A person whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked following an arrest for DUI/DWI generally may apply to have their license reinstated at the end of the suspension or revocation period by paying a reissue or reinstatement fee and providing proof of financial responsibility (insurance)—but only after completing any court-ordered sentence, including (1) jail or prison time, (2) work furlough or work release, (3) probation, (4) DUI traffic school, alcohol rehabilitation, treatment, or intervention programs, and (5) payment of fines and court costs.

A driver’s license that has been suspended or revoked is not automatically reinstated when the suspension or revocation period ends, and the driver must complete the reinstatement process to drive legally.

Laws regarding the reinstatement of a driver's license after suspension or revocation for a DUI/DWI arrest vary from state to state and are generally located in a state's statutes—often in the vehicle code, transportation code, or vehicle and traffic code.

In California, after a DUI/DWI arrest resulting in a driver's license suspension or revocation, an individual must complete the full term of the suspension or revocation period before applying for reinstatement. To legally reinstate their driver's license, the individual must fulfill all court-ordered obligations, which may include serving any jail or prison time, participating in work furlough or release programs, completing probation, attending DUI traffic school, and undergoing alcohol rehabilitation or treatment programs. Additionally, all fines and court costs must be paid. The reinstatement process also requires the payment of a reissue or reinstatement fee and the submission of proof of financial responsibility, typically in the form of SR-22 insurance. It is important to note that the license is not automatically reinstated at the end of the suspension or revocation period; the driver must proactively complete the reinstatement process to regain legal driving privileges. These requirements are outlined in California's vehicle codes and statutes governing driving under the influence.