As of Oct. 1, 2021, changes in state laws reclassify certain violations as civil infractions and restrict when some violations may suspend your driver's license. These qualifying violations and any sanctions or suspensions connected to them will no longer be enforced and will be cleared from driving records providing drivers with an opportunity to have their driving privileges reinstated.
If you are impacted by these changes, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is mailing you a letter. The letter is being sent to the address listed on your driving record and has been posted to your Secretary of State online services account. The letter lists the violations and suspensions that will be cleared from your record and states if you need to take additional action to resume driving. If you have violations or suspensions on your record that are not impacted by the changes in law, you will not be eligible to resume driving until they are cleared. You can purchase a copy of your driving record through your Secretary of State online services account.
For additional info and to register in advance, visit Michigan.gov/SOSCleanSlate.
If you need additional assistance to register, you may call the United Way at 211.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding the Road to Restoration Clinics
- What is the Road to Restoration Clinic? A: It is an opportunity to meet with volunteer attorneys and Michigan Department of State staff to review your driving record and determine how you may regain your privilege to drive. By attending the clinic, you are not guaranteed an “automatic restoration” of your driving privilege. However, depending on your current driving status, you may have only a fine or driver reinstatement fee to pay in order to regain your driver’s license.
- How many people can attend each clinic? A: We will see as many people as possible. The amount varies as we compensate for COVID Protocols, volunteer attorney and MDOS staffing, and location size. The range has been between 80 and 160.
- What are the COVID-19 protocols in place? A: Applicable COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place for this event based on the county and hosting location’s requirements. All hosting locations require clinic participants to wear a mask. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend.
- What documents do I need to bring to attend a license restoration clinic? A: As stated on the registration form, we will use the information provided on the sign up form to obtain your driving record. If you have additional information regarding your driving status, you can bring that with you. If have received an “eligible” letter in the mail, you may want to bring your birth certificate, an official document with your social security number on it, and two forms of mail with your current address in case you are able to obtain your new driver's license on the day of the clinic.
- Do I have to attend the clinic in-person? A: Yes.
- How do I schedule a time to attend the clinic? A: The Department of State will email or call you once you have completed the form to schedule an appointment. You will need to respond to the email or call with at time that is currently available. If you are unable to get an appointment that fits your schedule, then you may “walk-in” to the clinic. Yes, if you are unable to obtain a pre-scheduled time to meet with an attorney you may still come to the clinic as a walk-in between 9 am – 3pm. For most walk-in residents, you will have the option to purchase your driving record on site at the Mobile Branch Office. The cost is $12.
- Are walk-ins available? A:
- Can I attend if I live outside the host city or county? A: Yes
- Will there be virtual clinics? A: Hopefully, but we do not have it established at this time.
- If I registered and can’t make it, do I need to cancel? A: Yes, if you received a pre-scheduled time to attend the clinic, and then are unable to attend for any reason, please contact the Michigan Department of State or call back to 211 to cancel your appointment.
- What should I do if I can’t attend a clinic? A: Please contact the Michigan Department of State or 211 as soon as possible. You should also consider ordering your certified driving record and contacting legal counsel to assist you in reviewing your Road to Restoring your driving privileges.