Typically, you can fly with a suspended license, as it still serves as a form of identification. Even a suspended license will get you through security checkpoints at the airport in many cases.
However, if you are facing criminal DUI charges and have concerns about flying with a suspended driver’s license, you are not alone. You can get in contact with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who can help you dispute your charges.
Your attorney can also answer any questions about whether you can fly with a suspended license.
Can You Get on a Plane With a Suspended License?
Typically, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept a driver’s license as a form of identification if you want to fly on a plane. Your license may serve as acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint, even while suspended.
The TSA typically accepts a license as long as it isn’t expired. Even then, you may fly with an expired license for up to a year.
Monitor REAL ID Laws
The TSA is updating requirements for individuals who want to use their driver’s license as identification. Many individuals must update their licenses to align with REAL ID laws to use this form of identification.
Make sure you have the correct proof of identification before attempting to fly. While you can fly with a suspended license, a license may not be enough if you don’t have proper REAL ID certifications.
Arriving at the airport without proper documentation can disrupt your travel plans.
What Other Forms of Identification Can You Use for Air Travel?
A driver’s license is one of many valid forms of ID for air travel. In addition to a driver’s license, TSA lets people use the following forms of identification for traveling in and out of an airport:
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Indian tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card
A criminal defense lawyer can provide more information about acceptable forms of ID if you have concerns about an upcoming trip. You’ll need a valid license or another form of ID to travel through the country or pursue international travel.
Your lawyer can help you learn more about TSA identification requirements and will determine if you can fly with a suspended license.
How Do You Get a Suspended License?
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend a state-issued driver’s license. In this instance, an individual can no longer operate a motor vehicle until their suspension ends.
The suspension length varies based on the reason for the restriction. Common reasons for a driver’s license suspension in California include a conviction for:
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
A person convicted of a first DUI can have their license suspended for up to six months. Is a DUI a minor traffic violation? No, DUIs represent a severe criminal charge in California. DUIs can have other legal penalties, including fines and jail time.
After a conviction, drivers may have to install an ignition interlock device (IID). An individual can contest a DUI allegation by hiring a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. A DUI lawyer can also help the defendant in a criminal case create a legal strategy that gets their charge reduced or dismissed.
Keep in mind that driving with a license suspended for a DUI can result in additional criminal charges.
Underage Drinking
An individual under the age of 21 found intoxicated while driving can have their license revoked on the spot. In this instance, the drunk driver has their license suspended for at least one year or until age 18, whichever is later.
An attorney can offer legal tips and recommendations to help a person contest an underage DUI criminal charge, dealing with legal complications on your behalf.
Refusal to Take a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Test
A person may get pulled over while intoxicated and refuse to take a BAC test. If this happens, a police officer can have the driver’s license revoked, even if this individual is innocent. At this point, it can be beneficial to hire a Los Angeles DUI attorney to dispute any criminal charges.
Other traffic violations, including reckless driving, may result in a license suspension. A lawyer can provide more information about your license status.
It is paramount to do everything possible to maintain a valid license. It can take months or years before an individual gets a suspended license back. Fortunately, this individual can use their suspended license or another form of ID for air travel.
How Can You Get a Suspended License Reinstated After a DUI?
While you can fly with a suspended license in many cases, dealing with a restricted license can impact your life in other ways. Fortunately, California has a process in place to reinstate a suspended license following a DUI conviction. This process consists of the following steps:
Complete Your Suspension Period
A person convicted of a DUI in California can only get their license reinstated once their suspension period ends. The period of time for your suspension will vary based on how many prior DUIs you have on your record.
A lawyer can help you determine how long your license will be suspended if you’re convicted of a DUI.
Serve Your Jail or Prison Sentence
If a person is convicted of a DUI and sentenced to time in jail or prison, this individual must be able to provide documentation to verify that they served the time.
Attend Traffic School
Traffic school is a requirement for getting a license reinstated, and it can take anywhere from three to 30 months, representing a major inconvenience.
Your attorney can explain DUI traffic school and how it works in Los Angeles.
Pay for the Reinstatement
The cost to reinstate a suspended license is $55 but may be higher depending on the offense.
Acquire Car Insurance
A person must provide an SR-22 form that confirms this individual has car insurance in place. The DMV will need a copy of this insurance. After a DUI conviction, you’ll have to carry this more expensive insurance for a period of time.
Fulfill Any Other Sentencing Conditions
Review the license sentencing order carefully to ensure you fulfill all conditions; otherwise, a person is ineligible to get a license. After you meet all these requirements, you can formally apply for reinstatement.
It can be challenging to get a license reinstated after a DUI. Yet, an individual may be able to contest a DUI charge before it leads to a license suspension. To do so, a person can hire a DUI attorney.
Learn About Flying With a Suspended License
Can you fly with a suspended license in California? Typically, you can fly even if the Department of Motor Vehicles suspends your license. A suspended license still represents a valid identification document in many cases.
However, convictions resulting in a license suspension can significantly impact your life. A lawyer can help you face these charges before a conviction, protecting your future. You can learn more when you call or complete our online contact form.
