District of Columbia · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in District of Columbia: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in District of Columbia: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in District of Columbia.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 days
- How it is counted
- Service of the notice of proposed revocation (15 days if you are a nonresident)
- Refused test
- 12 months revocation; D.C. license holders must enroll in the interlock program for 1 year (first refusal), 2 years (one prior) or 3 years (two or more priors)
- Hardship license
- IID-restricted driver license
How to Request a Hearing in District of Columbia
request a show cause hearing in person at DC DMV Adjudication Services, 955 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20024, or online through the DMV's Zendesk platform; the hearing can be virtual or in person
Official source: how to request a hearing (District of Columbia)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in District of Columbia
12 months revocation; D.C. license holders must enroll in the interlock program for 1 year (first refusal), 2 years (one prior) or 3 years (two or more priors)D.C. Code § 50-1906(a); § 50-1403.01(a); § 50-1905(a); § 50-2201.05a(b-3)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (District of Columbia)
Getting a IID-Restricted Driver License in District of Columbia
D.C. license holders convicted in court or revoked administratively must enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program and receive a restricted license (restriction code T) to drive only vehicles with an interlock; there is no option to wait out the revocation. Enrollment is due within 30 calendar days after the revocation is upheld. Not available after a third offense within 5 years.
Official source: getting a iid-restricted driver license (District of Columbia)
More on DUI Law in District of Columbia
See the full overview of DUI laws in District of Columbia and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes District of Columbia law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in District of Columbia can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in District of Columbia?
10 days. How it is counted: service of the notice of proposed revocation (15 days if you are a nonresident).
Can You Get a Hardship License in District of Columbia?
D.C. license holders convicted in court or revoked administratively must enroll in the Ignition Interlock Device Program and receive a restricted license (restriction code T) to drive only vehicles with an interlock; there is no option to wait out the revocation. Enrollment is due within 30 calendar days after the revocation is upheld. Not available after a third offense within 5 years.