Michigan now holds many license suspension hearings over Zoom instead of in person
If your Michigan driver's license was suspended and you received a notice to appear for a hearing, that hearing may take place on a video call rather than at a Secretary of State office. The Michigan Department of State began offering remote hearings during the pandemic and has kept them as an option. Whether your hearing is scheduled on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another video platform depends on which hearing officer is assigned and which office handles your case.
You have the right to request an in-person hearing instead if you prefer, though the state does not always grant the request. The key is understanding what to expect, how to prepare, and what happens if your internet connection fails or you miss the call.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan Secretary of State hearings for suspended licenses can be held on Zoom or other video platforms, and you will receive notice of the platform and call-in details in your hearing letter.
- You can request an in-person hearing in writing, but the state may deny the request and proceed with the video hearing instead.
- Test your internet connection, camera, and microphone before the hearing, and call in from a quiet location where you can speak clearly without interruption.
- If you miss the video hearing or your connection drops, contact the hearing officer's office when ready — missing a hearing without notice usually results in an automatic suspension upheld.
- You can bring documents, witnesses, and a lawyer to a video hearing, though witnesses must also join the call and may need to be sworn in.
What the hearing notice will tell you
Your notice letter will include the date, time, and platform for your hearing — usually Zoom, Teams, or a state-specific system. It will also include a meeting link or phone number to dial in, a meeting ID, and a password if required. Read this letter carefully and save it; you will need the exact meeting details to join on time.
The notice will also state the reason your license was suspended — for example, failure to pay a traffic fine, accumulation of points, or a conviction. This is the charge you will be addressing in the hearing. If the reason listed is wrong or you do not understand it, contact the hearing officer's office before the hearing date to ask for clarification.
How to request an in-person hearing instead
You can write to the hearing officer and ask for an in-person hearing. Send a letter to the address listed on your notice, stating that you request an in-person hearing and explaining why — for example, you do not have reliable internet, you have a disability that makes video difficult, or you believe you need to show physical documents or bring a witness in person.
The state does not have to grant your request. If it denies the request, you will receive written notice and the video hearing will proceed as scheduled. If you do not request an in-person hearing before the hearing date, you are expected to appear on the video call.
Preparing your technology and space
Test your internet connection at least one day before the hearing. Use the same device (computer, tablet, or phone) you plan to use for the hearing, and check that your camera and microphone work. If you are using a phone, make sure you have enough data or a strong Wi-Fi signal. If your internet is unreliable, consider going to a library, community center, or a friend's house where you can use a stable connection.
Choose a quiet, private space for the hearing. Sit at a table or desk where you can see the screen clearly and the hearing officer can see you. Avoid background noise — close windows, silence your phone, and ask others in your home not to interrupt. Dress as you would for an in-person hearing: neat, professional clothing. The hearing officer will form an impression based on what they see and hear.
Join the call 5 to 10 minutes early. This gives you time to troubleshoot if there are technical problems and shows respect for the hearing officer's time. Have your notice letter, your driver's license, and any documents you plan to reference open and nearby.
What to bring and how to present evidence
Bring copies of any documents that support your case — for example, proof of payment if you were suspended for an unpaid fine, medical records if you are claiming a hardship, or correspondence with the Secretary of State. You can hold these documents up to the camera or describe them verbally. If documents are hard to read on video, ask the hearing officer if you can email them before the hearing or read key sections aloud.
If you want to bring a witness — for example, a family member, employer, or character reference — that person must join the video call with you. They will need the same meeting link and will be sworn in by the hearing officer before they speak. Arrange this in advance and make sure the witness has a working camera and microphone.
You can also bring a lawyer. A lawyer can speak on your behalf and present your case. If you hire a lawyer, let the hearing officer know at the start of the call.
What happens if your internet fails or you cannot join
If your connection drops during the hearing, try to reconnect when ready using the same meeting link. If you cannot reconnect, call the hearing officer's office right away — the phone number should be on your notice letter. Explain what happened and ask if you can rejoin or reschedule.
If you miss the hearing entirely, contact the office as soon as possible. Missing a hearing without notice usually results in your suspension being upheld by default. However, if you can show that you had a genuine emergency or technical problem beyond your control, the hearing officer may agree to reschedule. Do not wait; call the same day if possible.
How the hearing itself works on video
The hearing officer will start by confirming your identity and explaining the reason for the suspension. You will have a chance to tell your side of the story and answer questions. The hearing officer may ask about your driving record, the circumstances that led to the suspension, or your plans to resolve the issue.
Speak clearly and directly into the microphone. Avoid interrupting the hearing officer or getting angry, even if you disagree with what is being said. Stay focused on the facts of your case. If you do not understand a question, ask the hearing officer to repeat it.
After you have spoken, the hearing officer will make a decision. Some officers decide on the spot and tell you the outcome before the call ends. Others will mail you a written decision within a few days. The decision will explain whether your suspension is upheld, reduced, or removed, and what you must do next if you want to restore your license.
What to do after the hearing
If the hearing officer upholds your suspension, you will receive written notice of the decision and the reason. You have the right to appeal to the Michigan Administrative Hearing System (MAHS) within a set time frame — usually 10 days. The notice will explain how to file an appeal.
If your suspension is removed or reduced, follow any instructions in the decision letter. For example, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, complete a driver safety course, or provide proof of insurance before your license is restored. Contact the Secretary of State's office if you are unsure what step comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone instead of a computer for the Zoom hearing?
Yes, you can use a smartphone as long as it has a working camera, microphone, and a strong internet connection. However, a computer or tablet with a larger screen is easier to use because you can see the hearing officer more clearly and read documents more easily. If you use a phone, prop it up so your hands are free and the camera is at eye level.
What if I do not have internet or a device to use?
Contact the hearing officer's office and explain your situation. You can request an in-person hearing, or ask whether you can call in by phone instead of using video. Some offices allow phone-only participation, though this is less common. If you have no way to participate, explain this in writing and ask about your options before the hearing date.
Do I need a lawyer for a video hearing?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Many people represent themselves successfully. However, if your case is complex — for example, if you are fighting a suspension based on a conviction or if you have multiple violations — a lawyer can help you understand your rights and present your case more effectively.
Will the hearing be recorded?
The hearing officer may record the call for their records. Ask at the start of the hearing if it is being recorded. You can also request a recording or transcript of the hearing after it is over, though there may be a fee.
What if I disagree with the decision?
You can appeal to the Michigan Administrative Hearing System (MAHS) within the time frame stated in the decision letter. An appeal means a different hearing officer will review the case. You will need to file the appeal in writing and may need to pay a fee. The decision letter will explain the appeal process and important date.