Denial is the temporary refusal of the privilege of applying for a driver’s license and, in certain instances, an instruction permit.

A denial can only be entered on the driving record of an individual under age 18 for conviction of one of the following offenses:

• Mandatory revocation of driving privileges for offenses — A denial for these offenses prohibits individuals from applying for a driver’s license or an instruction permit until their 18th birthday.
• Driving without a valid driver’s license or permit — Such a denial forbids individuals from applying for a driver’s license until their 18th birthday, while an application for an instruction permit is still allowed. If the person already has a driver’s license, the driving privileges granted by that license are reduced to an instruction permit.
• Serious moving violation — The length of this type of denial is either nine months or until the person’s 18th birthday, whichever is shorter. This denial only forbids an application for a driver’s license. Instruction permit applications are still allowed. If the person already has a driver’s license, the driving privileges granted are reduced to an instruction permit.
• Crash Involving Bodily Harm or Death — The Secretary of State’s office may deny issuing or renewing a driver’s license if the driver has been charged with an offense due to a crash resulting in serious injury or death of another. Alcohol need not play a factor in the crash.

See also: Revoked Driver License, Suspended Driver License, Cancelled Driver License, or visit our Driver License Laws archive for more information.