Michigan Department of State releases schedule for fourth year of driver’s license restoration program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of State has released dates and locations for the 2025 season of the Road to Restoration program, a free opportunity for residents to speak with departmental experts and volunteer attorneys to learn the steps they can take to restore their driving privileges. The fourth year of the program kicks off March 6 in Kalamazoo. 

View the full schedule at Michigan.gov/R2R.

In collaboration with Michigan 2-1-1, the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Detroit Justice Center, DTE Energy, Michigan Association of United Ways, Michigan WORKS! Association, and Miller Canfield, free clinics will be held statewide to assist Michigan residents in understanding how to get their driving privileges restored. 

“I am thrilled to launch the fourth year of the life-changing Road to Restoration program,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “We will continue to meet people where they are and give them the one-on-one expert advice they need to restore their driver’s license and safely return to the road. I am looking forward to another successful year thanks to our dedicated volunteer attorneys, department staff, and community partners.”  

“Over the past three years, the Road to Restoration program has made a real difference in the lives of everyday Michiganders looking to regain their driver's licenses,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Through this impactful work, we have connected with nearly 10,000 residents, helping them understand the steps to restore their driving privileges. I look forward to continuing this partnership to help even more residents across the state get safely back on the road.” 

“We are really thankful for the local partners we worked with to present these clinics - from providing the physical space to meet with large groups of people, to helping to get the word out about the clinics, in addition to arranging support for residents,” said Abigayl Venman, Road to Restoration program director. “We're grateful to our local partners and sponsors to help us make these clinics possible.”   

“The Detroit Justice Center supports this collaboration as the clinics offer solutions for ‘real life’ legal issues with the one-on-one personal review of an attendee’s driving record safely and confidentially," said Rubina Mustafa, senior staff attorney for the Detroit Justice Center. “After each discussion, clinic participants learn the steps they must take and what to expect along their journey engaging with government agencies. This work is deeply rewarding as it alleviates our clients’ confusion and frustration, which is well worth the hard work and preparation that the clinics entail.” 

“We are proud to once again support the Road to Restoration clinics across Michigan. Restoring a driver’s license can open doors to stable employment, education, and independence, transforming lives and communities. It’s a privilege to use our legal expertise to make a meaningful impact for those we serve,” said Wendy Richards, pro bono counsel for Miller Canfield. 

“In Michigan, the inability to drive is also an inability to work or help your family. Combine that with the incredibly complex process of restoring your license and to me, it’s a Herculean task,” said JoAnn Chávez, senior vice president and chief legal officer of DTE Energy. “Our Road to Restoration partnership recognized this and delivered a community based, one-stop-shop solution. For me, the clinics show what’s possible when we come together and remove barriers preventing good people – our neighbors, friends or family members – from prospering fully.” 

Watch: MDOS wraps up successful third season of Road to Restoration

The Road to Restoration program has provided expert guidance to nearly 10,000 people across the state. It was created after changes to state law in 2021 lifted suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets or court fines or failed to appear in court for certain non-moving and other violations. While the new laws removed suspensions for more than 150,000 Michiganders, many must still take further action to get their driver’s license restored.

For more information about the program and to sign up for one of these clinics, visit Michigan.gov/R2R or dial 2-1-1. Space for clinics may be limited and preregistration is strongly recommended. The clinics do not provide DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.