The most important thing you can do to begin preparing for your DMV hearing is to stay sober. The DMV requires that applicants for driver’s license restoration must be sober for a minimum of one year. While it may seem as though a drink here or there can be manageable it will disqualify you immediately from being able to get your driver’s license back.

Second, if you are able, it would be advantageous to retrieve your DMV record and know your arrest date(s). The last thing you want to do is claim sobriety prior to an arrest date as it will appear as if you are being dishonest to the hearing officer. The Secretary of State will not ask you for these dates, but it will aid you in your efforts if the hearing officer asks for it. AA meeting documentation will also be helpful, although it is not required to provide as evidence.

Thirdly, you need to get well written testimonial letters about your recovery from family members, friends, or acquaintances that can attest to your current sober lifestyle. The letters must be dated, notarized, include their contact information, and the last date you had used or the last date they had known you to use. These people are essentially testifying on your behalf that you have made the changes you say you have to the hearing officer.

Stay sober, and thanks for reading!

-Kiernan Gamel