What drug and alcohol tests are required for a driver license
Most states do not require a drug or alcohol test to get a standard driver license. You take a written knowledge test and a driving test, and that is the end of it. However, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), or if your license was suspended for alcohol or drug reasons, many states require you to pass a substance abuse test before you can get your license back or move forward with reinstatement.
The test itself is usually a urine test, blood test, or breath test — your state's DMV or licensing authority will tell you which one. You do not take this test at the DMV. Instead, you go to a medical facility, hospital, clinic, or testing center that your state has approved or that your case requires. The cost varies widely by state and by facility, typically ranging from $50 to $300 or more, and you usually pay out of pocket.
If you are in a DUI or DWI case, the court or your probation officer will order the test and tell you where to go. If your license was suspended for alcohol or drug reasons and you are trying to reinstate it, your state's DMV website will list approved testing locations or tell you how to find one.
Key Takeaways
- Drug and alcohol tests are required only if your license was suspended for substance-related reasons or you are in a DUI/DWI case — not for a standard first license.
- Tests are done at approved medical facilities, clinics, or testing centers, not at the DMV, and you must pay the fee yourself.
- Your state's DMV website or your court/probation officer will direct you to an approved testing location in your area.
- Results go directly to the court, probation officer, or DMV — not to you — so you cannot shop around for a favorable result.
- Passing the test is usually one step in a longer reinstatement process that may also include an SR22 form, fines, or a waiting period.
How to find an approved testing location near you
The fastest way to find a testing location is to check your state's DMV website and search for "substance abuse testing" or "alcohol and drug testing." Most states list approved facilities by county or region. If you are in a court case, your probation officer, attorney, or the court order itself will name the testing center you must use — you do not get to choose.
If the DMV website does not list locations, call your local DMV office directly. They can tell you which facilities are approved in your area and whether you can choose between them or must use a specific one. Some states contract with a single statewide provider; others allow multiple facilities.
You can also search online for "SAMHSA-certified substance abuse testing" or "DOT-certified testing" in your area, depending on your state's rules. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) certification is a federal standard that many states recognize. If you are unsure whether a facility is approved, call your DMV or probation officer before you go — showing up at an unapproved location wastes time and money.
What to bring and what to expect at the test
Bring a photo ID, your court order or DMV letter (whichever sent you), and payment. Most facilities accept cash, card, or check. Ask when you call whether they need anything else — some require a completed form from your probation officer or a specific referral.
The test itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. For a urine test, you will go into a private bathroom, provide a sample, and the facility will seal and label it. For a breath test, you blow into a machine. For a blood test, a nurse draws blood from your arm. You will not get results on the spot. The facility sends results directly to the court, probation officer, or DMV — not to you — within a few days to a week.
If you test positive, the facility will report that to whoever ordered the test. You will not be arrested on the spot, but the result becomes part of your case. If you test negative, that also goes on record. Either way, you cannot request a retest at a different facility to get a better result — the test is the test.
Testing requirements if your license was suspended
If your license was suspended because of a DUI, DWI, or refusal to take a breath test, your state usually requires you to pass a substance abuse test before you can reinstate your license. Some states call this a "substance abuse evaluation" rather than a straightforward test — it may include both a test and a short interview or questionnaire about your drinking or drug use.
The test is one piece of reinstatement. You will also likely need to file an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility), pay reinstatement fees to the DMV, and possibly complete a DUI education program. Your state's DMV website will list all the steps and the order in which you must complete them. Do them in the wrong order and you will have to start over.
Some states require the test to be done within a certain window — for example, within 30 days of your suspension or within 60 days of your request to reinstate. Check your DMV letter or court order for any important date. If you miss it, you may have to start the reinstatement process again.
Cost and who pays
You pay for the test. Costs range from $50 to $300 depending on the type of test and the facility. A urine test is usually the cheapest; a blood test is often more expensive. Some facilities charge extra if you need results quickly or if you fail and need a retest.
Insurance does not cover this test because it is a legal requirement tied to a suspension or case, not a medical service. Some DUI education programs or probation departments offer sliding-scale fees based on income, but you have to ask. If cost is a real barrier, call your local legal aid office or your probation officer — they may know of low-cost or free testing options in your area, though these are rare.
If you are ordered to take multiple tests over time (for example, monthly tests as part of probation), you will pay for each one. Budget accordingly.
What happens after you pass or fail
If you pass, the facility sends the negative result to the court, probation officer, or DMV. You do not need to do anything — the result is automatically recorded. You can then move forward with the next step of reinstatement or your case, such as filing your SR22 or paying reinstatement fees.
If you fail, the result goes to the same place. Depending on your case, a failed test may extend your suspension, trigger additional probation requirements, or result in criminal charges. Your probation officer or attorney will explain what happens next. You do not get to retake the test when ready at a different facility — the result stands.
Keep a copy of your receipt or confirmation from the testing facility for your records. If there is ever a dispute about whether you took the test, the receipt proves you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose which testing facility I go to?
Only if you are not in a court case. If a court or probation officer ordered the test, they will tell you which facility to use. If your state's DMV requires the test for reinstatement, you can usually choose from the approved list on the DMV website, but call first to confirm the facility is still approved and accepting new clients.
What if I cannot afford the test?
Call your probation officer or local legal aid office and ask about low-cost or sliding-scale options. Some community health centers offer testing at reduced rates. If you are ordered to take the test and cannot pay, tell the court or probation officer — they may adjust the timeline or direct you to a lower-cost facility, though they cannot waive the requirement.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually sent to the court or DMV within three to seven business days. You will not receive them directly. If you need to know the status, contact your probation officer or the DMV — they can tell you whether results have been received.
Do I have to take the test if I think it is unfair?
If a court or probation officer ordered it, yes — refusing to take the test is a violation of your probation or court order and can result in additional penalties. If you believe the order itself is unfair, your attorney can file a motion to challenge it, but that must happen before the test date, not after.
What if the facility made a mistake on my test?
Contact the facility when ready and ask them to review the paperwork. If there was a clerical error (wrong name, wrong date), they can correct it. If you believe the test result itself is wrong, tell your probation officer or attorney — they can request a retest or challenge the result in court, but you cannot straightforward retake it at a different facility.