Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Michigan?

Happy driver poking their head out the driver side window smiling

A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Michigan can have immediate and lasting consequences—especially when it comes to your driving privileges. For many people, the most urgent concern after a DUI arrest is simple: Will I lose my license?

In Michigan, the answer depends on several factors, including whether this is your first offense, the specific charge, and your driving history. Understanding how Michigan handles DUI-related license penalties—and what options you may have for driver’s license restoration in Michigan—can help you plan your next steps and protect your ability to drive legally.

A DUI (OWI) conviction often leads to license suspension or restriction—even for a first offense. First-time offenders may face a short suspension followed by restricted driving, while repeat offenses can result in full license revocation. To regain driving privileges after revocation, drivers must complete a formal license restoration process through the Michigan Secretary of State and prove long-term sobriety.

Michigan DUI Laws and License Consequences

Michigan refers to DUI penalties often include license suspension or revocation. The type and length of the license penalty generally depend on whether it is a first offense or a repeat offense.

First-Offense OWI

If you’re convicted of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) for the first time in Michigan, your driver’s license penalties may include:

30 days of license suspension
150 days of restricted driving privileges

During the restricted period, you may be allowed to drive only for certain purposes, such as work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered treatment programs.

If your DUI involved a high blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17 or higher, the penalties increase:

45 days of license suspension
320 days of restricted driving with an ignition interlock device

The ignition interlock device requires the driver to pass a breath test before starting the vehicle.

First-Offense OWVI (Impaired Driving)

Operating While Visibly Impaired carries somewhat lighter license penalties. A first offense typically results in:

90 days of restricted driving privileges
No full suspension in most cases

Even though this charge is less severe than OWI, it still creates a record that can affect future driving privileges.

What Happens After Multiple DUI Offenses?

Michigan law requires the automatic revocation of your driver’s license if you accumulate certain DUI convictions within a specific period.

Examples include:

Two DUI convictions within seven years
Three DUI convictions within ten years

Unlike a suspension, which ends after a certain period, a license revocation does not automatically expire. Once revoked, you must apply for Driver’s license restoration in

Michigan through the Michigan Secretary of State before you can legally drive again.

How the Michigan License Restoration Process Works

Drivers whose licenses have been revoked due to multiple DUI convictions must go through a formal process with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Administrative Hearings Section (AHS).

To restore your license, you must prove several things, including:

Your alcohol or substance abuse problem is under control
Your problem is likely to remain under control
You are committed to maintaining sobriety

The process typically involves:

Submitting a Substance Use Evaluation
Providing letters of support
Attending a license restoration hearing
Demonstrating long-term sobriety

If approved, many drivers are initially granted a restricted license with an ignition interlock device before eventually regaining full driving privileges.

Because the burden of proof is high, many people seek legal representation to guide them through the process.

Take the First Step Toward Restoring Your License

Losing your driver’s license after a DUI can make everyday life extremely difficult - affecting your ability to work, support your family, and maintain independence. Luckily, Michigan law does provide a path toward getting back on the road.

If your license has been revoked due to DUI convictions, driver’s license restoration in Michigan may be possible with the right preparation and legal support.

Attorney Dan Geherin has helped many Michigan drivers navigate the restoration process and pursue the return of their driving privileges.

If you’re ready to explore your options, consider scheduling a consultation to discuss your situation and learn what steps you may need to take to begin the path toward restoring your license.