What Happens to Your Driver's License After a DUI Arrest in California?

By:

THE MEEHAN LAW FIRM

July 8, 2026

Disclaimer: This guest post was written by a third party and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship with The Meehan Law Firm. For legal advice, please contact our office.

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A person rests their head on a bar while holding car keys, illustrating the dangers of alcohol impairment and the decision not to drive after drinking.

A DUI arrest in California can affect your driving privileges immediately, even before your criminal case is resolved. Understanding what happens after an arrest can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights.

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Your License May Be Taken at the Time of Arrest

After a DUI arrest, law enforcement will generally take your California driver's license and provide you with a pink temporary license.

According to the information provided, this temporary license is typically valid for 30 days.

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Requesting a DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing

After the 30-day period, your driver's license may be automatically suspended unless you request a DMV Administrative Per Se (APS) hearing within the required time period.

Requesting this hearing is the process that may allow you to challenge the administrative suspension before it takes effect.

The DMV administrative process is separate from the criminal court case, meaning the DMV can make its own decision regarding your driving privileges regardless of what happens in court.

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DUI Convictions and License Suspension

If you are convicted of DUI or lose your DMV Administrative Per Se hearing, your driver's license may be suspended for a period of time.

Depending on your circumstances, there may be options available to restore your driving privileges or obtain driving privileges during the suspension period if permitted by law.

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Refusing a Chemical Test

Refusing to take a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest can result in significant consequences.

According to the information provided, the DMV may suspend your driver's license for one year if you refuse a chemical test. The speaker also notes that drivers in this situation may not qualify for a temporary or restricted license during that suspension period.

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Driving While Your License Is Suspended

Driving after your license has been suspended can lead to additional legal consequences.

If you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, you may face:

Additional license suspension
Possible ignition interlock device (IID) requirements
Misdemeanor criminal charges
Potential mandatory jail time under certain California statutes

These penalties are separate from the original DUI case and can significantly increase the consequences.

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The DMV Process Is Separate from Criminal Court

One important point is that the DMV's authority over your driving privilege is separate from the criminal court process.

As discussed in the video, it is possible for the DMV to suspend your driver's license through the administrative process even if criminal charges are never filed or prosecuted.

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Act Quickly After a DUI Arrest

Because deadlines are short, the speaker recommends contacting a DUI attorney as soon as possible after an arrest. Prompt legal representation may help ensure that important deadlines—such as requesting a DMV Administrative Per Se hearing—are not missed.