Providing substance abuse disorder services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Professionalism, integrity and empathy. Get In Touch →
License Restoration Process
We specialize in navigating the strict Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) requirements, providing the precise clinical evidence you need to walk into your appeal hearing with confidence.
616 SUD Services employs a comprehensive, client-centered approach to Driver’s License Restoration evaluations, carefully assessing your background and current circumstances.
Our process is designed to support your progress at a comfortable pace, while still meeting the timeframes established by 616 SUD Services. The evaluation consists of three stages: the initial consultation, the evaluation interview, and the assessment review. Most importantly, this process is designed to meet the Michigan Department of State’s requirements and expectations:
Under MCL 257.303(4)(c), the Secretary of State shall not issue a license until the Petitioner meets the Department's requirements. The Department's requirements are established in promulgated administrative rules. See Mich Admin Code, R 257.313(1) [Rule 13].
Specifically, Petitioner must present clear and convincing evidence that any substance abuse/dependency is under control and likely to remain under control, that the risk of repeating past abusive behavior relative to alcohol and/or controlled substances is low or minimal, that the risk of incurring an additional driving while impaired or intoxicated offense is low or minimal, that Petitioner has the ability and motivation to drive safely and within the limits of the law, and that Petitioner has maintained a minimum period of abstinence consistent with Rule 13.
The initial consultation lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and offers a cost-effective way to begin the license restoration process without paying the full assessment fee upfront. Most applicants are not fully prepared for the comprehensive assessment, so this session is designed to answer your most pressing questions and help you get ready.
We’ll guide you through each step of the driver’s license appeals process and address common concerns such as:
What are the costs?
Do I need an attorney?
What documents do I need?How long does the process take?
Can unpaid tickets or child support stop restoration?
How do I check my driving record?
How do I get support letters?
How do I complete the 12-panel drug test?
Do I need to report prescribed medications or medical/recreational marijuana use, and will it affect my application?
During your consultation, we will also assist you with:
At the end of your consultation, you’ll receive honest feedback about your readiness to proceed. If needed, we may recommend additional actions—such as counseling, support groups, random alcohol testing, or further substance abuse education—to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help you obtain a supportive prognosis, which depends on following all recommendations. Skipping steps may negatively impact your results. You’ll also receive a clear checklist of items to bring to your full assessment appointment, ensuring your evaluation report is complete and accurate.
The evaluation interview typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. Prior to your interview, you will complete validated questionnaires assessing your substance use and mental health. During the interview, we will thoroughly explore your substance use and mental health history, emphasizing how these experiences have impacted your relationships, legal standing, physical and emotional health, finances, and other relevant aspects.
We will also review your lifetime conviction history, treatment experiences, and any medications, past or present, prescribed for pain, mental health, or physical health conditions.
We will also inquire about your involvement in support groups, such as AA, NA, CA, 12-step meetings, SMART Recovery, or Celebrate Recovery. Please be ready to provide detailed information regarding your substance use history, including the first and last use dates for each substance. Importantly, we will focus on your periods of abstinence and the sustainable changes you have implemented since discontinuing use.
The primary objective of this evaluation is to gain a clear understanding of your recovery journey, from your first use to your most recent, and to highlight the positive changes you have achieved. We aim to help you prepare to demonstrate that you are a strong candidate for the restoration of your driving privileges.
The assessment review generally takes 30 to 60 minutes and can occur directly after the evaluation interview or be scheduled separately. This is your final appointment; after this point, no additional changes can be made. During the session, you will carefully review the evaluation and supporting documents to confirm that the report precisely reflects your statements from the assessment interview, including all details and dates related to conviction history, substance use, abstinence, and other relevant information.
Driver License Restoration FAQS
Many drivers are uncertain when their revocation or suspension period officially ends. Obtain a driving record, which will indicate all actions taken against your license and clearly provide eligibility dates for applying for reinstatement.
Common confusion often surrounds having two alcohol-related convictions within seven years or three alcohol-related convictions within ten years. These situations trigger mandatory revocation periods.
Often requires a substance abuse evaluation, drug and/or alcohol testing, letters of support, and demonstrated abstinence.
Hearing officers generally expect a substantial and sustained period of sobriety. You must demonstrate complete abstinence from alcohol and any non-prescribed controlled substances. Due to your history (three or more convictions, relapse history, and prior diagnosis of dependence), the State of Michigan requires a minimum of twelve consecutive months of sobriety. “Abstinence” means no alcohol use whatsoever—not occasional, social, or even a single drink. You must prove this by clear and convincing evidence, which represents a high legal standard.
Based on experience, hearing officers will focus heavily on:
Drivers frequently struggle with formatting and content requirements. The letter should identify the writer, describe their relationship to the client, how long they have known the client, and how frequently they interact. It should also state the last time the writer observed the client using alcohol or drugs, including the amount used, or clearly indicate if they have never witnessed such use. Finally, the letter should discuss the client’s leisure activities, whether those activities involve alcohol, and any participation in recovery or support programs (such as Alcoholics Anonymous).
No, but applicants must typically demonstrate a strong and sustained commitment to sobriety.
Yes. You must request an administrative review through the Michigan Secretary of State.
A Michigan “administrative review summary” is the written decision from the Secretary of State after reviewing an out-of-state license clearance request, typically for someone with an OWI/DUI revocation. For out-of-state residents, an administrative review is a paperwork-only alternative to a live hearing. Michigan reviews your submitted documents to decide whether to grant a clearance, deny the request, or require additional action.Key points for out-of-state residents:
Most former Michigan residents living elsewhere take this route. A clearance removes Michigan’s hold, allowing your new state to decide on licensing independently. 616 SUD Services conducts administrative review evaluations the same way for both out-of-state and in-state residents.
Yes, unless your denial order states otherwise, you must usually wait 12 months before reapplying.
Whether you have a pending court deadline, need your driver's license back, or are just ready for personal change, we'll help you navigate the next steps without judgment.
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Providing substance abuse disorder services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Professionalism, integrity and empathy. Get In Touch →
