How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Wyoming

According to Wyoming Statutes § 31-5-23, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense is defined as operating or being in physical control of vehicles while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. A Wyoming DUI offense is a misdemeanor (though it may be elevated to a felony) and carries penalties like automatic license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. Losing driving privileges due to a license suspension may affect personal and work commutes.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

A DUI offense in Wyoming will trigger an automatic Administrative License suspension (ALS) by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and additional revocations, which may overlap with the ALS if the violation results in a criminal conviction. The length of license suspension in Wyoming depends on the number of previous offenses. The list below outlines the suspension period for various DUI offenses in Wyoming:

• First DUI offense - 90 days license suspension (the offender may be eligible for an Occupational License after 30 days)
• Second DUI within 10 years - 1-year license suspension with an option for Occasional License after 45 days
• Third DUI offense - 3 years license suspension (eligibility for Occupational License is at the court's discretion)
• Fourth or Subsequent Offenses - license revocation for a minimum of 3 years or longer (offenders may obtain Occupational Licenses in rare circumstances)
• Refusing a chemical test - 6 months license suspension for the first offense and 18 months for a second offense within 10 years.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

In Wyoming, a DUI offense may trigger two types of suspensions:

• An administrative license suspension by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) against drivers whose Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels are 0.08% or higher or who refuse to take breath or blood tests. A failed test results in a 90-day automatic license suspension, while refusing a chemical test leads to a 6 to 18-month suspension.
• Court-imposed suspension is a consequence of a criminal conviction for a DUI offense. Unlike administrative penalties, court-imposed penalties may extend beyond suspension to include significant fines and jail time.

If a Wyoming DUI violation results in a conviction, the court may impose the following additional penalties:

Fines

• First offense - up to $750.00
• Second offense - up to $750.00
• Third offense - up to $3,000.00
• Fourth offense - up to $10,000.00

Jail Time

• First offense - up to 6 months
• Second offense - 7 days to 6 months
• Third offense - 30 days to 6 months
• Fourth offense - up to 7 years in prison.

Furthermore, a second DUI offense mandates the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and a minimum of 30 days of community service. Other potential Court mandates include probation, supervision, and participation in a substance abuse program or a Level I or Level II DUI program.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

In Wyoming, the WYDOT or the court may order DUI programs as requirements for license reinstatement. These programs run for specific periods and must be delivered by state-certified providers. The table below outlines the various DUI programs, for whom they are typically ordered, and their duration.

The average costs for these state-certified DUI education programs vary by type, as the table indicates.

A certificate of completion is proof of good faith and responsibility, which is essential for securing a hardship license or early probation release.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

SR-22 insurance is a document that insurance providers submit to the state, verifying that a vehicle owner maintains the legally required minimum liability coverage. Wyoming Statute § 31-9-401 mandates an automatic SR-22 requirement for DUI conviction, reckless driving, or driving without insurance or inability to show proof of one after an accident.

Individuals may add SR-22 that meets Wyoming's $25k/$50k/$20k minimum liability limits to their existing policies or obtain non-owner SR-22 if they do not own vehicles. To get SR-22 insurance:

• Find a local insurer that offers SR-22 services
• Request SR-22 filing with the Wyoming Department of Transportation
• Pay the filing fees and premium
• The insurer will typically send the SR-22 to the WYDOT within 24 to 72 hours
• Maintain continuous coverage for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement or as required (a lapse in coverage will trigger an automatic suspension).

An SR-22 may significantly raise auto insurance premiums. The average increase depends on the insurance situation. The table outlines the estimated increase in car insurance premiums in Wyoming due to SR-22 coverage.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

Reinstating a driver's license in Wyoming after a suspension involves various fees, which depend on the nature of the suspension. The following costs apply to license reinstatement in Wyoming:

• Mandatory Reinstatement Fees - A flat $50.00 fee is required for all reinstatements. If the suspension relates to non-payment of child support, there is an additional $5.00 fee(
• Hardship License Fee - This includes a $15.00 fee for records review when seeking a hardship license and an additional $25.00 Probationary License fee.
• Ignition Interlock Restricted License Administrative Fee - a $100.00 post-DUI IID-restricted license fee
• License reissuance Fee - $100.00.

Applicants may make payments for license reinstatement with cash, checks, money orders, or certified funds.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Individuals seeking to submit license reinstatement applications should do so at local driver exam offices. Alternatively, mail the necessary documents and payments to:

WYDOT-Driver Services 5300 Bishop Boulevard,
Cheyenne,
WY 82009-3340.

Applicants may also visit the WYDOT Reinstatement Information Page to access the requirements.

What If You Are Denied License Reinstatement in Wyoming?

Individuals applying for license reinstatement in Wyoming should note that the Wyoming Department of Transportation may deny an application if the applicant:

• Does not fulfill the necessary conditions (for instance, missing SR-22, failure to complete court-ordered alcohol education, or non-installation of required IID)
• Has outstanding fines or fees
• File incomplete documentation
• Has an active suspension or revocation
• Submits the wrong type of application
• Fails to comply with IID requirements
• Has multiple violations or an additional suspension.

If the WYDOT denies an application for license reinstatement, applicants should:

• Request a written explanation from the WYDOT Driver's Service at (307) 777-4800 or dot-general@wyo.gov
• Fix the issues leading to the denial
• Request an administrative hearing to review the decision if the denial was due to errors.

Applicants must contact WYDOT Driver Services and request an administrative hearing within 20 days of the denial.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

In Wyoming, there are three types of restricted licenses:

• Restricted learners or hardship licenses for minors between the ages of 14 and 15
• Ignition Interlock Restricted License for adults
• General Adult Probationary/Restricted License (Non-IID).

To obtain an adult restricted license, offenders must complete any mandatory suspension period stipulated by Wyoming Statutes 31-7-128/31-5-233, which includes:

• Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device from a certified provider
• Applying to the WYDOT for an Ignition Interlock restricted license
• Filing insurance proof and signing an agreement to the stipulated conditions
• Enrollment and completion of treatment programs.

For a general adult probationary or restricted license, the applicant must demonstrate undue hardship due to losing their driving privileges. Furthermore, restricted licenses are tailored to specific case-to-case needs (for instance, work, medical, and school commutes) and may be valid for 5 years.

Minors may be eligible for a restricted learner's/hardship license if they:

• Commute more than 5 miles from school
• Work 10 hours or more per week at jobs more than 5 miles away
• Need to drive to their parents' businesses.

DUI offenders under restricted licenses may only drive vehicles equipped with an IID and must fully comply with the license conditions. Otherwise, the Wyoming Department of Transportation may revoke the license and reinstate the full suspension.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

The time it takes to get a license back after a DUI suspension in Wyoming depends on the number of previous DUI convictions, compliance with the reinstatement conditions, and the presence of aggravating factors (such as the presence of a child passenger, refusing a chemical test, or a high BAC level). The table outlines the realistic timeline for license reinstatement for various DUI violations in Wyoming.