Regain Your Independence: Driver's License Restoration in Michigan

We help clients across Metro Detroit, including Bingham Farms, Livonia, Canton, and Redford prove their eligibility and get back on the road.

Your Path Toward License Restoration

Revoked vs. Suspended: Understanding Your Status

Losing your ability to drive can paralyze your personal and professional life. The path to getting your license back depends entirely on how it was taken away.

Suspension: This is usually for a set period. You typically pay a reinstatement fee and wait for the time to expire.
Revocation: This is indefinite. Your license is gone until you successfully petition the state to give it back. This often happens after multiple DUI/OWI convictions.

For a revocation, you must request a hearing before the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight (OHAO). You are eligible to appeal only once per year. A denial means waiting another full 12 months to try again. This makes proper preparation mandatory.

The Burden of Proof: "Clear and Convincing Evidence"

The hearing officer does not assume you are ready to drive. The law requires you to prove your case by “clear and convincing evidence.” This is a high legal standard. You must demonstrate that your substance abuse problems are under control and likely to remain under control.

Hadd Law prepares you to meet this burden. We guide you through the evidentiary requirements to ensure your case is airtight before we ever step into the hearing room.

Experienced Representation for License Restoration

The Driver’s License Restoration Process

Substance Abuse Evaluation

You must complete a detailed evaluation with a state-licensed counselor. This document must match your testimony and your driving record perfectly. Any inconsistency, no matter how small, can lead to a denial. We review these evaluations to ensure they accurately reflect your sobriety.

Letters of Support

You are required to submit three to six notarized letters from people in your community. These cannot be generic character references. They must specifically attest to your sobriety and your lifestyle changes. Our team reviews every letter to ensure it meets the strict standards of the Secretary of State.

The Hearing Testimony

Your testimony is the most critical part of the process. The hearing officer will question you about your past alcohol or drug use, your recovery journey, and your support system. We conduct mock hearings with our clients to prepare them for these difficult questions.

Ignition Interlock (BAIID)

Getting Back on the Road

For many clients, the first step after a successful hearing is a restricted license requiring a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). You may be required to drive with this device for one year. Violations during this period can trigger a new revocation. We advise you on the rules and regulations of the BAIID program to ensure you move smoothly toward a full, unrestricted license.

Why Choose Hadd Law?

The Michigan driver’s license restoration process is bureaucratic and unforgiving. One missing document or one wrong answer can cost you another year of relying on rideshares and public transit.

Hadd Law has the experience to navigate the OHAO system. We serve clients throughout Wayne and Oakland counties who are ready to prove their sobriety and reclaim their freedom.