How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Nevada

In Nevada, DUIs are traffic-related crimes in which a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Under Nevada DUI laws, convicted persons may face severe consequences, including jail terms, fines, and the loss of their driver's license. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD) is responsible for revoking the licenses of convicted DUI offenders.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Generally, DWI offenders in Nevada may lose their driving privileges and license for a set period. The court or the DMV determines the suspension duration by considering these factors:

• The offender's age
• Vehicle type.
• Number of previous DUI convictions.
• Loss of life or property after the DUI incident.
• Refusal to take a chemical test.

Per NRS 484C.460, license suspension is 185 days if this is your first DUI conviction in 7 years. However, the suspension is one year for a second-time DUI conviction in seven years. Persons who refuse to take a chemical test may lose their license for one year. The state will impose a three-year suspension if they refuse the test twice in seven years.

First-time underage DUI offenders (below 21years old) may lose their license for nine months. However, the suspension may run for two years based on subsequent offenses or BAC levels.

DUI offenders can typically reinstate their driver's license after the suspension expires. However, the DMV may grant an early reinstatement if the offender meets the requirements, such as installing an ignition interlock device.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

Nevada courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles impose penalties and conditions on persons convicted of a DUI. The court will conduct a criminal proceeding and impose fines, jail terms, or license suspension on convicted offenders. In addition, the court may recommend a DUI program as part of the conditions for reinstating revoked licenses.

In contrast, the DMV immediately suspends an offender's license after a DUI arrest. Offenders often have the right to request an administrative hearing to plead their case. During the hearing, the agency will review the arresting officer's report and those from other parties. The agency will issue a written decision within 30 days. That said, the agency's decision is final and can not be appealed even to the Supreme Court.

DMV suspensions are different from court suspensions. So, you still have to follow the DMV's decision even if the court dismissed the case.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

In Nevada, the courts recommend DUI education or treatment programs as part of your sentence requirements. Convicted DUI offenders may undergo the following DUI programs:

• DUI school
• Victim Impact Panel
• DU courts
• DUI diversion programs

DUI schools have various timeframes, which are determined by the number of past DUI convictions. First-time offenders are likely to complete an 8-hour DUI class, unless the BAC level was extremely high or the offense led to an accident. Repeat offenders may, however, complete a 16- to 24-hour DUI program.

The court may impose DUI courts or diversion programs on repeat offenders. For instance, offenders who were convicted three times in the last seven years will receive a DUI diversion program. Upon completing the program, the court will reduce the penalty to match a second-time DUI conviction.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles designs the curriculum for DUI programs. In addition, the agency issues licenses and maintains a list of licensed program providers. Interested parties can look up these providers on the agency's website. You can enroll in a DUI program by contacting the preferred program provider. Nevertheless, the providers may charge different fees for specific programs.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

The SR-22 is an insurance certificate that proves you have the minimum auto insurance liability coverage. Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles requires offenders to maintain an SR-22 before they reinstate their driver's license. Offenders are required to maintain the document for three years starting from the day the permit was reinstated.

You can apply for an SR-22 document through licensed insurance carriers in the state. The carrier will file the document with the DMV and notify the agency if you fail to maintain it.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

In Nevada, it costs $121 to reinstate your driver's license after a DUI conviction. The DMV may charge additional fees depending on the circumstances of the DUI incident. For instance, you may pay the following additional fees:

• $35 for victim compensation
• $45.25 for a driver license
• $26 for the testing fee.

The DMV accepts online or offline payments for reinstatement fees. To pay the fees online, you must visit the agency's online payment portal and fill in the required details. For offline payments, you may choose to submit the payment in person or via mail to this address:

555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4368

You can use money orders, checks, or payment authorization forms when using mail-based payment options.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

DWI offenders in Nevada can apply for a license reinstatement by following these steps:

1. Determine your eligibility for reinstatement by contacting the agency at:
   DMV Driver License Assessment
   555 Wright Way
   Carson City, NV 89711
   Phone: (775) 684-4368

   The agency may ask if you have the following documents:

   • A certificate of completion for a court-mandated DUI program.
   • An SR-22 insurance certificate.
   • A written or vision test, if required.
2. Once you fulfill the requirements, you must schedule an appointment with the nearest DMV location. The DMV will issue a certificate of compliance if you meet all the necessary requirements.
3. Schedule an appointment and pay the required fees.
4. Next, take the certificate along with other required documents to the DMV's physical address.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Nevada?

You can file an appeal with the DMV's Office of Administrative Hearings if your reinstatement request was denied. The agency will review the DMV's response and determine whether to uphold or rescind the decision. You can send your appeal to the agency at these locations:

Carson City
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711-0400
Phone: (775) 684-4574

Las Vegas
2621 East Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89104-4170
Phone: (702) 486-4940

In Nevada, the DMV may deny requests for reinstatement under these conditions:

• The offender did not complete the court-imposed DUI programs.
• There are unpaid court fees or fines.
• The offender violated the terms of the suspension.
• The offender did not complete the license suspension.
• There is no proof of financial responsibility.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

In Nevada, the Restriction Y license enables DWI offenders to retain a measure of their driving privileges while being suspended. Offenders can use the license to drive to court-approved locations like work, school, DUI program providers, and court locations.

You are eligible for a Restriction Y license if:

• The court requires you to install an ignition interlock device.
• You have filed an SR-22 certificate with the DMV.

Eligible DWI offenders can apply for a Restriction Y license by submitting the required documents to the DMV at:

555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4368

Note: The required documents include court referrals, an SR-22 certificate, and proof of IID installation.

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

You can apply to get your license back after the suspension ends. So, the suspension duration determines when you can reinstate a driver's license. For instance, first-time offenders can reinstate their license after 185 days. Note that the DMV will grant your reinstatement request, provided you meet the legal requirements.