How Do I Get My License Back After a DUI in Georgia?

When you lose your driver’s license to a DUI in Georgia, you can face serious challenges that affect your ability to work, attend school, spend time with family, and manage daily responsibilities. This leaves many residents wondering, “How do I get my license back after a DUI in Georgia?” Understanding the process of regaining your driving license following a DUI conviction enables you to take the necessary steps toward moving forward.

The path to reclaiming your license after a DUI in Georgia varies based on a myriad of factors unique to your case, such as the seriousness of your offense, your driving history, and whether you have a prior criminal record. However, by following proper procedures from the start, you can work to quickly regain your driving privileges while reducing long-term penalties from your DUI.

Georgia’s DUI License Suspension Periods

The duration of your license suspension after a Georgia DUI depends on whether you have previous offenses. Drivers facing their first DUI in Georgia will receive a one-year suspension but can apply for license reinstatement after 120 days once they fulfill the necessary sentencing requirements.

A second DUI within five years results in a three-year license suspension, and a third or subsequent DUI will result in a minimum five-year suspension. The state classifies a fourth DUI offense as a felony, which can lead to the permanent loss of a driver’s license.

Reinstating Your Georgia Driver’s License After a First-Time DUI

A first-time DUI offender becomes eligible to reinstate their driving privileges following a 120-day suspension period. They must also finish mandatory DUI education courses and any other sentencing requirements that came with their conviction before filing. Drivers who complete their DUI education program must present documentation showing their completion when applying for their licenses to be reinstated.

Drivers who fulfill all necessary conditions can submit an application to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to restore their driver’s license after a first-time DUI. If you do not wait at least 120 days or do not fulfill your sentencing requirements, you will not be eligible for license reinstatement in Georgia.

License Reinstatement After Multiple DUI Offenses in Georgia

Georgia law requires that drivers who commit a second DUI within five years have their license suspended for three years. However, they can request a limited driving permit after 18 months once they install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. Additionally, drivers receive a five-year license suspension after their third DUI offense and can apply for a probationary license after serving two years of suspension.

Driving privileges are permanently revoked for Georgia drivers who receive their fourth DUI conviction within a decade. These individuals cannot automatically regain their license and will likely have to fight to have their driving privileges restored in the future. Individuals applying for license reinstatement following multiple offenses must finish alcohol treatment programs, adhere to probation requirements, and finish all sentencing terms before they can submit their request.

Limited Driving Permits in Georgia

Georgia drivers dealing with license suspensions can get limited driving permits to commute to work and school and attend medical appointments, among other approved destinations. After completing DUI education courses and paying the required fees, first-time offenders can apply for a limited driving permit in Georgia.

If you have multiple offenses, you must follow the aforementioned terms as well as install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. You will also likely have to finish all probation terms if you received any.

It is critical that all Georgia drivers understand that when you decline a breathalyzer test, according to Georgia’s implied consent law, you cannot obtain a limited driving permit while your license is suspended.

DUI Offenses FAQs

Q: ​​How Does a DUI Affect My Driver’s License in Georgia?

A: When someone is convicted of a DUI in Georgia, they face potential license suspension or even revocation. The exact impact a DUI has on your license will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you have prior DUIs on your record, if you denied taking a breathalyzer, and if anyone was injured in your case. Individuals convicted of first-time DUIs might regain their driving privileges early, but repeat offenders risk extended suspensions or lifetime revocation.

Q: Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer If You Were Arrested for a DUI in Georgia?

A: You should retain legal counsel as soon as you are arrested for a suspected DUI in Georgia. Working with an experienced DUI attorney helps you learn more about your rights, the charges against you, and what legal strategy may work in your situation. If restoring your driving privileges is critical, you and your attorney can work together to challenge license suspension terms and aim to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a License Suspension and Revocation?

A: When your license is suspended in Georgia, this means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away. However, when your license is revoked, your driving privileges are permanently taken away unless you can otherwise prove why you should get them back. Generally, you can apply for a limited driving permit while your license is suspended, allowing you to get to important places like work and school.

Q: What Happens If You Drive Without a Valid License After a DUI in Georgia?

A: It is a violation of Georgia law to drive with a suspended or revoked license. If you have recently been convicted of a DUI in Georgia and are found driving without a valid license, you may face additional legal penalties and lose your driving privileges altogether. To learn more about when you can and cannot legally drive, you should discuss any concerns with your lawyer.

Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. to Regain Your License After a DUI in Georgia

Getting your license back after a DUI requires following strict reinstatement steps, from completing DUI education courses to paying reinstatement fees and providing proof of insurance. The reinstatement process can be complex, as it depends on case specifics and prior offenses. However, the right legal team can help you build a strong case and work to get your Georgia driving privileges restored as soon as possible.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we have helped countless Georgia residents navigate the aftermath of a DUI and reinstate their driver’s licenses. Contact us today to discuss your current situation and restore your driving privileges.