement fee. Money order or personal check is acceptable. Please include your full name, address, date of birth, and driver license number.
- Proof of insurance (SR-22). It must be kept for two (2) years from the starting date of your suspension/revocation. The SR-22 is not required for minors suspended/revoked for the first time testing with a blood alcohol level of .020% or more.
When will I get my driver license back?
If you have met your reinstatement requirements and are otherwise eligible, you can get your driver license back 90 days from the starting date of your suspension. We will send the license back to you with your reinstatement notice.
If your license was revoked for one year, and you have met your reinstatement requirements, you must retest and complete an application for a Missouri driver license before driving.
Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am suspended/revoked?
If you have been revoked, you are not eligible for any type of driving privilege.
If you have been suspended, you must serve the first 30 days of your suspension without driving. After the first 30 days, you may receive a 60-day Restricted Driving Permit for work, school, and to attend an alcohol education/treatment program. You do not have to apply for this permit. One may be issued to you after you file an SR-22 with our office, if you are otherwise eligible. The SR-22 is not required for minors suspended for testing .020% or more.
If you have been suspended, you also have a second option. You may apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). You must serve the first 30 days of your suspension without driving. After the first 30 days, you can apply for the LDP. The LDP can be used for work, your alcohol program, medical treatment, school, etc. A person cannot obtain an LDP to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
NOTE: Only one LDP can be given to you in a 5-year period. Therefore, if you only need to drive to and from work, school, and/or an alcohol education/treatment program, you may choose to continue driving on your restricted driving privilege instead of applying for an LDP.
Download and complete an Application for Limited Driving Privilege (Form 4595
). If you are eligible, a hardship license may be issued to you after you file an SR-22 with our office. Click here for further information on reinstatement requirements and Missouri's Limited Driving Privilege.
How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?
You need to file the SR-22 for two (2) years from the starting date of your suspension or revocation. The SR-22 is not required for minors suspended/revoked for the first time testing .020% or more.
Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
For information on SATOP classes, click here.
Will I have to retake my test?
You are required to retest upon reinstatement for an administrative alcohol revocation or upon reinstatement for an administrative alcohol suspension if your driver license expired during the suspension period and has been expired for more than six months.
How do I request a hearing?
Within 15 days from the date the Notice of Suspension/Revocation is issued to you, a written request must be received by, or postmarked to: Missouri Department of Revenue, General Counsel's Office, P.O. Box 475, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0475.
- You must indicate on the hearing request whether you want to have your hearing in-person or by telephone. If you do not request an in-person hearing, a telephone hearing will be scheduled.
- If a hearing is granted, a permit to drive will be mailed to you if you have surrendered your driver license and are eligible to drive in Missouri. The permit will allow you to drive until 15 days after the decision from the hearing is mailed to you.
- If you do not request a hearing within 15 days from the date the Notice of Suspension/Revocation is issued to you, your hearing will be denied and no further appeal is possible.
- Your hearing date and time will be mailed to you. If you have hired an attorney, please ensure you have provided the person's full name and current mailing address on your request for hearing.
What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
It is a form from your insurance company that shows your motor vehicle has liability insurance. (Sample of SR-22 form)
Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)? I was not convicted.
If you have an alcohol-related offense, such as an administrative alcohol suspension or revocation, on your driver record, the law requires you to complete a SATOP for reinstatement.
When will the administrative suspension or revocation come off my driver record?
Administrative suspensions and revocations are a permanent part of the record and can never be removed.