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Decoder

Driver's-license restoration decoder

Fill in what you know. The decoder returns a structured verdict you can verify against your state's primary source. Your inputs stay on this device — nothing is sent to a server.

Restoration decoder

Client-side only · inputs never leave your browser

Fill in what you know about your suspension. The decoder returns a statute-pinned procedural path: which form to file, whether an IID or SR-22 is required, what the waiting period is, and whether a hardship license is available in your state.

Some state rules changed after 2023 (notably for court-debt-driven suspensions). Date-aware branching uses this if provided.
Prior suspensions on your record
Hardship / occupational license
This decoder is informational only. It is not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed DUI / traffic-defense attorney in your state and verify directly with your state DMV.
Worked examples

Three worked examples

Each example illustrates the structure of the verdict. Run your own case above for a state-pinned result.

  • California · DUI · first offense · employment-required driving

    California has an all-offender IID law for DUI convictions on or after 2019 — verify the latest law via the California DMV portal linked from the verdict. The decoder will surface the IID requirement, the typical filing period for SR-22, and whether a hardship / critical-need license is eligible for the first-offender path.

  • Florida · SR-22 trigger after at-fault accident

    Florida does not use SR-22 as a class — it uses an FR-44 equivalent for certain financial-responsibility filings. The decoder identifies this and surfaces the correct alternate-form mechanism rather than recommending a generic SR-22 carrier router.

  • Illinois · license suspended for child-support arrears

    Federal preemption layer is 42 USC §666(a)(16) — PRWORA mandates state child-support license-suspension authority. State implementation varies. The decoder surfaces the state-statute citation, the procedural path back, and any payment-plan options that may trigger reinstatement under Illinois law.

The path

What the verdict slots into

The decoder doesn't replace the restoration process — it tells you which step requires which artifact in your state.

  1. Identify cause

    Confirm what triggered the suspension (DUI, SR-22, court debt, child support, points, medical, etc.).

  2. Clear conditions

    Resolve underlying triggers: pay arrears or fines, complete required courses, enroll in treatment if ordered.

  3. Wait the period

    Some causes have a hard minimum waiting period before any restoration or hardship license is available.

  4. File proof

    SR-22 (or FR-44 alternate), IID installation certificate, treatment-completion certificate — whatever your case requires.

  5. Pay reinstatement fee

    Submit the state DMV reinstatement application and pay the fee.

  6. Receive your license

    Full or restricted (hardship / occupational) — the decoder verdict shows which path applies.