Washington reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

Washington charges a $100 reinstatement fee for most suspensions, but the total cost to get your license back depends on what caused the suspension in the first place. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you'll need to pay those amounts first. If the suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may also need to pay for an alcohol assessment, an ignition interlock device, or both — and those costs can run several hundred dollars.

The reinstatement fee itself is non-refundable and goes to the Department of Licensing. You pay it when you submit your reinstatement request, either online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. Until that fee is paid and processed, your license remains suspended even if you've resolved the underlying reason for the suspension.

Washington does not waive or reduce the reinstatement fee based on income or hardship. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you'll need to contact the agency that suspended your license — usually the court or the Department of Licensing — to ask about payment plans, though availability varies.

Key Takeaways

  • The base reinstatement fee in Washington is $100, paid to the Department of Licensing when you request reinstatement.
  • You must also pay any outstanding traffic fines, court costs, or restitution before your license can be reinstated.
  • DUI suspensions require an alcohol assessment (typically $100–$300) and often an ignition interlock device ($50–$150 per month) before reinstatement is possible.
  • The Department of Licensing does not offer fee waivers, but you can contact the suspending agency to ask about payment plans.
  • You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or at a licensing office.

Costs beyond the reinstatement fee

The $100 reinstatement fee is only the starting point. If your suspension was tied to unpaid fines or tickets, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or the agency that issued the citation. These amounts vary widely — a single traffic ticket fine might be $50 to $300, but if you have multiple tickets or a criminal conviction, the total can be much higher.

For DUI or reckless driving suspensions, Washington requires an alcohol assessment before reinstatement. This is a clinical evaluation conducted by a licensed counselor or treatment provider, and it typically costs $100 to $300. The assessment determines whether you need treatment, and if the evaluator recommends it, you may be required to complete a treatment program before the Department of Licensing will reinstate your license. Treatment programs range from brief educational classes (a few hundred dollars) to intensive outpatient or inpatient programs (several thousand dollars).

If you were convicted of DUI, you will also need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Installation costs $50 to $150, and monthly monitoring fees run $50 to $150 depending on the provider. You must have the device installed and active before you can reinstate your license, and you must keep it for a court-ordered period — typically 6 months to 2 years for a first offense.

How to pay the reinstatement fee

Washington offers three ways to pay the $100 reinstatement fee. The fastest is online through the Department of Licensing website (dol.wa.gov). You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. Payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. The Department of Licensing typically processes online reinstatement requests within one business day.

You can also pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the Department of Licensing along with a completed reinstatement form (available on the website). Mail processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number so the payment is matched to your record.

A third option is to pay in person at a Department of Licensing office. You can bring cash, check, or card. Walk-in service is available at most offices, though wait times vary. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether your local office accepts walk-ins.

Unpaid fines and how they block reinstatement

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution, you cannot reinstate your license until those debts are paid in full. The Department of Licensing does not collect these payments — you must pay the court or the agency that issued the citation directly.

To find out what you owe, contact the court that handled your case or call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. They can tell you which court or agency holds your debt and provide contact information. Some courts allow online payment; others require payment by mail or in person. Once the court confirms payment, it sends a release to the Department of Licensing, which then allows you to proceed with reinstatement.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask the court about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you on a schedule, and some will pause collection efforts while you're making regular payments. A payment plan does not automatically lift the suspension, but it shows the court you're making good-faith effort, which can help if you need to request a hardship license or early reinstatement.

DUI-related costs: assessment and interlock

A DUI suspension in Washington triggers two separate costs before reinstatement is possible. First, you must complete an alcohol assessment with a licensed evaluator. This is a one-time appointment, usually 1 to 2 hours long, that costs $100 to $300. The evaluator interviews you about your drinking history, any prior DUI convictions, and other factors, then writes a report recommending whether treatment is necessary.

If the assessment recommends treatment, you must complete it before the Department of Licensing will reinstate your license. Treatment can range from a single 8-hour DUI education class (typically $150–$300) to a 28-day inpatient program (several thousand dollars). The court or the Department of Licensing will specify what level of treatment is required based on your conviction and prior history.

Second, you must have an ignition interlock device installed and active before reinstatement. Installation is $50 to $150 one-time, and monthly monitoring is $50 to $150. You pay the installation fee to the device provider, not to the state. The provider is certified by Washington and will give you a receipt proving installation. You must bring this receipt to the Department of Licensing as part of your reinstatement request.

The length of time you must keep the interlock device depends on your conviction. For a first DUI offense, it's typically 6 months to 1 year. For a second or subsequent offense within 7 years, it's 1 to 5 years. During this time, you're responsible for all monitoring and maintenance fees.

Payment plans and hardship options

The Department of Licensing does not offer payment plans for the $100 reinstatement fee itself — it must be paid in full before reinstatement. However, if you owe unpaid fines or court costs, the court that issued them may allow a payment plan. Contact the court directly to request one.

If you cannot afford the full cost of reinstatement — including fines, assessment, and interlock — you may be able to request a hardship license while you're working toward full reinstatement. A hardship license allows you to drive for specific purposes (work, school, medical appointments) even while your license is suspended. You must petition the court that suspended your license, and approval is not may provide. The court will consider whether you have a genuine financial hardship and whether you've made progress toward meeting reinstatement requirements.

Some treatment providers and interlock companies offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans for their services. Call ahead and ask whether they work with people on limited budgets. The Department of Licensing website lists certified providers in your area.

Timeline and what to expect after you pay

Once you've paid the $100 reinstatement fee and resolved any other requirements (unpaid fines, assessment, interlock installation), the Department of Licensing processes your reinstatement request. Online payments are typically processed within 1 business day. Mail payments take 5 to 10 business days. In-person payments are processed when ready.

After processing, the Department of Licensing mails you a new license or a temporary driving permit, depending on whether your old license is still valid or expired. If your license expired while it was suspended, you'll need to renew it as well, which adds a renewal fee (currently $72 for an 8-year license). You can renew online at the same time you request reinstatement to avoid a second trip.

If you paid by mail and don't hear back within 10 business days, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm receipt. Keep your payment confirmation or cancelled check as proof in case there's a delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my reinstatement fee refunded if I don't use my license?

No. The $100 reinstatement fee is non-refundable once paid. It covers the cost of processing your reinstatement request and updating your record with the Department of Licensing. Even if you reinstate your license and then choose not to drive, the fee is not returned.

What if I can't afford the ignition interlock device?

Contact certified interlock providers in Washington and ask about payment plans or sliding-scale fees. Some providers will work with you on a monthly payment schedule. You can also ask the court that convicted you whether it has a fund or program to help with interlock costs. Until the device is installed and active, your license cannot be reinstated, so this is a required cost, not optional.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if the suspension was a mistake?

If the Department of Licensing made an error and suspended your license in error, you can request a review. Contact the Department of Licensing and explain the mistake. If they determine the suspension was incorrect, they will lift it without charging the reinstatement fee. However, if the suspension was valid but you believe it was unfair, you would need to appeal through the court system, which is a separate legal process.

Can I reinstate my license online if I owe unpaid fines?

No. The online reinstatement system will not process your request if there are outstanding fines or court costs on your record. You must pay those debts to the court first. Once the court reports the payment to the Department of Licensing, you can then pay the reinstatement fee online.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay everything?

If you pay online, the Department of Licensing typically processes your reinstatement within 1 business day, and you'll receive a temporary permit or new license by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you pay in person at a licensing office, you may receive a temporary permit on the spot. Mail payments take 5 to 10 business days to process, plus mailing time for your new license.