MIS Insurance Services · Free tool
California DUI Deadline Calculator
Enter the date you got your Order of Suspension. See your 10-day DMV hearing deadline, when your suspension starts, when you can get a restricted license, and how long you’ll need an SR-22.
Most people get the order (with a pink temporary license) from the officer on the day of the arrest. For a first DUI arrest, age 21 or older, alcohol only, no injuries.
Your DUI timeline
Estimates based on California DMV rules for first offenders. Your court case can add a separate 6- or 10-month suspension. This is not legal advice. Ask your DUI attorney about your exact dates.
Need an SR-22 to get a restricted license?
Both restricted-license options require proof of insurance (SR-22). MIS shops 25+ SR-22 and DUI insurers and files your SR-22 with the DMV, often the same day. SR-22 insurance in California as low as $10/month (prices vary).
Get an SR-22 quote or call (800) 726-0640 · Se habla español
What each date means
The 10-day DMV hearing deadline
You have 10 days from getting the Order of Suspension to request an Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing with the DMV. If the order was mailed, the DMV allows 14 days from the date on the notice. Miss it and you lose the right to a hearing. The hearing is about your license only, not your criminal case. You don’t have to request one, but most DUI attorneys do.
Day 30: your temporary license ends
The order doubles as a temporary license for 30 days, as long as your California license wasn’t already expired or suspended. Your 4-month suspension starts after those 30 days.
Restricted license with an ignition interlock (IID)
You can apply right away. With an IID installed you may drive anywhere, any time, in that vehicle, for up to 4 months. You’ll need proof of DUI program enrollment, proof of IID installation (DL 920), an SR-22, and the $125 APS fee.
Restricted license for work and your DUI program
After you serve 30 days of the 4-month suspension, you can apply for a license that lets you drive to, from and during work and to your DUI program, for up to 5 months. You’ll need proof of DUI program enrollment, an SR-22 and the $125 APS fee.
How long you need the SR-22
The DMV requires you to keep an SR-22 on file for 3 years to fully reinstate your license after a DUI conviction. If your insurance lapses, the insurer notifies the DMV and your license can be suspended again, so keep it active the whole time.
What this calculator doesn’t cover
Court penalties, a second or later DUI, refusing the chemical test, drivers under 21, commercial licenses and DUIs involving injury all follow different rules. Use the California DUI Help Center and talk to a DUI attorney.
Sources: California DMV, DUI First Offenders – Alcohol Involved, Non-Injury, 21 and Older and Administrative Per Se fact sheet. See also our California DUI Help Center · Centro de ayuda DUI en español.