Driving-Under-the-Influence Program Licensing

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Overview

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) licenses all Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI) programs in California. Programs are licensed to provide first and/or multiple offender program services.

DHCS does not license ANY internet DUI programs.  DUI classes offered via the internet DO NOT meet California's DUI Program requirements. 

License Application 

Although DHCS is responsible for licensing all DUI programs statewide, the licensing process begins at the county level. Applicants must first contact the appropriate County Alcohol and Drug program Administrator to determine whether applications for new DUI programs are being accepted. Applications may be accepted to provide first offender services, multiple offender services, or both.  An application packet may then be obtained from the Substance Use Disorder Compliance Division - DUI and Criminal Justice Section.  Once the application is completed, it must be submitted to the County Behavioral Health Director or other appropriate county personnel for approval. The County must submit the application to the Board of Supervisors to obtain a recommendation for licensure. Once the recommendation is obtained, the application must be submitted to DHCS, along with a $400 non-refundable application fee.

Within the application, the applicant must demonstrate that it possesses the adequate administrative, fiscal, and operational capabilities to operate a DUI program; the program is clean, safe, and free of alcohol or illicit drug use; and will adhere to all applicable statutes and regulations. After review and approval of the application, a license will be issued to provide DUI services.