You went to court,
you did the work
and now it’s time to reapply for your license after a DWI/DUI in New York State.
Congratulations!
It’s a major benchmark in moving past a DWI offense. But where to start? It’s a confusing system and hard to know what to do when. At East End Counseling, we help people get their license back after a DWI/DUI in New York State. Here are a few insights and tips we’ve learned along the way that can help make the process easier.
How Does Getting a New York Driver’s License Back After DUI/DWI Work?
If you had a DWI offense and have not had your driving privilege restored and/or you are applying for a license for the first time under the new Green Light Law, you must have an alcohol/drug assessment within the prior one year. If you haven’t had this done, you will need to have one as part of the application process. It must be done by a social worker or other mental health provider who is approved by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS). The date and results of the evaluation must be entered into the OASAS/DMV Impaired Driver System (IDS), the online record-keeping system.
What If I Didn’t Have a Driver’s License at the Time of My New York DUI/DWI Arrest?
After a DWI arrest, even if you do not have a NYS Driver’s License, you are assigned a Client Identification Number (CID), that functions as an identifier instead of a driver’s license number. The DMV is able to determine using this number whether or not you met all of the requirements for restoration or licensing. The OASAS approved provider uses the CID to find you in the Impaired Driver System so that assessment information can be entered and your record shows full compliance with the requirements.
If I Never Had a Driver’s License, Why Do I Need an Evaluation?
In order to fully restore the driving privilege and complete all restoration requirements, you must have an OASAS approved evaluation within one year of the license application and the information must be entered into the DMV Impaired Driver System. This is required even if you never had a New York State Drivers’ License.
How is an OASAS Impaired Driver Assessment Done?
The Impaired Driver Screening/Assessment is a one to two appointment process in which you meet with the OASAS approved provider. An in-depth psycho-social history is done including health, education, family and work history, mental health status and drug/alcohol use history. In most cases a urine toxicology screening is done and a collateral interview conducted. A full report is written with treatment recommendations made if needed.
What Do I Need to Bring?
You should provide a copy of the arrest report or tickets, the name and contact information for someone who can speak to the client’s character, proof of completion of treatment if you participated in counseling and your driver’s license or the NYS Client ID number.
I went to dmv today thinking I’ve paid off all of my tickets and found out I have one left to pay and that I needed and OASAS alcohol evaluation as well before I can begin to start getting my license back