An interim license is a temporary driving permit issued by your state after an alcohol-related conviction while you wait for your formal suspension to take effect

When you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), your state does not when ready revoke your license. Instead, most states issue an interim license — a temporary document that lets you drive for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days, before your actual suspension begins. This gives you time to arrange transportation, notify your employer, or prepare for a license suspension that may last months or years.

The interim license is not a second chance or a reduced penalty. It is a procedural step built into how states handle the gap between conviction and the start of your suspension. What you can and cannot do with an interim license depends on your state's rules and the specifics of your conviction.

Key Takeaways

  • An interim license is a temporary permit issued after an alcohol-related conviction that allows you to drive for a limited time before your suspension takes effect.
  • The length of time you can drive on an interim license varies by state and typically ranges from 30 to 90 days after conviction.
  • Some states restrict where or when you can drive on an interim license, such as limiting it to work-related travel only.
  • Your interim license will be revoked if you receive another traffic violation or fail to meet the terms set by your state.
  • Once your interim license expires, your actual suspension begins, and you will need an SR22 form and an ignition interlock device to drive legally in most cases.

How long you can drive on an interim license

The duration of an interim license is set by state law and does not change based on your circumstances. Most states allow 30 to 90 days of driving after conviction, though some extend it to 120 days. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will tell you the exact end date when you receive the interim license.

This period is meant to give you time to make arrangements — switching to carpools, using public transit, or preparing for the restrictions that come with your suspension. It is not negotiable or renewable. When the interim license expires, your suspension begins when ready, and driving without a valid license becomes a separate criminal offense.

Restrictions that may explore to your interim license

Some states allow unrestricted driving on an interim license, while others impose conditions. Common restrictions include driving only to and from work, school, or court-ordered programs like alcohol treatment. A few states restrict driving to daylight hours only or prohibit driving on weekends.

Your interim license document will clearly state any restrictions. Violating them — for example, driving to a restaurant when your license says work-only — gives the state grounds to revoke your interim license when ready and begin your suspension at once. Check your document carefully and ask your DMV if you are unsure what you are permitted to do.

What happens if you get another traffic violation while on an interim license

A single traffic violation — speeding, running a red light, or any other moving violation — can result in when ready revocation of your interim license. This is not a warning system. One violation ends your temporary driving privilege, and your suspension begins right away.

This is why interim licenses carry real risk. You are driving under heightened scrutiny. A minor infraction that would normally result in a ticket becomes grounds for losing your license months earlier than planned. Drive defensively and follow all traffic laws exactly.

Insurance requirements while driving on an interim license

You must carry the same auto insurance as any other driver — liability coverage at your state's minimum limits. However, your insurance company may cancel your policy or refuse to renew it once they learn of your conviction. Many insurers drop high-risk drivers when ready after an alcohol-related conviction.

Before your interim license expires, you will need to obtain an SR22 form (or SR50 in a few states), which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry the required insurance. Your insurer files this with your DMV. Without an SR22 in place before your suspension ends, you cannot legally drive even after you become may be able to access for reinstatement.

What comes after your interim license expires

When your interim license expires, your formal suspension takes effect. In most states, you cannot drive at all during this period — not even with restrictions. The length of suspension varies widely by state and by the severity of your conviction, ranging from a few months to several years.

To drive again after suspension, you will typically need to complete several steps: pay a reinstatement fee to your DMV, obtain an SR22 form from an insurance company, and install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. An IID requires you to pass a breath test before the engine starts and periodically while driving. Most states require the IID for at least one year, though longer periods are common for repeat offenders.

How an interim license differs from a restricted license

An interim license and a restricted license are different documents serving different purposes. An interim license is temporary and issued after conviction. A restricted license is what you may be able to obtain during your suspension period — it allows limited driving (usually to work, school, or treatment) while your suspension is still active.

You cannot skip the interim period and go straight to a restricted license. You must wait out your interim license period, serve your suspension, and then petition your DMV for a restricted license if your state offers one. Some states do not offer restricted licenses at all, meaning you cannot drive legally during the entire suspension period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive out of state on an interim license?

No. An interim license is valid only in the state that issued it. If you cross state lines, you are driving without a valid license in that state, which is a separate criminal offense. Some states have reciprocal agreements that recognize suspensions, meaning other states will treat your suspension as valid even if you are not physically in your home state.

What if I lose my interim license or it gets damaged?

Contact your DMV when ready to request a replacement. Bring your identification and proof of the loss or damage. You will likely pay a small replacement fee. Do not drive without a valid license while waiting for the replacement, even if you have proof of your interim status.

Does an interim license count toward my suspension time?

No. The interim period and the suspension period are separate. If your interim license lasts 60 days and your suspension is 12 months, you drive for 60 days, then cannot drive for 12 months after that. The interim period does not reduce the length of your suspension.

Can I get my interim license revoked early if I complete a treatment program?

Not through early completion of treatment. However, some states allow you to petition for early reinstatement or a restricted license after serving part of your suspension, depending on your circumstances and state law. This is a separate process from the interim license and requires filing with your DMV or the court.

What if I move to a different state while on an interim license?

Your interim license becomes invalid in your new state. You must contact your original state's DMV to understand how your suspension will be handled. Many states have agreements to enforce each other's suspensions, so moving will not erase your suspension — it will straightforward transfer to your new state's system.