Frequently Asked Questions - Chemical Test Refusal
- What is a Chemical Test Refusal?
- How can I get my driver license back when it is revoked for a chemical refusal?
- When will I get my driver license back?
- Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am serving my revocation on a chemical refusal?
- Will I have to retake my test?
- What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
- How long do I need the SR-22 insurance filing?
- Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)? I was not convicted.
- Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
- How do I request a hearing?
- When will the chemical revocation 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 a Chemical Test Refusal?
When a police officer stops you while driving and suspects you have been drinking, the officer may ask you to take some tests like walking heel to toe or standing on one leg. These tests will help the officer decide if you should be arrested and have a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. The result of this test is known as your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level.
If you refuse to take the test to find out your BAC, your driver license will be taken away (revoked) for one year.
How can I get my driver license back when it is revoked for a chemical refusal?
Send the following items to the Driver License Bureau, P.O. Box 200, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0200, before your 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 one year from the starting date of your revocation. We will send the driver license back to you with your reinstatement notice.
Can I have any type of driving privilege while I am serving my revocation on a chemical refusal?
After you serve the first 90 days of your revocation, you may be eligible for a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). 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.
Will I have to retake my test?
You are not required to retest upon reinstatement unless your driver license expired during the revocation period and has been expired for more than six months.
What is an SR-22 insurance filing?
It is a form from your insurance company that shows you have 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 on a chemical refusal; however, the SR-22 is required if you file for a Limited Driving Privilege. The SR-22 must be kept in effect until the Limited Driving Privilege expires.
Why do I need to complete a Substance Abuse Traffic Offenders Program (SATOP)? I was not convicted.
If you have an alcohol-related offense, such as a chemical revocation, on your driver record, the law requires you to complete a SATOP for reinstatement.
Where do I get information about SATOP classes?
For information on SATOP classes, click here.
How do I request a hearing?
You must petition for a hearing before the Circuit or Associate Circuit Court in the county where the arrest/stop occurred. A petition for review must be filed within 30 days from the date the Notice of Revocation is issued.
When will the chemical revocation come off my driver record?
Chemical revocations are a permanent part of the record and can never be removed.