If you are arrested for a major moving violation in the District, you will be issued an Order of Proposed Revocation by the arresting police officer. In addition to appearing at Superior Court, you must schedule a hearing to determine if you can retain your license, called a permit hearing, within 10 calendar days of receiving the ticket if you are a DC resident or within 15 calendar days if you are a non-DC resident.
How to Schedule a Permit Hearing
- You may schedule your hearing by appearing in-person at DC DMV Adjudication Services. Information on the Adjudication Services Offices is available at: DC DMV Adjudication Services
- You may schedule your hearing by mail. Write to:
Driver Improvement Office
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
- Your request must be received within 10 calendar days of being served with the Official Notice of Proposed Revocation for DC residents or within 15 calendar days if you are a non-DC resident. You will receive notification of your hearing date by return mail.
- You must present or include a copy of your driver license, the Order of Proposed Revocation, court disposition, and other relevant court documents.
Show Cause Hearing
Drivers who request a hearing in response to being served with a Notice of Proposed Revocation must request a show cause hearing for the alcohol-related offense (DUI, DWI, OWI). The hearing examiner will take testimony from the arresting officer concerning the circumstances surrounding your charge. The hearing examiner will also take testimony from you. You can be represented by counsel and/or present witnesses. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing examiner will decide whether to take action against your driver’s license or driving privileges, such as ordering a suspension or revocation.
Reinstatement Hearing
Drivers whose license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in the District of Columbia was revoked as the result of an alcohol or drug-related offense must submit a written application to DC DMV for reinstatement. You must include proof of completion of a state-certified alcohol/drug counseling program.
Obtain a Limited Occupational License
Drivers licensed in the District of Columbia may submit a request to DC DMV for a limited occupational license following the suspension or revocation of their license. If your driver license revocation was mandatory, then you are not eligible for a limited occupational license. Instructions for obtaining a limited occupational license are available at: Instructions for Obtaining a Limited Occupational License
Appeal
If the hearing examiner orders the suspension or revocation of your DC driver license or privilege to drive in the District of Columbia, you may file a Petition for Review of the hearing examiner’s decision to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals within 30 days. The address is Historic Courthouse, 450 E Street, NW, Room 115, Washington, DC 20001.
Prepare for your Hearing
- Be ready to answer questions about your driving record and driving habits.
- Bring all documents related to your moving violation charge with you.
- If you have completed an alcohol and/or substance abuse counseling program, bring documentation confirming the completion with you.
See the DC DMV Driver Point System for more information about points and license reinstatement. Information is available at the links below: