How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Alaska

Driving under the Influence (DUI) is a serious traffic offense in which an individual operates a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Under Alaska DUI laws, DUI offenders may face severe consequences, including a suspension of their driver's license. Alaska's Division of Motor Vehicles revokes and reinstates driver's licenses after DUI convictions.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Drivers convicted of a DUI may lose their driver's license for a set period. The suspension duration may differ based on the driver's age, previous convictions, and circumstances around the arrest incident.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

Alaska courts and the DMV impose conditions and penalties for DUI offenses. The conditions or penalties may include driver's license suspension, fines, DUI programs, and jail terms. On the one hand, the DMV imposes only administrative penalties, such as suspension of a driving license. In contrast, the courts can impose one or more penalties for DUI convictions.

The DMV suspension goes into effect after a DUI arrest. DUI offenders must request an administrative hearing within 15 days of receiving a license suspension notice. During the hearing, the agency determines whether to continue or lift the suspension.

Note that the suspension of a DMV license is not the same as a court suspension. The DMV license suspension is an administrative action, while a court-imposed suspension results from a DUI conviction. In most cases, the DMV license suspension may run simultaneously as the court suspension. There are also instances when the suspensions occur one after the other.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

Alaska courts may impose a DUI education or treatment program as part of the conditions for DUI offenses. Licensed DUI programs in Alaska may include the following:

• Alcohol Safety Action Program.
• DUI education programs.
• Vehicle Interlock Program
• Victim Impact Panels
• Specialized DUI court.

The ASAP program conducts DUI screening, designs education programs, and recommends the right DUI program for offenders.

DUI offenders in Alaska are generally required to complete a DUI education program, a vehicle interlock program, and victim impact panels before reinstating their license. These programs have different durations and may contain other content based on the number of previous convictions. For instance, the victim impact panel program runs for one hour, while the alcohol interlock program may run for the duration of the suspension. The DUI education program has a 12-hour (level 1) and a 24-hour (level 2) class. Most first-time offenders will likely take the 12-hour class, while repeat offenders will undergo the 2-hour class.

There is no standard cost for enrolling in Alaska's DUI programs. The program provider often decides the price based on the program's duration and type. Offenders can enroll in DUI education or treatment programs by contacting the nearest licensed provider. The court may provide a directory of licensed providers.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

The SR-22 is an insurance certificate that proves you have the minimum auto insurance coverage. The Alaska DMV requires offenders to have an SR-22 before applying to reinstate their driver's license.

You can apply for an SR-22 document through auto insurance companies in Alaska. The company may directly file the SR-22 with the DMV. The offender will receive a copy of the certificate, which they must file along with other documents when reinstating their driver's license.

Per AS 28.20.230, DUI offenders must maintain an SR-22 for specific timeframes after the license suspension ends. The timeframes include the following:

• Five years for first-time offenders.
• Ten years for second-time offenders.
• 20 years for third-time offenders.

Offenders must maintain an SR-22 certificate for a lifetime under these circumstances:

• They were convicted of a DUI for the fourth time.
• The convictions as a result of refusing to take a DUI test.
• Unsatisfied Judgment

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

The Alaska DMV charges different reinstatement fees based on the number of previous DUI convictions. The reinstatement fees include the following:

• A $200 fee for first-time offenders.
• A $250 fee for first-time offenders who refused to take the test.
• $250 for second-time offenders.
• $500 for second-time offenders who refused to take the test.

Offenders also pay a $20 license fee along with other necessary fees, like alcohol restriction state identification cards. So, you must contact the DMV to know which fees are required for your unique circumstance.

The DMV accepts both online and offline payments for license reinstatement. For online payment, offenders must fill out the required information on the agency's payment platform. Offline payment options, however, require you to submit the fees via mail or in person. Note that the agency does not accept cash payments via mail.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

DUI offenders whose license was suspended by the DMV can reinstate their license via these steps:

1. Complete and sign a D1 application form.
2. Register and complete the DMV's written test. You may need a road test if the license has been revoked for more than five years.
3. Provide proof of an SR-22 certificate.
4. Send these documents to the DMV at this address:
   Physical address
   4001 Ingra Street
   Suite 101
   Anchorage, AK 99503.
   Phone: (907) 269-5551

In contrast, use the following steps to reinstate a driver's license after a court conviction:

1. Complete and sign the D1 application.
2. Pass the online written test.
3. Complete the vision test form.
4. Attach an SR-22 form dated in the last 30 days.
5. Include a certificate of completion for the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP).
6. Submit the documents via mail or in person to the DMV.

After receiving the request, the DMV will send an invoice to your email address. You may choose to pay the fees online, by mail, or in person.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Alaska?

In Alaska, you can file a Notice of Appeal (AP-220) with the superior court if the DMV denies your license reinstatement request. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the agency's response. Your appeal must also include documents that support your claim for license reinstatement.

Alaska's DMV may deny requests for license reinstatement under these conditions:

• The offender has not completed the court-mandated DUI program.
• The offender is yet to pay the required fees or fines.
• The offender violated the terms of the license suspension.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

In Alaska, a restricted driver's license allows offenders to drive to specific locations during their license suspension. Offenders may use the permit to visit their place of employment, school, health facilities, and the courts.

DUI offenders in Alaska can apply for a restricted driver's license via these steps:

1. Complete and mail the restricted license application form to doa.dmv.limited@alaska.gov.
2. The agency will forward an invoice for a $100 non-refundable application fee. You can pay the fee via the agency's online payment portal.
3. Next, the agency will mail a list of requirements for getting a restricted driver's license. The requirements often include the following:
   1. A completed D1 application form.
   2. Completed tests, including the vision, general knowledge, and road tests if your license was revoked for more than five years.
4. Submit these requirements to the DMV via email to doa.dmv.limited@alaska.gov.

Upon receiving the requirements, the DMV may send the restricted license to your mail. You must install an ignition interlock device within 30 days of sending the requirements.

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

You can take back or reinstate your license after the suspension expires. For example, first-time offenders can apply to reinstate their license after the six-month suspension. In Alaska, you must follow specific procedures to reinstate your license. For instance, you must show proof of financial responsibility along with completed tests.