Michigan Hardship License After DUI
Michigan requires 50/100/10 liability coverage and is a no-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteMichigan at a Glance
50/100/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
No-fault
Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash
Required
PIP coverage must be on every policy
$125
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Michigan
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system requiring drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in addition to standard liability minimums. After a DUI conviction, Michigan requires SR-22 filing for 3 years and proof of high-risk insurance before hardship license approval. The Michigan Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division administers hardship license applications, not the DMV.
SR-22 Insurance
Ignition Interlock Insurance
No-Fault PIP Coverage
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
What Drivers Pay in Michigan
$362–$670/mo
Typical monthly rate in Michigan, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted license (offense-specific; incl. Specialty/Sobriety Court restricted license)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a DUI can I apply for a hardship license in Michigan?
Michigan allows hardship license applications immediately after DUI suspension begins through the Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. You do not need to wait 30, 60, or 90 days as required in some states. Processing typically takes 30–45 days from application submission to approval.
Do I need ignition interlock for a first-offense DUI hardship license in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires ignition interlock device installation for all DUI-related hardship licenses, including first offenses. The IID requirement lasts for the full restriction period, typically 12 months for first offenses and 24–36 months for second or subsequent offenses.
What happens if my SR-22 lapses during my Michigan hardship license period?
Your hardship license is suspended immediately. Michigan carriers notify the Secretary of State within 24 hours of policy cancellation or lapse. You must refile SR-22 with a new carrier and wait 7–14 days for reinstatement processing before you can legally drive again.
Does Michigan require FR-44 filing instead of SR-22 for DUI?
No. Michigan requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions. FR-44 is specific to Florida and Virginia only. Some Michigan drivers confuse the two because both are high-risk insurance filings, but Michigan does not use FR-44 certificates.
What is the difference between a hardship license and a restricted license in Michigan?
Michigan uses the terms interchangeably, but the formal name is restricted license issued by the Secretary of State Driver Assessment and Appeal Division. Both refer to the same DUI-related limited driving privilege allowing work, education, medical, and court-ordered alcohol treatment travel during suspension.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your carrier with the Michigan Secretary of State. Required for 3 years after DUI conviction before full license reinstatement.
Non-Owner SR-22
SR-22 insurance for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need to satisfy Michigan's filing requirement. Covers you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles.
Ignition Interlock Coverage
Insurance endorsement required for vehicles equipped with court-ordered or Secretary of State-mandated ignition interlock devices.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Specialty insurance for drivers with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, or multiple violations. Carries higher premiums but allows legal driving during restriction periods.
No-Fault PIP Insurance
Personal Injury Protection coverage that pays your medical bills after an accident regardless of who caused it. Mandatory in Michigan.