What if I Have a DUI but Don't Live in California and the DMV is Suspending my License?

The California DMV will take action against your CA license even if you do not live in the state if you are convicted of a DUI. One of the biggest sources of frustration is when an out of state resident gets a DUI here and goes back to their home state and get a letter in the mail explaining their license is suspended and will not be restored unless they complete an in state DUI program, in California. Or another example is the person gets a DUI in California -- then moves to another state where they satisfy the terms of your court ordered probation by waiting out the suspension period and compeleting an out-of-state DUI Program. They then find that regardless of whether you move back to California, no DMV in the country will give you driver's license.  The person facing a suspension can get very frustrated in trying to find out what to do.

The person has two options (1) come to California and complete the DUI classes, or (2) move to another state and waive your "privilege" to drive in California.  So long as you live in California, Calfiornia DMV will never accept completion of an alcohol class from another state. The class must be taken in California even if the court accepted an out-of-state program in satisfaction of probation. Note: DMV & Court are separate.  If you move out-of-state, you can call DMV Mandatory Actions Unit in Sacramento, California, at (916) 657-6525 and ask for a "1650 waiver packet." They will only mail this packet to the licensee at an out-of-state address (you will also have to prove you live out-of-state with a utility bill or such). This waiver allows out-of-state licensees to drive in California, but does not allow the out-of-state licensee to acquire a California license within 3 years of filing the waiver. One can only qualify for the 1650 waiver once in a lifetime according to DMV information.   The 1650 Waiver removes the California hold, assuming an SR22 is also on file with DMV.

If you come back to California within 3-years and want your license back, you will have to take the applicable in state California DUI class.

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