Losing your driver’s license for five or ten years is frustrating and life-changing. But don’t lose hope—you can get your license back! Many people in Hannibal, MO, and across the state have successfully reinstated their driving privileges.
This guide will explain:
✅ Why your license was denied
✅ How to get it reinstated
✅ What the court looks for in your petition
✅ The role of fingerprinting and CHIRP
✅ Missouri statutes that apply to reinstatement
✅ What happens if you’re denied
By the end, you’ll know exactly what steps to take—and how a Hannibal, MO, traffic lawyer can help! 🚗💨
Why Did Missouri Deny My License for 5 or 10 Years?
A license denial is different from a suspension. A suspension ends automatically after a certain period (like 30 or 90 days). But a denial means you CANNOT legally drive again until you go through the reinstatement process.
Missouri law § 302.060(9) RSMo explains why this happens:
- 5-year denials occur if you have two or more DWI/DUI convictions within a 5-year period.
- 10-year denials happen when you have three or more alcohol-related offenses on your record.
🚨 Important: If you’re denied under this law, simply waiting out the time will not reinstate your license. You must actively apply for reinstatement!
How Do I Get My Driver’s License Back After a 5- or 10-Year Denial?
Getting your license back involves several steps, including court approval, fingerprinting, and proof of rehabilitation.
Step 1: Wait the Required Time
- 5-year denials → You must wait at least 2 years before applying.
- 10-year denials → You must wait at least 3 years before applying.
Step 2: Complete the Required Programs
To convince a judge that you are no longer a risk, you must show that you have changed.
✅ Complete SATOP (Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program)
✅ Stay out of legal trouble (No new DWIs, drug offenses, or major traffic violations)
✅ Prove sobriety (AA attendance, counseling records, drug/alcohol testing, etc.)
✅ Maintain steady employment (Work history shows responsibility)
Step 3: Apply for Fingerprinting Through CHIRP
Before you can file your petition, you must submit fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This is done through CHIRP (Criminal History and Identification Resource Portal).
🔹 How to Submit Fingerprints:
- Go to Missouri CHIRP.
- Click on “Fingerprints for Licensing & Employment”.
- Enter Reason Code: 6367 (DWI Reinstatement).
- Pay the $14.75 fee online.
- Visit a certified fingerprint location to complete the process.
Your fingerprints are used to check your entire criminal history. The court will review these records to decide if you’re eligible for reinstatement.
Step 4: File a Petition for License Reinstatement
Once fingerprinting is complete, you must file a petition in Marion County Circuit Court (if your last DWI was in Hannibal).
Your petition should include:
✅ Your full name and date of birth
✅ Your driver’s license number
✅ The date of your last DWI conviction
✅ A statement showing you completed all required treatment
✅ Proof of sobriety (AA letters, sponsor testimony, drug test results)
✅ A copy of your CHIRP fingerprint results
Your petition must be correctly written and filed. A mistake can result in denial, which means you’ll have to wait even longer to reapply.
Step 5: Attend Your Court Hearing
After filing, the court will schedule a reinstatement hearing.
The judge will review:
- Your driving record
- Your criminal history
- Your alcohol/drug treatment records
- Your fingerprint background check
- Your character witnesses
A strong petition with solid proof will give you the best chance of approval.
Step 6: Install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
If your license is reinstated, Missouri law § 302.309 RSMo requires you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
🚗 This device prevents your car from starting if alcohol is detected.
📆 You must use the IID for at least six months.
What Happens If My Petition Is Denied?
If the judge denies your request, don’t give up! You still have options:
✔ File an appeal (Ask a higher court to reconsider)
✔ Wait and reapply later (Fix any issues and try again)
✔ Apply for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP)
An LDP (hardship license) lets you drive for work, school, or medical reasons while waiting for full reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to get my license back?
The process can take several months. Courts move at different speeds, and you must complete all steps before approval.
2. Can I apply for reinstatement early?
No. You must wait at least 2 years for a 5-year denial and 3 years for a 10-year denial before filing your petition.
3. Can I drive while waiting for my court hearing?
No. Driving without a license is illegal and could result in new charges, making it harder to get reinstated.
4. Do I need a lawyer?
Technically, no—but filing incorrectly can lead to denial. A Hannibal, MO traffic lawyer can help ensure your paperwork is complete and that you present the best case in court.
5. What if I live in another state?
If Missouri denied your license, other states will not issue you a new one. You must clear your denial in Missouri first.
6. Do I have to go to SATOP if I completed another alcohol program?
Possibly. Missouri typically requires SATOP, but you can ask the court if they will accept alternative programs.
Need Help Getting Your License Back? Call Bond Law Firm Today!
If your license was denied for five or ten years in Hannibal, MO, the Bond Law Firm, LLC is here to help. We’ve helped many drivers get back on the road—and we can do the same for you.
📞 Call us now at (573) 769-6155
📧 Email: eric@bondlawfirm.com
📍 Visit our office: 102 N. Main St., Palmyra, MO 63461
Don’t wait! Let’s work together to get your license reinstated and get you back to driving legally! 🚗
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