DD stands for "Designated Driver" and marks you as someone who has volunteered to drive without alcohol

The DD designation on your driver's license is a voluntary marking that shows you have committed to not drinking alcohol while driving. It is not a legal requirement, and refusing to get one will not affect your ability to drive or renew your license. Some states offer it as an optional program; others do not offer it at all. When you choose to get a DD marking, you are making a public statement about your choice to stay sober behind the wheel.

The marking itself is usually a small symbol or text printed on your license. It does not change how you drive legally or what you are allowed to do on the road. It is purely informational — a way to identify yourself to others (friends, family, or people at bars or events) as someone who has made that commitment for the night or as a habit.

Key Takeaways

  • DD is a voluntary marking you can request when you get or renew your driver's license in states that offer it.
  • The marking does not give you any legal benefits or protections; it is a personal commitment you communicate to others.
  • Not all states offer DD designations, and some have phased the program out in favor of other drunk-driving prevention efforts.
  • Getting a DD marking does not cost extra money or require a separate process beyond your regular license renewal.
  • You can request to have the DD marking removed at any time by visiting your state's DMV or renewing your license without it.

Which states currently offer DD markings

DD programs exist in some states but not all, and availability has changed over time. States that have offered or currently offer DD markings include Wisconsin, Minnesota, and a handful of others, though the list shifts as states update their programs. The best way to find out whether your state offers it is to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly or check their website for optional license markings.

Some states have moved away from DD markings in recent years, replacing them with other drunk-driving prevention programs or deciding the marking was not effective enough to justify the cost. If you live in a state that does not currently offer DD, you cannot request one, even if you want to. Your state's DMV website will list all optional markings available on licenses in your state.

How to request a DD marking on your license

If your state offers DD markings, you can request one when you renew your license or, in some states, when you first get one. The process is usually straightforward: you straightforward check a box on the renewal form or tell the DMV employee that you want the DD marking added. There is no separate form, no fee, and no background check or special review — it is treated like any other optional marking.

You can request a DD marking at your state's DMV office in person, or in some states through the mail or online renewal system. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available. If you are renewing your license anyway, adding the DD marking takes no extra time. If you want to add it to a license you already have, you may need to do an early renewal or visit the DMV in person, depending on your state's rules.

What a DD marking does and does not do

A DD marking on your license does not give you any legal protection if you are stopped by police. It does not reduce penalties for a DUI, it does not excuse you from a breathalyzer test, and it does not change how law enforcement treats you. If you are pulled over and found to be driving under the influence, the DD marking on your license will not help your case.

What the marking does do is communicate your commitment to others. At a bar, a restaurant, or a social event, a DD marking signals to friends or staff that you have chosen not to drink. It can start conversations about safe driving and make it easier for you to explain why you are not drinking. Some bars or restaurants may offer small discounts or perks to people with DD markings, though this varies widely and is not may provide.

Why someone might choose to get a DD marking

People request DD markings for different reasons. Some use it as a personal accountability tool — having it printed on their license reminds them of their commitment every time they pull it out. Others use it to signal to friends that they are the designated driver for the night, making it easier to decline drinks without lengthy explanations. Some people in recovery from alcohol use disorder get DD markings as part of their commitment to sobriety.

For parents or guardians, a DD marking on a young driver's license can be a way to reinforce the message that drinking and driving is not acceptable. It can also serve as a conversation starter between parent and teen about safe driving choices. None of these reasons are required — the marking is purely optional and personal.

Removing a DD marking from your license

If you decide you no longer want a DD marking on your license, you can have it removed at any time. The process is as straightforward as requesting it: visit your state's DMV, tell them you want the marking removed, and it will be taken off your next license or during an early renewal. There is no penalty for removing it, and you do not have to explain why you want it gone.

You can also straightforward let the marking expire naturally when your license expires and choose not to renew it on your next renewal. Many people do this if their circumstances change or if they no longer feel the marking is relevant to them.

DD markings and insurance

A DD marking on your driver's license does not affect your car insurance rates or your coverage. Insurance companies do not use the DD marking as a factor in pricing or underwriting. Your driving record, age, location, type of vehicle, and coverage choices determine your rates — not whether you have a DD marking.

Similarly, if you are involved in an accident or traffic violation, the DD marking will not be considered by your insurance company or by law enforcement. It is a voluntary personal commitment, not a legal status that changes how you are treated by the insurance or legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a DD marking on my license mean I cannot drink at all?

No. A DD marking is a personal commitment you make, but it is not legally binding and it is not monitored. It is a way to communicate your choice to others. You are free to change your mind at any time, and there are no legal consequences for removing the marking or choosing not to renew it.

Will a DD marking help me if I get a DUI?

No. A DD marking has no legal effect and will not reduce penalties, help your case in court, or change how law enforcement treats you. If you are charged with driving under the influence, the marking will not be considered by a judge or prosecutor.

Can I get a DD marking if my state does not offer it?

No. DD markings are only available in states that have chosen to offer them. If your state does not have a DD program, you cannot request one. Contact your state's DMV to find out what optional markings are available where you live.

Does a DD marking cost extra money?

No. Requesting a DD marking does not add any fee to your license renewal or replacement. It is treated the same as any other optional marking your state offers.

What if I want to add a DD marking to my current license before it expires?

In most states, you can do an early renewal to add the marking, though you may have to pay a renewal fee. Some states allow you to add it at the DMV in person without renewing. Check your state's DMV website or call them to find out what options are available in your state.