Whether you are seeking to have your driver’s license restored or have been asked by someone to write a letter of support for their license restoration hearing, it can be difficult to understand what role letters of support play in such hearings. This guide serves to clarify some of the ambiguities surrounding letters of support and provides a solid foundation for anyone writing a letter of support on behalf of another.

What is a Letter of Support?

Per Michigan Administrative Code Rule 257.313, a letter of support is one of several means in which a petitioner seeking a license restoration may show evidence that the substance abuse that led to the license revocation is in the past. 

What this means is that letters of support are taken into account by hearing officers when considering a petition to restore one’s license and can be the deciding factor between a petitioner being granted a full license restoration or none at all.

Who Should Write a Letter of Support?

Letters of support are frequently written by those close to the petitioner and can speak to the journey and obstacles the petitioner has overcome. Ideally, writers will have known the petitioner before and after the incident which resulted in the loss of the license. This allows the writer to attest to what petitioner’s substance use looked like, the steps taken towards treatment and sobriety, and the progress petitioner has made. Common categories include:

  • Family members
  • Close friends
  • Co-workers / Supervisors 
  • AA Sponsors / Others in positions of support
  • Doctors / Counselors / Therapists

What Should My Letter Include?

When writing a letter of support, it can be difficult to know where to start. Most good letters of support often begin with the relationship between the writer and the petitioner. Writers should speak to how the relationship came to be, how long the writer and petitioner have known each other, and how often they see each other. 

From there, writers will often speak to the petitioner’s substance use and poor decisions. It is important to acknowledge the past, without spending more time on the petitioner’s past mistakes than on the positive direction they are heading. 

Lastly, writers speak of the treatment the petitioner has obtained and the exemplary progress made towards a future of better choices. Writers that mention what steps the petitioner has taken to improve their life help highlight the change of direction the petitioner has made.

It is helpful to be specific when possible. By mentioning specific treatment programs and steps taken to maintain sobriety, the writer helps hearing officers see that the petitioner is open with their support system and does not hide their mistakes. Including dates such as the date the petitioner last used substances helps show the hearing officer just how far the petitioner has come. Other miscellaneous items to include are: full name and contact information of the writer, date and signature, the signature and seal of a notary to properly notarize the letter. 

Dos and Don’ts

DO:

  • Keep the letter to a single page
  • Ask a variety of people to write letters
  • Acknowledging the past, without dwelling on the bad too much

DON’T:

  • Be too general, letters should be tailored towards the petitioner
  • Stray off topic, letters should be short and to the point
  • Forget to get the letter notarized, notarized letters are viewed more favorably 

Example Letter of Support

Date: 5/23/2025

To whom it may concern, 

I am writing this letter in support of Anita Ride. I have had the privilege of working alongside Anita for 15 years and calling her a close friend for the last 9 years. Anita and I work at the offices of Widgets, Inc. and have book club at one of our members’ homes every Saturday. 

Anita made some poor choices in friends when she was fresh out of college in 2010. She drank excessively with these friends, leading to multiple DUIs, up until her last conviction on February 32nd, 2015. As a result of that conviction, she spent several nights in jail, among other penalties.

Anita chose to become sober on February 32nd, 2015. She cut off the bad influences from her life, told those close to her that she was sober, started attending AA meetings, and chose a healthier lifestyle. Most importantly, Anita has taken responsibility for her past mistakes and grown from them. 

Anita’s ability to combat her alcoholism and grow to be a person who I look up to has been an inspiration. Anita uses her new outlook on life to be a devoted friend, reliable co-worker, and a role model to everyone close to her. I am proud of all Anita has accomplished since her decision to become sober.

Thank you for taking the time to read my perspective on Anita and consider the progress she has made. If you need any additional information, please reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Val Lidagain
555-555-5555
[email protected]

Helpful Links