How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law (75 Pa. C.S. § 3802) describes driving under the influence as driving or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof, or having a designated level of alcohol or controlled substances in their system. This is a serious crime under Pennsylvania law that may result in substantial criminal penalties and the loss of driving privileges.

Individuals arrested for a Pennsylvania DUI face an automatic 12-month license suspension for first-time offenders and up to 18 months for repeat offenses or high-tier BAC levels, as per the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) may issue tier-level suspensions and waiting periods for different DUI offenses as follows:

Pennsylvania DUI laws mandate a one-year license suspension period for first-time refusals and set an 18-month license suspension period for second-time and subsequent refusals. Individuals in this category, however, must serve a mandatory six-month waiting period before they may apply for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

Under-21 OWI drivers who refuse chemical testing are typically subject to 12 to 18 months of license suspension. Such drivers are subject to the same guidelines on Occupational Limited Licenses (OLL) and Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) as adult offenders.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) typically involves the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and court processes. These processes might be related, but they are distinct from one another.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

In Pennsylvania, the courts often require individuals charged with or convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) to complete one or more state-approved education or treatment programs.

Court Reporting Network (CRN) Evaluation: This standardized one-hour program is designed to determine whether an offender requires further education or treatment. The court mandates this program as a condition of sentencing or participation in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD). Although the cost varies across the counties, most providers typically charge between $60 and $100.

Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS): This is a court-mandated educational program for individuals convicted of intoxicated or first-time offenders admitted into the state's Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Typically, the program spans 12.5 hours, with class options spread over a few weekday evenings and weekends. Participants must complete the program through a state-approved provider, and the program costs between $200 and $300.

Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Assessment/Treatment: The court usually orders this program when CRN evaluation results indicate that an offender has a substance use problem. Such examinations may result in a recommendation for additional treatment, which may vary from a single counseling session to a structured or intensive outpatient program lasting several weeks or months. The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) authorizes state-licensed providers to provide these treatment services.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

Contrary to popular belief, SR-22 insurance is not a form of insurance policy. Instead, it is a document that demonstrates a person's compliance with the state's minimum insurance requirements and is submitted to the state by the individual's insurer.

Typically, drivers obtain an SR-22 to reinstate a suspended license. Pennsylvania is one of the few US States that do not mandate an SR-22 filing to reinstate suspended licenses. It might, however, be one of several insurance needs for someone relocating to or from a state where it is legally required.

Even though SR-22s are not required in Pennsylvania, drivers must still maintain the following coverage types and limits to lawfully operate a vehicle in the state:

• $15,000 per person for bodily harm liability
• $30,000 for each accident's physical injury responsibility
• $5,000 for each accident's property damage liability
• $5,000 for PIP, or personal injury protection

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

Applicants can pay reinstatement fees online at PennDOT's Driver Services Portal by entering their driver's license or photo ID number, date of birth, or the last four digits of their Social Security number (SSN). The website accepts credit and debit cards.

They may also send a cash or mail order (payable to PennDOT) to the address indicated in their restoration letter. Alternatively, applicants may visit a Driver License Center with their restoration letter to pay their fee using debit or credit cards, checks, or money orders. Cash payments are only possible at the Riverfront Office Counter.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Applicants may submit their Pennsylvania license reinstatement petitions utilizing the following methods:

Online: Eligible parties may request their Driver's License Restoration Requirements Letter and pay the Driver's License Restoration Fee through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services online portal.

By Mail: Applicants must mail their completed restoration requirement letter, a check or money order (payable to PennDOT), and their driver's license number to the address shown on the letter.

In Person: Individuals who have received their restoration letter may pay their fees in person at a Driver License Center.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, PennDOT may suspend an individual's driver's license for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are as follows:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Unpaid fines or non-appearance on court date
• Having too many points on one's record
• Reckless driving offense convictions
• Medical or visual challenges
• Refusing a breath test

Applicants who have had their reinstatement application denied should consider the following:

• Review their restoration requirements letter for any unresolved concerns.
• Contact PennDOT (Driver & Vehicle Services) at (717) 412-5300 to speak with a representative regarding missing procedures and technical issues.
• Request an administrative hearing with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or the Commonwealth Court (if applicable).
• Address the issues that led to the denial.
• Reapply after the ineligibility period.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

As of June 2025, Pennsylvania offers two hardship licenses: Occupational Limited Licenses (OLL) and Probationary Licenses. The OLL is the most popular choice, while the Probationary License is only available to drivers with long-term suspensions (usually 5 years or more).

The Occupational Limited License is available to individuals convicted of DUI offenses after serving a specific term of their DUI suspension.

Individuals with a PennDOT-approved Occupational Limited License may drive for essential purposes, such as employment, medical treatment, school or college, and court-ordered obligations.

Individuals with non-serious traffic violations, such as driving without insurance or accumulating too many points, may be eligible for an Occupational Limited License. Those charged or convicted of significant DUI charges, such as vehicular homicide or escaping police, are ineligible for an OLL.

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

The timeline for reinstating an individual's driving privileges in Pennsylvania following a DUI offense depends on their prior offense history, compliance with the requirements, and the administrative processing times. The following table outlines the timeline for drivers who promptly fulfill all requirements: