How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in California? 2025

Everyone makes mistakes, but sometimes, those choices leave us with life-altering, long-lasting repercussions. When you are convicted of driving under the influence in California, your license may be suspended or even revoked, depending on the severity of the charges. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer like the Law Office of Vic Nasser can be helpful in many ways and can help you answer questions like, “How to get your license back after a DUI in California?”

What Is Considered Driving Under the Influence in California?

When you are charged with driving under the influence, also known as getting a “DUI,” it means that law enforcement suspects you of operating any kind of vehicle while your blood alcohol content is higher than the legal amount or that you are under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of driving. This can leave you with a suspended license and the question of how you can get your license back after a DUI in California.

In California, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for those legally old enough to drink alcohol is 0.08%. If you are under the legal drinking age, it is illegal for you to consume any alcohol at all, meaning you can be charged with a DUI for any detectable amount of BAC. A BAC level of 0.15% or more can lead to felony charges and more severe punishments if you are found guilty.

With just over 96,000 arrests during 2022, California is the leading state in DUI arrests. This indicates just how seriously they take the safety of drivers, as well as all laws that are related to driving. According to the CDC, one drunk driving-related death occurs roughly every 45 minutes in the United States.

Due to the severity of potential risks related to driving under the influence, the California court system issues penalties for those convicted that mirror the severity of the situation. Convicted individuals may be made to pay roughly $10,000 in fines and fees even for first-time offenses. You can also lose your license. In Bakersfield, DUI cases are generally handled by the Kern County Superior Court on Truxtun Avenue.

How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in California?

There are some specific variables unique to each case that can impact how soon you may be able to get your license back after a DUI conviction, or even if you will be allowed to drive again at all. Your BAC level at the time of the incident, whether or not anyone was harmed, and whether you have former DUI convictions all contribute to the length and severity of your license suspension.

There are ways you can work to get your license back sooner. The first thing you will want to do is enlist the help of a Bakersfield DUI defense lawyer. They will be able to answer your questions and guide you through the various steps you need to take to get your license reinstated.

Next, you will want to enroll in and complete a California DUI program. This is a great way of taking responsibility and pursuing your license at the same time. The length of time you will need to attend the class may differ based on how high your BAC was at the time of your DUI.

After this, you will need to make sure your insurance is up–to-date. You will also need to pay any required DMV license reissuing fees. While not always the case, you may be ordered to complete a driving reexamination through the DMV.

The most important step you will need to take as you pursue the reinstatement of your license is to fulfill every court-appointed requirement issued with your conviction. This shows both compliance and a readiness to take responsibility, and it enables you to make a strong case for getting your license returned.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

A: Each DUI case comes with unique variables that directly impact the cost of a DUI defense lawyer. It is because of this that it can be difficult to determine a one-size-fits-all price tag, but there are still a couple of common factors that tend to influence your final cost. This includes the level of complexity your case presents, the length of time it takes to reach resolution, and the lawyer you hire to represent your case. To understand the specific costs for your DUI defense, contact Vic Nasser Law Office today for a personalized consultation.

Q: Do I Need an SR-22 to Reinstate My License in California?

A: Yes. In order to reinstate your license after it is suspended in California, you will need to fill out and file an SR-22 form. An SR-22 is required because it shows that you can take financial responsibility if you get in any accidents in the future. It also proves that you meet all of the requirements for liability insurance.

Q: How Long Will It Take to Get My License Back After a DUI Conviction in California?

A: Since every DUI case is unique, the overall timeline varies case by case in the state of California. Some of the variables that can directly impact the length of your suspension include the following:

• How high your BAC was at the time of the incident
• Whether or not anyone was harmed while you were driving under the influence
• Whether or not any accidents and/or damage occurred because of the incident
• Whether or not you have previous DUI convictions

Q: Can I Represent Myself in a DUI Case?

A: While it is perfectly legal for you to represent yourself in your own DUI case in California, individuals facing DUI charges can find that they benefit more from the help of a DUI defense lawyer. They can offer you guidance and insight as you navigate the different legal steps you will need to complete. For dedicated guidance and insightful support throughout your California DUI case, connect with Vic Nasser Law Office now.

Call Us Today

Getting convicted of driving under the influence may feel like the end of the world, but it does not have to be. With the assistance and guidance of a skilled Bakersfield DUI defense lawyer, you can work toward getting your license back even after being convicted of a DUI. When you enlist the help of The Law Office of Victor Nasser, you will find a dedicated and well-informed lawyer who is ready to help you pursue your desired outcomes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.