How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Utah

According to Utah Code § 41-6(a)-502, an individual commits a DUI offense (Driving Under the Influence) by driving or operating a vehicle while having a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05g or higher, or under the influence alcohol or any drug that renders them incapable of safely operating a vehicle.

A DUI is a criminal offense in Utah with automatic administrative license suspension by the Utah Driver License Division (DLD) within the Department of Public Safety. In addition to license suspension, a Utah DUI violation attracts fines, potential jail time, and other penalties.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

A DUI offense in Utah may attract two types of suspension: an administrative license suspension and a court-imposed suspension. The Utah Department of Public Safety's Driver's License Division will confiscate a DUI offender's driver's license and issue a temporary permit valid for 45 days for failing a chemical test (if the BAC is 0.05% or higher) or refusing to take one. Furthermore, the court will impose a separate suspension if the DUI results in a conviction. These suspensions are separate but run concurrently.

A DLD suspension begins after 45 days (expiration of the temporary permit) unless the offender appeals within 10 days of the arrest, while a court-imposed suspension commences immediately after a conviction.

Administrative Suspension

Court-imposed Suspension

Individuals with license suspension for first DUIs may request early reinstatement by petitioning the Utah Driver License Division, installing Ignition Interlock Devices (IID), and applying for Ignition Interlock Restriction. For a second DUI, offenders must serve a 90-day sentence before applying for a 2-year IID driving permit. The courts may also allow early reinstatement through the Utah 24/7 Sobriety Program or appointment to a Problem-Solving/DUI Court.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

Administrative and court-imposed DUI license suspensions in Utah are two separate penalties. In Utah, the Driver's License Division of the Department of Public Safety will enforce an administrative license suspension for a failed DUI test or non-compliance with Utah's Implied Consent Law. By contrast, a Utah court-imposed suspension results from a conviction after trial for a DUI violation. In addition to license suspension, the court may impose fines, jail time, mandatory DUI education, and community service as part of sentencing for DUI offenses. Nonetheless, Utah's administrative and court-ordered suspensions run concurrently.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

§ 41-6a-502/505 of the Utah Code mandates DUI programs overseen by the Driver License Division and part of court sentencing for DUI violations within the state. These programs include:

• PRIME for Life® DUI Education (Utah Standard). This program comprises 16 to 20 hours of DUI education for a minimum of 2 days and costs between $185.00 and $240.00
• 6 to 20 hours of outpatient Counseling or screening (if assessment indicates substance abuse disorder), whose costs include approximately $80.00 evaluation fee, $50.00 or more weekly payments for counseling, and $400.00 for drug assessment.
• Ignition Interlock Devices for elevated BAC and drug-related DUI with initial costs of $200.00, monthly payments ranging between $60.00 and $125.00, and a removal fee of $400.00.

Utah's DUI education is mandated by the courts and the Driver License Division, and enrollment is through state-approved providers. These programs are mandatory; without them, offenders cannot regain driving privileges.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

An SR-22 coverage is a certificate of financial responsibility that insurance companies file with the state showing that the named individual has the minimum required liability insurance. Utah mandates SR-22 coverage for individuals whose licenses are under suspension:

• DUI violations
• Reckless driving
• Driving without insurance
• Multiple driving offenses.

The filing fees for SR-22 certificates in Utah range from $15.00 to $50.00. However, it may result in a 30% to 100% increase in yearly premiums for the underlying auto insurance. In Utah, DUI offenders must maintain SR-22 coverage for 3 years after the DLD reinstates their licenses.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

In Utah, the fees for reinstatement after a DUI suspension may cost up to $460.00. This comprises:

• $85.00 standard DUI reinstatement fee
• $255.00 administrative fee
• $40.00 for failing to appear in court for the trial
• $40.00 for driving without insurance
• $40.00 for multiple point deductions

Payments for license reinstatement in Utah is through credit/debit cards, cash, checks, or money orders.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Utah's Driver License Division did not list online payment portals for license reinstatement. However, applicants can call the DLD (toll-free) at (801) 965-4437 or (888) 353-4224 for Instructions on payments. Alternatively, make payments in person at any DLD office or pay with a check or money order through the mail to:

Driver License Division
P.O. Box 144501,
Salt Lake City,
UT 84114-4501.

For information about license reinstatement in Utah, visit the Reinstatement Page on the Utah Driver License Division website.

What If You Are Denied License Reinstatement in Utah?

The common reasons for denial of license reinstatement include:

• DUI violations
• Reckless or unlawful driving
• Outstanding court fines and fees
• Accumulation of demerit points
• Non-submission of SR-22 insurance
• Active Interlock Restriction violations
• Inaccurate or missing paperwork
• Driving without insurance
• Recent violations.

If the Utah Driver License Division denies a license application, the applicant should:

• Read the notice carefully and understand the reason for the denial and the requirements
• Request an administrative hearing with the DLD within 10 days of the denial
• Correct any issue, such as payment of outstanding fines or fees, submit any missing documents, and complete all applicable requirements.
• Reapply after correcting all outstanding issues.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

Utah's Alcohol Restricted or Ignition Interlock Restricted license provides limited driving privileges for individuals with DUI license suspension. This license applies to individuals under license suspension for DUI violations and other serious offenses. In Utah, hardship licenses include the Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (IID License) and the 24/7 Sobriety or DUI Court Program License. Utah's IID and 24/7 Sobriety licenses permit limited driving to work, school, doctor's visits, and court-ordered appointments.

Eligibility for Utah hardship licenses is through court orders, and applicants must provide enrollment documentation from the court and compliance with drug or alcohol testing. Applicants for Utah IID License) and the 24/7 Sobriety licenses must:

• Apply to the Utah's Driver License Division
• Fulfill court orders and complete applicable programs
• Install IID (if applicable)
• Obtain SR-22 coverage
• Submit to the DLD.

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

The time it takes to get a license back after a DUI suspension in Utah depends on the offense history, eligibility for early license reinstatement, and compliance with court or DLD requirements. The table below outlines the timeline for reinstatement of driving privileges after DUI suspensions in Utah.