Frequently Asked Questions - Abuse and Lose
- What is Missouri's Abuse and Lose Law?
- How can I get my driver license back when it is suspended/revoked under the Abuse and Lose Law?
- When will I get my driver license back?
- Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am suspended/revoked under the Abuse and Lose Law?
- What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
- How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?
- Will I have to retake my test?
- Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)?
- Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
- When will the Abuse and Lose action come off my driver record?
Information 24/7 – If you have questions about a ticket, suspension, or revocation on your Missouri driver record, you may now call our new interactive voice response system at (573) 526-2407 - available 24 hours a day, 7days a week.
What is Missouri's Abuse and Lose Law?
If ordered by the court, anyone under 21 years of age may have his or her driving privilege suspended for 90 days for a first offense or revoked for one year for a subsequent offense for any one of the following reasons:
- Any alcohol-related traffic offense.
- Any offense involving the possession or use of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle.
- Any offense involving the possession or use of drugs.
- Any offense involving the alteration, modification, or misrepresentation of a driver license.
- A second offense involving the possession or use of alcohol by someone under 18 years of age.
If ordered by the court, anyone 21 years of age or older, may have his or her driving privilege revoked for one year for possession or use of drugs while driving.
How can I get my driver license back when it is suspended/revoked under the Abuse and Lose Law?
Send the following items to the Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200 before your suspension/revocation period ends.
- Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) completion form or a comparable program completion form. The Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse will send this form directly to us after you complete the program. Any questions regarding SATOP comparable programs should be directed to a certified SATOP Offender Management Unit or the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse at (573) 522-4020.
- $45 reinstatement fee. Money order or personal check is acceptable. Please include your full name, address, date of birth, and driver license number.
When will I get my driver license back?
If you have met your reinstatement requirements and are otherwise eligible, you can get your driver license back after your suspension or revocation period has been served. We will send the driver license back to you with your reinstatement notice.
Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am suspended/revoked under the Abuse and Lose Law?
You may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). The LDP can be used for work, your alcohol program, medical treatment, school, etc. Click on one of the following for more information.
- How do I file the necessary forms in order to get my license back?
- What is Missouri's LDP?
- How do I apply for an LDP?
NOTE: Only one LDP can be given to you in a five-year period. A person cannot obtain an LDP to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Download and complete an Application for Limited Driving Privilege (Form 4595
). If you are eligible, an LDP may be issued to you after you file an SR-22 with our office.
What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
It is a form from your insurance company that shows your motor vehicle has liability insurance. (Click here to see an example of the SR-22 form)
How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?
The SR-22 is not required for reinstatement for an Abuse and Lose action; however, the SR-22 is required if you file for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). The SR-22 must be kept in effect until the LDP expires.
Will I have to retake my test?
You are not required to retest upon reinstatement unless your driver license expired during the suspension or revocation period and has been expired for more than six months.
Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)?
The law requires you to complete a SATOP for reinstatement if your driving privilege was taken away for:
- Any alcohol-related traffic offense.
- Any offense involving the possession or use of alcohol or drugs.
- Any offense involving the alteration, modification, or misrepresentation of a driver license.
Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
For information on SATOP classes, click here.
When will the Abuse and Lose action come off my driver record?
The Abuse and Lose action can only be removed after five years from the reinstatement date. You must submit a written request to our office requesting the Abuse and Lose action be removed.