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Will You Lose Your License After a California DUI?
10-day DMV deadline, IID restricted license, Admin Per Se suspension — how to protect your ability to drive.
Last updated: March 3, 2026
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Yes — your license will be suspended after a California DUI arrest unless you request a DMV hearing within 10 days. If you miss that deadline, automatic suspension begins on day 31. California offers an IID-restricted license that lets you drive anywhere immediately while under suspension. SR-22 insurance is required for 3 years after a DUI conviction.
Admin Per Se (DMV Suspension)
Admin Per Se (APS) is California's administrative license suspension — completely separate from any criminal court action.
After your arrest, you received a pink temporary license valid for 30 days. You must request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest to challenge the suspension.
To request: Call the DMV Driver Safety Office at 1-800-777-0133, or request online at dmv.ca.gov. Specify you want a "formal APS hearing."
Hearing fee: None — DMV hearings are free in California.
Requesting a hearing extends your temporary pink license until the hearing is decided.
Suspension Periods
Two separate suspensions can apply: The DMV's Admin Per Se suspension and any court-ordered suspension from criminal conviction. These can run concurrently or consecutively — talk to your attorney about how they'll overlap.
IID Restricted License (Recommended)
California offers an IID Restricted License that allows you to drive anywhere — not just work — as long as an ignition interlock device is installed in your vehicle.
This is the recommended option for most people because:
- No restriction on destination (work, school, errands, family)
- Available from the start of suspension (after processing)
- Apply at any DMV office
Requirements:
- Install IID in all vehicles you drive
- Maintain SR-22 insurance
- Pay DMV restriction fee (~$100)
- Enroll in DUI school (if court-ordered)
Step-by-step guide to getting your California Restricted License
IID option, traditional option, costs, and how to apply
Traditional Restricted License
If you don't want an IID, you can apply for a traditional restricted license after serving 30 days of hard suspension (1st offense).
Allows driving to: Work, school, DUI program only
Requires: SR-22 insurance, DUI school enrollment
Note: More restrictive than the IID option — most attorneys recommend IID restricted license instead.
Ignition Interlock Requirements
California requires IID for most DUI convictions, with the length depending on offense number:
Cost: ~$70–$150/month rental + installation (~$75–$125)
State-approved providers: Intoxalock, Smart Start, Draeger, LifeSafer, BACtrack
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate proving you carry at least California's minimum liability coverage. Required for reinstatement after a DUI suspension.
Duration: 3 years minimum
Filing fee: ~$15–$30 (filed by your insurer with DMV)
Premium impact: Expect significant increases — typically 50–100%+ over pre-DUI rates
If your SR-22 lapses at any point during the 3 years, your insurer notifies DMV and your license is re-suspended immediately.
Reinstatement After Suspension
To reinstate your California license after a DUI:
- Serve the required suspension/restriction period
- Enroll in (and complete) DUI school
- File SR-22 with your insurer
- Pay DMV reissue fee ($55)
- Install IID if required
Track your suspension and reissue status at dmv.ca.gov
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California DUI Court Process
What happens at the DMV hearing, arraignment, and pretrial