What Washington charges to reinstate your suspended license
Washington State charges a reinstatement fee of $100 to restore a suspended driver's license. This is a flat fee that applies whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or most other reasons — though suspensions tied to DUI convictions have additional requirements beyond the fee alone.
The $100 fee goes to the Department of Licensing (DOL) and must be paid before your license is restored. You cannot reinstate online or by mail without paying this fee first. Payment is required even if you have already resolved the underlying reason for the suspension, such as paying off a ticket or completing a court order.
Some suspensions also require you to file an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility insurance) or pay other court-ordered fines before the DOL will process your reinstatement. The $100 fee is separate from those costs and is due in addition to them.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's reinstatement fee is $100, paid directly to the Department of Licensing before your license is restored.
- The fee applies to most suspension types, including traffic violations, failure to appear, and unpaid tickets.
- You must resolve the reason for your suspension (pay fines, complete court orders, file SR22) before paying the reinstatement fee.
- Payment can be made online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.
- After you pay, processing typically takes 1 to 3 business days for online payments and longer for mail payments.
How to pay the reinstatement fee
The fastest way to pay is through the Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. You will need your driver's license number and the reason code for your suspension, which you can find in your suspension notice or by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order for $100 to the Department of Licensing at the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number on the check. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days — so plan accordingly if your suspension is time-sensitive.
You can also pay in person at any DOL office. Bring your suspension notice and a valid form of ID. Payment is when ready, and you will receive a receipt. Some DOL offices are open evenings and Saturdays, so check the location nearest you for hours.
When you must pay before the fee
In many cases, you cannot pay the $100 reinstatement fee until you have resolved the underlying cause of your suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was suspended for failure to appear in court, you must resolve that court case. Only after those obligations are met can you pay the reinstatement fee.
The DOL will tell you what must be done before reinstatement is possible. Your suspension notice lists the specific requirement — usually payment to the court, completion of a program, or filing an SR22 with your insurance company. Contact the court or the entity listed on your notice to confirm what you owe and how to pay it.
If your suspension is related to a DUI conviction, you will also need to file an SR22 form with the DOL before paying the reinstatement fee. This form proves you have liability insurance and is required by Washington law for drivers with DUI convictions. Your insurance company can file this for you, usually at no extra cost beyond your policy premium.
Processing time after you pay
If you pay online, your reinstatement is typically processed within 1 to 3 business days. You will receive an email confirmation when payment is received, and another when your license is reinstated. You can then drive legally — your physical license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for the check to arrive and be processed, plus another 7 to 10 days for your physical license to be mailed to you. During this time, you cannot legally drive, so paying online or in person is faster if you need to drive soon.
If you pay in person at a DOL office, your reinstatement is processed when ready. You will receive a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed. This temporary permit allows you to drive legally right away.
Additional costs beyond the $100 fee
The $100 reinstatement fee is what the DOL charges, but you may owe other money depending on why your license was suspended. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines to the court — amounts vary by violation. If you owe court costs or restitution, those must be paid as well.
If your suspension requires an SR22 filing, there is no state fee for the filing itself, but your insurance company may charge a processing fee (typically $15 to $25) to file it on your behalf. Some insurers include this in your policy premium; others charge it separately. Ask your insurance company what they charge before you request the filing.
If you were suspended for a DUI conviction, you may also need to pay for an alcohol assessment or treatment program, depending on your case. These costs are set by the court or treatment provider, not by the DOL, and are separate from the reinstatement fee.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Washington is a crime. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A second offense within five years is also a misdemeanor with the same penalties. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a gross misdemeanor, which carries up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional suspension time, higher insurance rates if you are insured, and difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. If you are caught, your vehicle may be impounded, which adds towing and storage fees. It is far less expensive to pay the $100 reinstatement fee than to face these consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my $100 fee refunded if my suspension is dismissed?
No. Once you pay the reinstatement fee, it is not refunded even if the underlying suspension is later overturned or dismissed. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the DOL or the court that ordered the suspension before paying the fee. You may be able to have the suspension lifted without paying if you can prove it was improper.
What if I cannot afford the $100 fee right now?
Washington does not offer a payment plan or fee waiver for the reinstatement fee. However, if you cannot pay because of financial hardship, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to discuss your situation. In rare cases, the DOL may direct you to resources or explain alternative options, though the fee itself cannot be reduced or eliminated.
Do I have to pay the fee even if I do not plan to drive?
Yes. If your license is suspended, you must pay the $100 reinstatement fee to restore it, regardless of whether you intend to drive. A suspended license affects your ability to obtain certain jobs, travel, and conduct other business. Reinstatement is the only way to clear the suspension from your record.
Can I reinstate my license online without paying the fee first?
No. The DOL website requires payment of the $100 fee as part of the reinstatement process. You cannot complete reinstatement without paying. If you have already resolved the underlying cause of your suspension, you can pay the fee online when ready and be reinstated within 1 to 3 business days.
What if my suspension was for a DUI — is the fee still $100?
Yes, the reinstatement fee is still $100 for DUI suspensions. However, DUI suspensions have additional requirements: you must file an SR22 form with the DOL before paying the reinstatement fee, and you may need to complete an alcohol assessment or treatment program ordered by the court. These are separate from the $100 fee and may add to your total cost.