Suspended License

Because driving requires a great deal of responsibility, the Missouri Department of Revenue can suspend or revoke your driver's license if officials have reason to believe you have abused your driving privileges.

The following are some of the many reasons why Missouri drivers can have their licenses suspended:

• Accumulating too many points on their driving record

• Violating the state's zero tolerance policy for alcohol consumption by drivers younger than the age of 21

• Fuel theft

• Involvement in a motor vehicle accident

• Refusal to take a drug or alcohol test when requested by a law enforcement officer

• Failure to maintain appropriate auto insurance

The reason why you lost your driving privileges should be on the letter you received from the Missouri Department of Revenue's Drivers License Bureau. If it's not, you can request a copy of your driving record to discover why your license was suspended or revoked.

If you do not believe that you should lose your driving privileges, you may appeal the decision by appearing in the circuit court of your county of residence. However, you must appeal the decision within 30 days after the notice of your suspension or revocation was issued.

Getting Your Driving Privileges Reinstated

The procedure for getting your license reinstated depends upon the offense for which you lost your driving privileges. For example, a driver who has a suspended license as the result of too many traffic tickets must file an SR-22 insurance form and pay a $20 reinstatement fee. However, a driver who has a suspended license as the result of a refusal to take an alcohol test must file an SR-22 insurance form, pay a total of $65 in reinstatement fees, and complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders' Program (SATOP).

To get your Missouri driver's license reinstated, you can bring the completed forms and payment for all applicable fees to the following address:

• Driver License Bureau

• Truman State Office Building

• 301 West High St., Room 470

• Jefferson City, MO 65105

Or, you can mail the fees and forms to:

• Driver License Bureau

• P.O. Box 200

• Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200

If your driver's license was revoked or it has been expired for more than six months, you'll need to complete the written exam and driving skills test. All applicants must complete the vision screening and road sign recognition tests.

If you have questions about how to get your license back, call (573) 751-4600 for additional information.

Restricted Driving Permit

If you have served at least 30 days of your license suspension, you may request a restricted driving permit that allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential daily activities. No specific application is necessary; the motor vehicle office can issue a restricted driving permit after you have filed your SR-22 insurance form. However, minors who have been suspended for a BAC of 0.02% or more do not need an SR-22 to receive this permit. The restricted driving permit is valid for 60 days.

Missouri's Limited Driving Privilege

If you are not eligible to receive a new driver's license and need to drive for a period of more than 60 days, you may apply for a Missouri limited driving privilege (LDP) permit during your suspension. To request this permit, complete the LDP application. All applications are processed within five business days.

According to Missouri law, a driver may receive only one LDP during a five-year period. An LDP allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or other essential daily activities. However, an LDP does not authorize you to drive a commercial motor vehicle. If you have lost your commercial driver's license, you may only receive noncommercial driving privileges.

There are a number of reasons why a driver could be denied an LDP. For example, a felony conviction involving the use of a motor vehicle will automatically disqualify your application. Drivers who have been convicted of leaving the scene of an accident, had two or more revocations for refusing drug and alcohol testing, neglected to pay traffic tickets, or had a license revoked for failure to pass a required driving or medical exam are also ineligible. If you have questions about whether or not you are eligible to receive an LDP, call (573) 751-4475.

If you are classified as a persistent offender as the result of past DWI convictions, you will not be able to receive an LDP without having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle. In this case, you will need to take your LDP application to the circuit court in the county in which you live or work.