Union County License Hearing Guide
How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.
Last verified: January 6, 2026
15-Day Deadline
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.
Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:
If You Request in Time
- • Temporary permit until hearing
- • Chance to keep your license
- • Gather evidence for defense
If You Miss the Deadline
- • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
- • No hearing, no appeal
- • Starts after waiting period
How to Request Your Hearing
Online Request
Fee: Typically $50-$125
Available: 24/7
Instant confirmation
Phone Request
Fee: Same as online
Hours: Business hours only
Expect hold times
Information You'll Need
From Your Notice:
- • Driver License Number
- • Date of Arrest
- • Arresting Agency
- • Arresting Officer Name
Personal Information:
- • Full Legal Name
- • Current Address
- • Date of Birth
- • Phone Number & Email
After You Request
Temporary Permit
ImmediateDrive legally until your hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 daysDate, time, and format mailed to you
Prepare Defense
Before hearingGather evidence, hire attorney
Attend Hearing
Scheduled dateUsually phone or video
Decision
Same dayWin: keep license. Lose: suspension starts
Temporary Permit
Immediate
Drive until hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 days
Date mailed to you
Prepare
Before hearing
Gather evidence
Attend Hearing
Scheduled
Phone or video
Decision
Same day
Win or suspension
What to Expect at the Hearing
Most hearings are by phone or video
You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.
Duration
30-60 minutes typically
Who's There
You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity
Evidence That Can Help
- Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
- Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
- Witness statements about your sobriety
- Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests
Should You Hire an Attorney?
With an Attorney
- Can subpoena arresting officer
- Knows how to challenge evidence
- Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
- Higher success rate at hearings
Without an Attorney
- State has experienced attorney present
- May not know proper objections
- Can't effectively cross-examine officers
- Lower win rate statistically
If You Lose Your Hearing
Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:
Ignition Interlock
Drive with device installed
Occupational License
Limited driving for work/essentials
FAQ
Related Guides
Eastway Wrecker in Charlotte is often the destination for vehicles seized in Union County following a DWI arrest, particularly if your license was already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, or if you were unlicensed and uninsured at the time of arrest. This means your car might be over 25 miles away, and you can't legally drive there yourself due to the automatic 30-day civil license revocation.
This guide outlines the key things Union County residents need to know about the administrative license revocation (ALR) process, and how to navigate the system.
Understanding the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) in Union County
In North Carolina, a DWI arrest triggers two separate legal battles: a criminal case and an administrative license suspension handled by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The ALR process can suspend your license even before your criminal case is resolved. You have a limited time to challenge this suspension.
The 15-Day Deadline: Act Fast!
You only have 15 calendar days from the date of your DWI arrest to request an administrative hearing to contest your license suspension. Missing this deadline means your license will be automatically suspended. Don't delay, consult with a qualified attorney immediately.
How to Request an ALR Hearing
Unfortunately, the research data does not specify online or mail options, however, you should contact the NCDMV to determine the exact procedure for requesting an ALR hearing.
Where Will My Hearing Be Held?
Monroe does not host administrative hearing officers for contested DWI revocations or refusal hearings. Most hearings for Union County residents are consolidated at the NCDMV Headquarters in Huntersville (approx. 45 miles away) or the Brookshire Blvd location in Charlotte. If your case involves a high BAC that triggers a medical review, the hearing will be held exclusively in Raleigh.
NCDMV License Office in Monroe
The Monroe Driver License Office can help with some aspects of license reinstatement after you've addressed the ALR suspension and criminal charges. However, it's crucial to understand their operational structure:
- Morning (7am - 12pm): Primarily for appointments booked online via SkipTheLine. These can be booked far in advance, making them difficult to secure for urgent needs.
- Afternoon (12pm - 5pm): Strictly walk-in services.
The NCDMV also has a "Walk-in Wait Time" tool on their website to check congestion levels before visiting the office.
The Monroe DMV is located on Hwy 74.
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
- North Carolina Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures
Last updated: January 6, 2026
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