What a DUI Costs in California
Fees and fines set by the state. Attorney fees, insurance increases, and lost work come on top and vary by case.
DMV reissue fee after a DUI suspension or revocation
$125
Paid to reinstate, or to get a restricted license, along with proof of insurance (SR-22).
Interlock-restricted license fees
$55 reissue fee plus $15 restriction fee
Court base fine, first DUI
$390 to $1,000
Penalty assessments are added on top.
Official sources
- California DMV — Driving Under the Influence
- California DMV — Administrative Hearings
- California DMV — Administrative Per Se Facts (2021)
- California DMV — DUI First Offenders, Alcohol, Non-Injury
- California DMV — DUI Repeat Offenders, Alcohol
- California DMV — Fast Facts FFDL 35 (DUI, 21 and older)
- California DMV — Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
- Cal. Veh. Code §13558
- Cal. Veh. Code Div. 11.5, Ch. 2, Art. 2 — DUI penalties
- Cal. Veh. Code §23540
- Cal. Veh. Code §23546
- California Highway Patrol — HPM 70.4 Ch. 6, Administrative Per Se
- California Senate — Overview of Criminal Punishments for DUI (2026)
Educational information, not legal advice. California law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Driver Safety and talk to a licensed California attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.