Michigan's Road to Restoration Program Expands, Aiming to Revitalize Economy and Restore Driver's Licenses

Public-private partnership project eyes growth and introduces three new mobile offices, helping Michiganders regain their licenses and boosting local businesses.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alongside Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and representatives from DTE Energy and Miller Canfield, announced today at the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference the expansion of the Road to Restoration program. This successful public-private initiative aids Michiganders in regaining their driver's licenses, thereby supporting Michigan's businesses and fortifying the state's economy.

Three New Mobile Offices

In a further push to increase the program's reach, Benson also declared that three new mobile Secretary of State offices would be introduced this summer, serving the Great Lakes Bay Region, Northern Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula. These offices will bolster the Road to Restoration program by delivering necessary services directly to communities.

“In the last year, the Department of State and our great partners in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors have helped thousands of Michiganders take the necessary steps to regain their driver’s license,” said Secretary Benson.

Helping Michigan’s Economy

The program's potential economic impact is significant. If a mere third of the 150,000 eligible people were to purchase vehicles after regaining their licenses, they could boost state revenues by approximately $300 million over the next decade through state fees and gas taxes.

This initiative has helped more than 5,200 Michiganders at 23 clinics in 14 cities since its inception in 2022. In 2023, the program plans to reach out to more Lower and Upper Peninsula residents.

“Driver’s license restoration is one of the keys to people being able to be active citizens and productive members of communities,” said City of Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.

Stellar Partnerships

Several partners have commended the Road to Restoration program, noting its impact on the lives of Michiganders and their communities.

“At DTE, we saw a pattern of people being held back by not having a license, which limits their ability to work, care for their families, and fully engage in their communities," said JoAnn Chávez, DTE senior vice president and chief legal officer.

Wendy Richards, Miller Canfield Detroit resident director, added, “Having a driver’s license can be the ticket to a better job, educational opportunities, and the ability to care for our families."

More Clinics Ahead

As the program expands, more Road to Restoration clinics are scheduled for the year, with the next one taking place on June 21 in Detroit. Pre-registration is now open online. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RoadtoRestoration or dial 2-1-1.

Note that the Road to Restoration clinics do not provide DUI/OWI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.